Therapeutic Services

My approach to therapy foundationally employs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In addition to ACT, I rely heavily on the tenets of self-compassion therapy, and mindfulness and integrate other modalities, such as narrative and solution-focused therapy into treatment plans.

What is ACT?

ACT (said as one word) is an evidence-based form of cognitive behavioural therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, combined with commitment and behavioural change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is developed by learning, practicing and ingraining the six core processes of ACT into daily life. These processes include cognitive defusion, acceptance, being present, self as context, values, and committed action. Through the use of metaphor and experiential exercises, clients learn how to apply these processes resulting in having the ability to lightly hold thoughts and feelings so that valued action may be taken in the pursuit of longer-term goals rather than feeling compelled to act on short term impulses, thoughts and emotions. In other words, this work leads to becoming psychologically flexible.

What is Self-Compassion Therapy?

Self-compassion therapy has three core components: self-kindness versus self-judgment, common humanity versus isolation, and mindfulness versus overidentification. Combining these three components in an intentional way assists individuals in directing compassion inward which helps to buffer against the pain of managing difficult life experiences that are beyond our control as well as feelings of personal inadequacy, failures and mistakes. Self-compassion involves turning toward our pain and struggles with warmth and understanding rather than being self-critical and belittling about our failures and perceived shortcomings.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Regular practice of mindfulness that is focused on meeting the above 5 criteria has been found to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as in significantly reducing levels of stress. In addition to improving mood, regular mindfulness meditation practice has been found to improve interpersonal interactions by reducing reactivity and increasing response flexibility. As intra- and interpersonal issues are typically the greatest sources of disruption to one’s life, a regular practice of mindfulness may be beneficial. Learning to be mindful takes practice. Like learning any other skill, it takes time and some dedication, as well as many failed attempts, before mastery is achieved.

Learning to be mindful with self-compassion is definitely a winning combination. And, perhaps most importantly, you do not need to meditate to be mindful, but you do need to be mindful to meditate; mindfulness is for everyone!

Life Transitions

There are many stages in life that present challenges and struggles. In my work, I support individuals in adolescence, midlife, and late-life stages. In each of these stages, clients grapple with a variety of issues, but what is common amongst them is a struggle with identity.

Identity formation is truly ever-evolving and, at times, it can cause disruptions in our relationships, our work, and leisure activities. Each life transition stage is defined personally, socially, and biologically, thereby making the experience unique to each individual.

Midlife is a stage of significant interest to me as I feel there is little attention given to such an important time in life. As one who is currently living this stage, I have much to offer in terms of understanding the unique challenges brought about in midlife, particularly for women. Menopause, perimenopause, and other biological changes associated with ageing and this life stage can be incredibly disruptive to many life domains.

Taking a holistic approach (biopsychosocial) to understanding issues and referring individuals to those who can provide support for the biological changes while simultaneously receiving psychological support in therapy can make this transition much smoother and even lead to welcome changes and growth. I want to help you thrive in this stage and beyond so that you can be your best self and live your best life!