When you work with me, a supportive relationship exists in which your feelings, ideas and hopes are shared and respected. A therapeutic team exists which proceeds in an effective, insightful, learning and guiding way. Our work encourages your inner wisdom to enter the sessions.
I effectively use current, best-practice modalities with a 2-pronged approach. One – to identify and remove blocks getting in the way, and two – to implement practical tools/strategies to move forward. My approach focuses on going below-the-surface of your usual awareness and respectfully explores the richness of your unconscious and true self.
We’ll discuss childhood and family-of-origin dynamics, and apply attachment theory concepts, as this is crucial for identifying patterns of behaviour and for identifying and naming any trauma/abuse and not-good-enough parenting. It is crucial to get to core wounds and the negative beliefs (we all have them!) about ourselves. You will get a better understanding of “what happened,” grieve the losses and move on from the past.
Due to your early personal wounding, the adaptations made to survive and perhaps even due to your personality, certain qualities become hidden in your unconscious (our shadow material) making it difficult to live a life according to your true self or as fully as it could be. The unconscious material is often stored in right-brain ways – unconscious memories, body symptoms, feelings, non-verbal cues, images, etc. We need to tap into this part of us to heal!
A specialization in Depth Psychology exists which explores the unconscious by integrating the use of feelings, symbolism, body symptoms, those slips-of-the tongues, dreams, spirituality and creativity while looking at current and everyday events. Depth psychology allows a better understanding of how underlying beliefs influence decisions and choices. We can’t change if we don’t know what is driving our actions no matter how hard we have tried in the past.
Call (250-586-7380) or email to arrange a complimentary 15-minute phone or in-person consultation. Parksville location.
As we work …
- meaningful insights occur
- hope returns
- you have better control of situations
- you are more empowered to make changes
- you learn to make more meaningful decisions in your life
Either you will go through this door or you will not go through. If you go through there is always the risk of remembering your name.
– Adrienne Rich
I am a trauma-informed counsellor which means I am trained, aware and sensitive to the complex issues and needs of clients whom have experienced (childhood) trauma in all its forms (abuse, military service, accidents, deaths). Read an article around the importance of trauma-informed society and hear my podcast about trauma.
Extensive training exists in the effects of trauma on the brain and on one’s sense of Self, and in best practices used to treat clients who have experienced trauma. To read the abstract of my thesis entitled The Middle Ground of Trauma: Where Neuroscience Meets Depth Psychology, click here.
I also offer EMDR [click for more info & video links] when appropriate to help clients let go of disturbing or even niggling emotional events/memories which are loaded with negative beliefs (e.g., “I am worthless,” “I don’t matter,” etc.). When past “baggage” is fully processed and cleared, then there is less to taint one’s self-esteem and to hinder positive movement towards goals. I’ve witnessed some lovely transformations! EMDR is an effective & efficient psychotherapy and can be applied to these therapeutic targets:
- negative beliefs (e.g., “I’m not good enough.” “It’s my fault.”)
- what keeps bothering you? {intrusive, persistent memories}
- certain situations (e.g., holidays, flying, social outings)
- perpetrators (e.g., Uncle Bob, swim coach)
- certain event/age (e.g., age 10 (divorce, moved, sad)
- anxiety, anger, addiction, grief
I understand the role that grief and loss play in a person’s life and psyche, with unresolved grief playing a huge part in how one functions. My experience as a grief counsellor, extensive training, as well as many personal life transitions enhance any grief/loss counselling. In fact, most counselling issues involve some form of loss — the letting go of parts of self, of expectations, of relationships being a certain way, of control, etc.
We grieve because we are biologically willed to attach.
– John Bowlby
My approach to addictions is one which integrates recent research on brain chemistry, attachment theory, trauma, relapse prevention, addressing underlying feelings and beliefs, 12-step wisdom, connection, and regaining a more positive sense of self. Recovery is more than not “using”!
As C. G. Jung noted to Bill W., spiritus contra spiritum – the need for a greater spirit (higher power) to counter the lower spirit (alcohol, commonly called ‘spirits’). For more insights read about Our Brain & Feeling Good and about Urge Control.
