Our Therapy Practice: A Collaborative and Flexible Approach
We believe that effective therapy is a collaborative process. We'll work together to define your goals and regularly check in on your progress, ensuring that our work together is aligned with your needs. Because every person is unique, we draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art Therapy. This allows us to tailor our approach to your specific situation, personal traits, and the number of sessions we have together. Your comfort and progress are our priorities.
You're the Expert: We believe you are the expert in your own life. Our role is to support you in the changes you want to make, not to tell you what to do. Your goals are our priority.
A Strong Therapeutic Relationship: The foundation of our work together is a trusting and collaborative relationship. We'll earn your trust through genuine, open and non-judgmental communication and actively invite your feedback. Addressing any concerns within our therapeutic relationship is a key part of the counselling process.
Wide-Ranging Experience: We have experience working with individuals (youth and adults), couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, and challenges, including grief, anger, various types of anxiety and phobias, depression, OCD, ADHD, self-harm, substance use and other addictions, trauma (attachment, developmental, PTSD, abuse neglect, accidents) and relationships.
Personalized Approach: We know that one size approach doesn't fit all when it comes to therapy. We'll work collaboratively with you to select and tailor interventions that best suit your unique needs and goals. You are always in control of what you choose to engage in.
Building on Your Strengths: We recognize that you are resourceful and possess inner strength. We'll work together to build upon those existing strengths and empower you on your journey.
Finding the Right Fit: If, for any reason, our work together doesn't feel like the right fit, we'll support you in finding someone who is. We'll do our best to provide referrals and help you find the support you need
Learn more about our approaches below
Understanding Trauma: Finding Your Path to Healing
Trauma is a deeply personal experience, and it can affect people in different ways. It can stem from a single, terrifying event, or it can be the result of repeated or ongoing experiences. It's important to know that there's no "right" or "wrong" way to react to trauma. Some people may develop PTSD, while others may find their own path to healing.
At Changement Counselling, we understand that dealing with trauma requires a safe and supportive approach. We're trained to create a space where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences, at your own pace. Whether your therapeutic goals are directly related to trauma or something else entirely, we'll follow your lead and work collaboratively with you. We have the tools and expertise to help you heal, but we'll always prioritize your safety, well-being and goals.
Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other difficult experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro Ph. D., it was initially used for PTSD, but further research show the approach effective for anxiety, depression, and a wide range of other issues. EMDR works by addressing how traumatic memories are stored in the brain. Sometimes, these memories get "stuck" and can be triggered by everyday events, causing strong emotional reactions. By accessing past memory and re-integrating them in the present, EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories in a safe way, so they no longer have the same power to upset you. Beyond an intellectual understanding, your body knows that the event is over.
My EMDR training was completed through an EMDRIA(tm) Approved training program.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Have you ever felt like there are different parts of you that sometimes clash? IFS, or Internal Family Systems, a therapeutic approach founded by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. is a gentle, yet a powerful approach that helps you understand these different parts and work towards greater harmony within yourself. It's based on the idea that all of our "parts," even the ones that cause us trouble, have a positive intention. For example, your anxiety might be trying to protect you. IFS helps you access your core Self—a place of wisdom and compassion—that can guide these parts towards greater inner harmony and healing. It's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, allowing you to understand why your parts act the way they do and create lasting positive change.
IFS can also be a powerful complement to EMDR therapy to address specific issues.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a mindfulness-based approach developed by Steven C. Hayes, Ph. D. that helps you live a richer and more meaningful life, even in the face of difficult thoughts and feelings. It's about learning to observe your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them, developing greater flexibility in how you respond to challenges, and clarifying what truly matters to you—your values. ACT empowers you to take committed action aligned with those values, creating a purposeful life. It's about learning to accept what you cannot change and committing to change what you can.
Working with Couples and Families
Wouldn't it be great if every couple had the tools to navigate the ups and downs of love from the very beginning? While it's true that many couples seek support during times of crisis, it's never too late to invest in your relationship. Whether you're looking to strengthen your bond, rebuild after a rough patch, or gain clarity about your next steps together, couples therapy can be a powerful catalyst for personal and relational growth. It takes courage to look within, but the rewards are immense.
Healthy relationships, deep connection, and intimacy thrive on self-understanding and clear communication. When we feel vulnerable or triggered by fear, we can sometimes say or do things we later regret, further straining the very connection we cherish most. In couples therapy, we'll begin by helping you develop the skills to understand, recognize, and manage your emotional triggers. Then, we'll explore what truly matters to you beneath the surface of your conflicts. You'll learn and practice new ways of communicating and relating to each other, creating a more secure and loving bond.
I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including the Gottman Method by Drs John and Julie Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) from Dr. Sue Johnson and Non-Violent Communication (NVC) by Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg. These approaches help couples understand their relationship dynamics and build stronger, more fulfilling connections. Whether you're building or rebuilding, or taking stock of your relationship, I'm here to support you in creating the relationship you aspire to.
For families, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), extending the principles of EFT to the family system, and NVC offer similar tools for enhanced communication and connection. Sometimes, even one person making a change can have a ripple effect, transforming the entire family dynamic.