Approaches

In CBT the therapist assists the client in adopting effective strategies to address symptoms and achieve identified goals. CBT takes a problem-focused and action-oriented approach to working with the client focusing on conscious thought distortions and maladaptive behaviours that are often at the root of psychological disorders. Symptom reduction can be achieved by teaching new information-processing skills and coping mechanisms. CBT can be practiced with individuals, children and adolescents, couples and groups.

Couples or family therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist helps people involved in a relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions when a couple or family have not been able to resolve their issues on their own.

Couples or family therapy can resolve a current problem, prevent an exacerbation of problems or simply provide a “check-up” for a happy couple/family that is experiencing a period of transition or increased stress. Common areas of concern addressed in couple’s/family therapy include issues with money, parenting, sex, infidelity, in-laws, LGBTQ issues, chronic health issues, grieving, infertility, gambling, substance use, emotional distance and frequent conflict.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is rooted in the therapeutic relationship built between client and therapist.  It seeks to reveal the unconscious, dynamic content of the mind, in an effort to alleviate mental tension which can manifest in a variety of symptoms that distort and disrupt of our sense of self and wellbeing.  By uncovering the hidden roots of our unwanted thoughts, emotions and behaviours we can consciously change how we experience the world and ourselves.  Psychodynamic psychotherapy may be practiced with individuals, children and adolescents, couples and groups.

Adolescent psychotherapy can be very useful in helping to understand and support the experiences of adolescence and early adulthood. During this important developmental phase, earlier difficulties and crises can be amplified. Providing a framework for understanding the developing self, regulating emotions, building relational skills, supporting critical thinking and adopting healthy behaviours can support the processes of individuation and personal growth on the path to adulthood. Having a private space in which to troubleshoot academic, sport and creative challenges, explore emerging identity and navigate increasingly complex relationships is indispensable for teens.

Body-Centered psychotherapy, also known as Somatic psychotherapy, recognizes the intimate relationship between the physical body and the psychological well-being of a person.  This approach holds the view that the body is a resource for self-discovery and psychological healing.  Bodily awareness and movements are used to explore and treat psychological symptoms and issues.  This work can be both very subtle, involving only awareness of bodily sensation, or utilize physical movement and manipulation. 

Psychotherapy may work with a client’s dreams as part of the therapeutic process. Almost all psychotherapeutic approaches use the basic tenets of dream analysis in the same way: the client relates a dream to the therapist, a discussion and processing about the meaning and significance of the dream follows, producing an insight into the client’s present experience/circumstance and/or emotional landscape. At the conclusion of the process, the therapist can help the person apply the new information in a useful way.