Approach

I think psychotherapy is an art and a science.

My approach involves building a safe, supportive therapeutic container and relationship with you, using evidence-based modalities and having a willingness to trust, be curious and let things unfold in a manner that is conducive to self-discovery and healing.

Traditional psychotherapy is a “top-down” approach that privileges the verbal and cognitive realms of experience. I incorporate “bottom-up” approaches that focus on physiological states and the expression and release of physical sensations in the body. Therapy with me won’t involve CBT worksheets or following a manual. It will incorporate humour, a focus on cultivating self-compassion and trusting your inner healer. I use tools and methods based on what your unique goals are and I focus on aspects of our therapeutic rapport. We will pay attention to your mind and thought patterns, as well as the landscape of your body and inner sensations, in recognition that the mind and body are inextricably linked. This approach integrates cognitive, emotional and sensorimotor processing.

This all occurs in the context of an anti-oppressive, intersectional and social justice framework that views the social, cultural and political context that you live in as a crucial factor in your health and wellbeing. These two quotes by Krishnamurti, “health and wellness is not a personal responsibility and it is a political matter“ and “it is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society” resonate deeply with me. My approach is direct and I like to assign home practice; this may look like breathwork and meditation practices to do on your own, articles to read, movement practices or behavioural experiments.

The most important aspect in how effective and healing therapy is for a client lies in the relationship with the therapist. It is of utmost importance that you “feel felt” in therapy and work with a therapist that you feel is a good fit for you. Booking a free consultation with me can give you an opportunity to learn more about my approach and for you to get a gut feeling about our fit.

Here is a snapshot of some Professional Development that informs the work I do with clients: 

• Fundamentals of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, TheraPsil

• Fundamentals of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy, TheraPsil

• Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), Toni Herbine-Blank

• Person-Centred Music with Mendel Kaelen, Wavepaths

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level 1) - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

• Complex Trauma & Shame: Somatic Interventions, Janina Fisher

• Introduction to MDMA Therapy for Clinicians, Dr. Michael Mithoefer & Annie Mithoefer

• Psychotherapy at the Crossroads: The Promise of Psychedelics and Plant Medicines, Drs. Gabor Maté & Michael Mithoefer

• Psychedelics 101 & 102 for Clinicians, Drs. Ingmar Gorman and Elizabeth Nielson

• Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 1)

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Certified Practitioner, HeartMath Institute

• Advanced Training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia, Dr. Colleen Carney

• Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Dr. Phillipe Schnaider

• Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment, Dr. Stephen Porges & Deb Dana

• Movement for Trauma (Level 1), Jane Clapp

• Mindfulness Based Chronic Pain Management, Practical Training Immersion & Curriculum Training Intensive, NeuroNova Centre

• Hakomi Pro Skills, Donna Martin & Roland Bérard

• Compassionate Inquiry, Dr. Gabor Maté

• The Body Keeps the Score: New Frontiers in Trauma Treatment, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Body Oriented Therapy Techniques for Trauma & Attachment, Dr. Pat Ogden

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Basics & Beyond Basics, Dr. Shelley McMain

• Mindfulness-Based Group Practice (MBSR & MBCT), Dr. Steven Selchen, Kate Kitchen, Kirstin Bindseil

• Foundations in Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate, University of Toronto

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate, Dr. Nina Josefowitz