My Approach to Talk Therapy

"Our job is not to tell people what to do. We present choices, clarify issues, and help people predict their own futures. "
Mary Pipher, Author & Psychotherapist

I believe

I believe that people are incredibly strong and resilient. However, sometimes we lose our way and need someone else to shine the light for us.

I believe that we are social beings and, as such, relationships are a vital part of our lives. However, it is interpersonal challenges which are often the cause of a lot of heartache and struggle.

I believe that at the very core of our emotional struggles lies a low level of self-esteem. I am certain that we cannot live in harmony with others until we learn how to live in harmony with ourselves.

I believe that each and every one of us must be responsible for our own lives including our emotions, our thoughts, our choices and our actions.

I believe that while many of us truly are victims of trauma and unfortunate life circumstances, it is never healthy to assume a 'victim mentality'. Blaming others does not lead us down the road to emotional well-being.

I believe that people must be treated as a whole - and therefore it is critical to address issues of mind, body, spirit and environment.

I believe that pain and struggle are inevitable. That's how we learn and grow. However, I also believe that we have an innate and an enormous capacity to heal and emerge even stronger from such experiences.

I believe that good therapy helps people reach a higher level of awareness, a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and provides new ways to help them live richer, happier lives.

I believe that, above all, we need to be heard, understood,accepted, and validated. Therapy can help us achieve this.

My Role:

My role as a therapist is to be a collaborator, an educator, a motivator, an active listener, and a guide. I use the art and science of counselling and psychotherapy to help you:

• find the courage to face your problems head on
• develop a greater understanding of your issues
• examine your 'perspective' and replace it with one that may be more realistic
• make more effective choices
• set realistic goals for your life
• regain a sense of happiness and control
• discover solutions that will enhance your life
• create permanent and positive change
• live life with greater purpose
• laugh once more

In My Practice:

• I offer you a safe and strictly confidential place to talk about your thoughts and feelings.
• I provide you with many widely-used professional concepts, theories, tools and strategies
• I help you reach your goals and make the changes you desire, at a pace that suits you .

All you need to bring is an openness and a willingness to explore.