Therapeutic Approach

In today’s world, life is lived at a more intense pace. The demands to perform better, harder and faster can be overwhelming. It is more and more common to feel increasing anxiety or fear that we just can’t meet the demands around us. Sometimes, an unexpected life crisis (death of a loved one, break ups, job loss, health problems, etc.), throws us off balance. Often, we find ways to cope with the fear or discomfort in unhealthy ways (eating, drinking, partying, over-working, etc.). Sometimes, the coping mechanisms stop working and we find it harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning. Therapy can help provide a break from the craziness by offering a confidential space for clients to be able to reconnect with who they are and how they want to live.

I believe body, mind and soul are connected, and when one part of you suffers, all areas in your life are affected. A common way of dealing with stress is to suppress our feelings. This is can be an effective coping mechanism to get through a crisis but there are long term consequences for trying to ignore the feelings we are suppressing. I believe that although we may, over time, lose conscious access to those feelings, they continue to have an impact. This can include decreased emotional and physical functioning which can lead to mental or physical illness.

I believe that our family and culture of origin has a major influence on our lives. Beliefs adopted when we were young may have been useful at that time but can be problematic when the circumstances have changed. I help clients explore their past in order to make new and healthier choices in the present. By understanding the beliefs that are consciously and sub-consciously influencing their decisions, clients are empowered to start making different choices.

Therapy is a journey. It is a process of healing the soul. As a therapist, I am a co-explorer with my clients as they move towards healthier living and healthier relationships. Change can be scary. It often takes courage to move towards living a fuller and more loving life. Although I cannot walk the path for my clients, I can walk along with them. I can be a deep and compassionate listener and, when needed, a guide for their healing process.