What To Expect
Complimentary Phone Consultations,
I offer complimentary phone consultations to potential clients. During your phone consultation, we will be discussing what you would like to accomplish in therapy. If this is your first time working with a therapist, I can give you a brief introduction to what therapy sessions look like and how I can help you achieve your goals. I will also address any questions you might have about therapy or my experiences as a therapist.
In our first session,
We will meet virtually (video or phone call) on a PIPEDA-compliant (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), confidential platform. I will spend time to get to know you. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, as well as your expectations of therapy. We will also discuss your background history, such as your family history, psychological history, and current relationships.
What you need,
Please make sure that you have sufficient privacy (an isolated space), stable internet, a front facing camera, and headphones for our sessions. The advantage of virtual therapy is that you can attend your sessions in the comfort of your own home. I often encourage clients to have a glass of water, kleenex, and a notebook next to them.
It is normal to feel anxious before and during your first session. At the same time, please remember that there are no expectations regarding how you show up in our sessions. Just breathe, and be yourself. Have a support animal/ soothing item next to you if that helps. I look forward to accompanying you on your healing journey.
My Approach
Each person is unique, which is why I use a client-centered / integrative therapeutic approach that is tailored to your individual needs. I have been trained in Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, but I also integrate elements from mindfulness and positive psychology in my work with clients.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy in which we examine and identify negative thought patterns about ourselves, others and the world that contribute to our suffering. By changing our thoughts, we alter our emotions and behaviours. The objective of CBT is to challenge maladaptive beliefs and thought processes (e.g., self defeating thoughts) that contribute to problematic behavioural patterns and negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.
Mindfulness
By practicing mindfulness, we spend time in the present moment with acceptance, which allows us to let go of ruminative thoughts about our past or anxious anticipation for the future. Mindfulness is the awareness of the present with a nonjudgmental perspective. We actively observe and accept thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations as they arise, without judgment or resistance. Mindfulness allows us to ground ourselves and be compassionate to ourselves. It also helps us better regulate our emotions. It is frequently used to help individuals with depression, anxiety, chronic pain and other emotional distress.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology focuses on positive experiences and traits (e.g., happiness, love, compassion and gratitude). In our work together, we explore your strengths, as well as values that bring you life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, hope and confidence. We all have unique strengths and coping skills that might have been clouded by our current negative emotional state. I am here to help you recover and utilize these innate resources that you possess.