SHE Psychotherapy

MY APPROACH

My clinical training and lived experience has instilled in me a deep respect for the complexity of the human mind and strength of the human spirit. At times, developmental experiences, attachment relations, individual and structural traumas become imprinted upon our psyches, reflected in our nervous systems, and revealed through our habitual emotional and behavioural responses. I believe in the efficacy of therapy and the power of the therapeutic relationship to enhance resiliency, compassion, and care for ourselves and others.

Common Presenting Concerns Include

Experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, or difficulty navigating moods

Difficulty coping with challenging thoughts or emotions including; anger, fear, shame, feeling lost, or numb

Experiencing challenging relationships with parents, partners, or other people in your life

Desiring to let go of difficult experiences, situations, or events

Supportive counselling for those struggling to adapt to change or cope with the speed and demands of life

Engaging in self harm, risky behaviours, and suicidal ideation

Desire to know oneself better

Approaches & Theories

Psychodynamic theory is an insight oriented therapy which facilitates a deeper awareness of one's emotions and thought processes. Psychodynamic therapy acknowledges the connection between early life experiences and present circumstances. With the support of a compassionate, and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship clients are encouraged to shift old patterns, expand emotional responses, explore their thoughts and beliefs to increase self awareness and enhance their availability to respond.

Dialectical Behavioural Theory (DBT) offers an evidence based framework for responding to intense feelings of emotional distress and urges to self harm. Individuals learn and practice a variety of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills. When applied these skills help clients cope with intense emotions, feelings of suicidality, and/or urges to self harm. Skills are learned and practiced in session, and reinforced with ongoing homework assignments during the week.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is useful for increasing awareness about thought patterns and beliefs. CBT explores how thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs impact feelings and behaviour.

Trauma Therapy Trauma is defined as experiences which overwhelm the brain’s ability to cope. There are various kinds of trauma including; developmental, complex, single events and on going systemic, racial, and/ or historical traumas. Trauma symptoms can appear as a loss of connection, feelings of shame, numbing, irritability, anger, overwhelm, hopelessness and self destructive behaviours.

A Trauma Informed Approach acknowledges that overwhelming events, situations, and experiences can diminish a persons mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual sense of self. Left untreated, trauma responses such as fight, flight, and freeze can be re-experienced long after the original threat is gone.

Phase Model of Trauma Therapy is tailored to individual goals, strengths, and challenges. The phases of treatment include: enhancing feelings of safety and stability, skill development, and processing unresolved memories and emotions using Progressive Counting and Flash techniques. Evidence based approaches for memory reconsolidation help the brain to put traumatic memories in the past.

Art Therapy offers a gentle, soothing, and playful way to be with and explore difficult feelings, thoughts, and situations. Art making externalizes challenging feelings, stories, and events, while creating space to process complex emotions and reframe difficult life experiences. Making art within the safety of a therapeutic relationship fosters creativity and psychological processes to enhance mental health and emotional well being.

Learn More About Art Therapy