Methodology

My belief is that each individual is unique. When a client is seeking counselling, they benefit most from a therapeutic approach that meets their specific needs, and takes into account their distinctive characteristics and perspectives. I believe it is important to have specific goals that are outlined in the first session to ensure the client’s needs are met in session. It is not unusual that these goals are re-evaluated with the client to ensure we are on track. I will ensure the therapeutic approach feels like a “good fit” to the client and will not proceed with a particular approach until they feel comfortable and are in agreement with the mutual plan.

The following are some of the methodologies I offer to clients and a very brief description of each approach. I encourage you to search these therapeutic approaches on your own so that you are familiar with them, and can take an active role in your treatment planning.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy is a form of brief therapy. Therapeutic conversations focus on the present and the future rather than on the past. From the first discussion with the client, we would be looking for exceptions to the “problem”. By looking at what is working in a person’s life, and how would they like their life to be, provides a new focus for the client and enables them to consider new possibilities.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

This therapeutic approach identifies faulty thought patterns that may contribute to our feelings and behaviours. It is based on the idea that we can change how we think and feel even though our circumstances cannot be changed. It is a research-based approach commonly used in treatment of anxiety and depression. This therapeutic approach tends to involve short-term work with often rapid, measurable results.

Family Systems

Family systems theory is based on the understanding that individuals need to be understood in relation to their family context. Experience, rules, interactions that we have with our family of origin help to shape us and provide insight into who we are as adults. Like a mobile, we interact and react to the behaviour of those around us. This particular approach can be helpful in couples counselling, family counselling and individual work. Viewing a family system through a genogram can shed new light on patterns of behaviour and allows for more effective options to arise.

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual Psychotherapy is one of the more commonly recognized practices in which the client meets with the therapist to address concerns they are experiencing. The underlying goal of this individual work would be to gain insight into the symptoms or problems and assist the clients to create the necessary change they desire. This may involve skill-building, creating behavioural changes, letting go of past hurts or assisting clients through their grief.

Relaxation Skills

Progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises and guided imagery can be beneficial in treating stress and anxiety symptoms. These skills are versatile and can be a wonderful asset to any stress management “tool kit”.

Depth Oriented Brief Therapy (Coherence Therapy)

Coherence therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can create significant changes for an individual within a short period of time. This approach explores deep-rooted beliefs and truths an individual may have about themselves or their circumstances and expose unhealthy patterns. The basis of this approach addresses core beliefs an individual may have about themselves often from childhood and generate unhealthy symptoms in adult life. Coherency therapy can bring about significant change as these truths are dispelled and long lasting change occurs.