What is psychotherapy and how will it help me?

When people hear the word "psychotherapy," many imagine the stereotypical image of a patient lying on a couch talking while a therapist sits in a nearby chair jotting down thoughts on a yellow notepad. This is a stereotype, as psychotherapy comes in many different forms.

As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw from many therapeutic approaches to best suit the individual. I tend to use more of a behavioural approach in my work with clients drawing from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT),Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Establishing safe and trusting relationships are key to psychotherapy and can result in a powerful, life-changing experience where a client can gain deeper insight into themselves.

Adult Psychotherapy

Through our work together we will establish therapeutic goals which aim to help you work through issues that are causing emotional pain.

Psychotherapy can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk through and explore difficult feelings, these include:

  • relationship breakdown
  • bereavement
  • work-related stress
  • explore issues such as sexual identity
  • feelings of depression
  • feelings of anxiety
  • understand yourself and your problems better
  • feel more confident
  • develop a better understanding of other people's points of view

Adolescents

Between the ages of 12 and 24, the brain changes in important, and oftentimes maddening, ways. It's no wonder that many parents approach their child's adolescence with fear and trepidation.

According to renowned neuropsychiatrist Dr Daniel Siegel if parents and teens can work together to form a deeper understanding of the brain science behind all the emotional turmoil, they will be able to turn conflict into connection and form a deeper understanding of one another.
Brainstorm - Dr. Dan Siegel (drdansiegel.com)

Young people can struggle with different issues than younger children and adults such as identity struggles, extreme peer pressure and fitting in. Teens who may need help may display signs of depression or angry outbursts, they may withdraw from friends and family and “shut down" discussions refusing to say what is upsetting them. Changes in habits are also signs such as changes in sleep, eating patterns or drug or alcohol use.

As an integrative therapist I will use both a non-directive and directive approach, depending on their therapeutic needs. I tend to use various creative resources within my work as this enables young people to not have to rely solely upon words to express themselves.

In most cases, it takes a few sessions before the therapy starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.



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