My Therapeutic Approach
A Different Type Of Clinical Psychologist
A lot of psychologists just work on helping you better manage the difficulties that you are experiencing, which can be vital at times. Their therapeutic approaches often focus on developing coping strategies and problem solving, and sometimes on creating a space to share what you are experiencing in life.
In some instances, this approach is exactly what is needed. However, as useful and important as this approach can be, an over reliance on it can be detrimental, as you become stuck in a cycle of managing difficulties rather than trying to resolve what lies beneath them.
My aim is to find the therapeutic approach and a pace that works best for you to work towards immediate symptom relief and addressing the root causes of your psychological pain.
The ultimate goal is to help you live a more fulfilling life in which you can face the difficulties life throws at you.
If you are looking for someone to only help you manage your difficulties and not look beyond this, then I am not the clinical psychologist for you.
My Therapeutic Approach
During the the first appointment, I’ll ask you what you are hoping to get out of therapy and what prompted you to seek psychological services. Early in the session, we may also discuss your past history of therapy and any difficulties you might be having with thoughts of self-harm or suicide. I will listen to you, and together, we’ll thoroughly try to understand the problem areas of your life. My role is to listen carefully and understand your situation fully, meaning your priorities and the changes you envision. Let’s talk more about my therapeutic approaches
Active Listening And Understanding
As you tell me your story, I won’t just listen to what you’re saying, but also, what you’re not or what you’re saying indirectly. I will look at what is going on with your feelings, anxiety, and how you are relating to yourself.
When I begin to see patterns emerge, or as I am having thoughts about what I’m seeing and hearing, I will actively share them with you in a way I think will be helpful to you. I will share my observations and invite you to weigh in with your opinion and response to my observations.
Clear And Conscious Counselling
I will aspire to hold up a mirror so that we can be conscious and clear about the nature and meaning of what you are struggling with. If I am off or only partially right about an observation, I will ask you to correct me so that we can have the same vision and be on the same page about what is taking place. Part of what I will be pointing out and sharing with you is my view of what you are doing in real time to impede your own progress.
Observing And Understanding Reactions
Since what I will be saying is so immediate and personal, you may have a reaction to my input. We’ll look at your reactions because, chances are, the way you respond and react to me is similar to how you respond and react to other people.
By closely examining your responses together as they occur we can begin to understand your life in a way that is experiential. Also, in examining your present time experience in this kind of detail, we will have a chance to actually do something to change the patterns in your life that no longer serve you. In this type of therapeutic approach, it’s common to uncover conflicting motivations.
Finding The Right Therapeutic Approach
My work is designed to mobilize your strongest and healthiest motivations and through combined efforts, overcome the obstacles between you and your goals.
Through the first session and beyond, we may together decide to take a very structured therapeutic approach. For example, often when a person is struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) the first step is some form of Exposure Therapy. At other times, the focus of our sessions remains on relationships, emotions, and connections.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults who struggle with mental health issues that include, but are not limited to:
- low mood
- anxiety
- addictions
- OCD
- ADHD
- phobias
- trauma
- chronic pain and other health issues
- difficulties in relationships or work
People often ask me “Do you help people with X?” or “Do you have much experience helping people with Y?”. While the answer to these questions is typically yes, it’s important to understand the difference between the underlying causes of your difficulties and the observable symptoms. For example, two people can report similar symptoms, but those symptoms can be caused by completely different issues.
When I work with people, I try to help them with the underlying causes of their symptoms, so often questions like the above become less important. With that said, therapy is there to help you with what you want help with.
If there is anything that you do not want to look at or work on, we won’t.
