My Approach
My work is heavily guided by my belief that human beings are adaptable and resilient. With expanded coping mechanisms and practising skills, in areas you may feel “stuck” or want to strengthen; you are able to cultivate more meaning, acceptance, and influence transformation. I incorporate a holistic approach, which considers all aspects of your life. This includes your emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
I have a warm, empathetic, and client-centred approach with an eclectic style in delivery of therapy. This means, I draw from various modalities and schools of thought, such as, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Contextual Behavioural Science, The Gottman Institute, Mindfulness based interventions, Family Systems, and most importantly, tailor treatment to your needs, goals, and strengths. Together, we discuss and create a plan that would work best to meet your goals.
Brief idea of some of my blended approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal-oriented and structured intervention that works with the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It aims to understand and shift irrational thoughts and negative thinking so you can view difficult situations more rationally, and respond effectively. I work with you to help identify your thoughts that no longer serve you and support you in challenging them. There are homework components to this approach which encourages you to monitor and practise skills.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT encourages us to embrace our thoughts and feelings instead of resisting or avoiding them. It integrates mindfulness skills with commitment-based activities to address hardship. In ACT, our thoughts and patterns of thinking are not negative, it is our resulting behaviour that interferes with our goals. I work with you to maximize your potential for a more fulfilling lifestyle while handling inevitable suffering. By using various strategies and techniques, we work together to explore your values and guide action towards your goals.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
The belief in this model is that you have many strengths and know what you need to improve in your own life. With appropriate support, strategic questioning, and exploration, you are capable of finding solutions that work best for you. I will work with you on amplifying your strengths and resources. Together, we work on finding exceptions to your difficulties and aim to deepen your hope for the future. This may help you strengthen your capacity to view your challenges more productively and respond accordingly.
Psychodynamic Therapies
Psychodynamic approach focuses on early experiences and attachment styles that shape our emotional needs and influence behaviour. Engaging with a compassionate and non-judgemental therapist, you can get the support needed to understand how our personalities are structured through ongoing interactions with others. With emphasis on relationships, I work with you to identify patterns, and support you to shift your attitude towards a productive internal dialogue. This may help you determine your approach to new and existing relationships.