As an integrative therapist I believe that there is no single approach that can effectively treat every client. Instead I choose to blend different theories and approaches to best suit my clients. Integrative counselling will look different in every therapeutic relationship. Relevant techniques are integrated in a complementary way from different modalities. Through my years of practice I have been able to bring together different elements of specific therapies designed to meet the individual needs of my clients. These include:
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy is a humanistic approach that focuses on our natural potential to self-actualize. Operating from this approach, I will focus on building a therapeutic relationship with you through genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. This relationship will serve to create an environment in which you can grow. You will be encouraged to use the relationship and environment to realize your growth potential and become who you choose to be.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a therapeutic approach that tries to cultivate a nonjudgmental, yet attentive, mental state. We will work towards increasing your awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, and the outside environment. Using the skill of mindfulness we will focus on nonjudgmentally accepting thoughts, emotions, sensations, memories, and beliefs. You will learn the two most important components of mindfulness: self-regulation of attention, and orientation toward the present moment.
Narrative Therapy
We will focus on the stories or narratives you use to inform and organize your sense of reality. In counseling, you will explore how these stories describe and shape your perspectives on your past, present, and future. Your counseling sessions will likely focus on re-authoring your single story and the creation of options and alternative stories.
Family Systems Therapy
Family Systems Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding you in the context of your relationships or family. We will examine your experiences within the context of your family, but will not blame you or your family for dysfunction. Instead, we will observe the patterns of communication or interaction within the family and invite the family to interrupt patterns and try new behaviors to effect change. This can occur even if your family does not attend counseling sessions.
Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy focuses on the present time to make changes. We will identify your current emotional issues and then help you discover feelings and emotions that you may not realize you have. You may discover deeper past feelings and vulnerabilities that are blocked by the more immediate emotions you display in your current relationship. You will learn to express these emotions in a way that will help you connect, rather than disconnect with others. There are three stages: de-escalation of negative cycles of interaction, restructuring interactions with others, and consolidation to change negative patterns with new positive ways of being.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on how our thinking influences our behavior. I will work with you to identify and challenge your maladaptive thinking and then your behaviors that contribute to the problem. It is common for clients to complete homework assignments related to their counseling goals between sessions. Your counseling sessions will likely be structured to aid you in making incremental progress towards your goal.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy is a humanistic approach that focuses on our natural potential to self-actualize. Operating from this approach, I will focus on building a therapeutic relationship with you through genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. This relationship will serve to create an environment in which you can grow. You will be encouraged to use the relationship and environment to realize your growth potential and become who you choose to be.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a therapeutic approach that tries to cultivate a nonjudgmental, yet attentive, mental state. We will work towards increasing your awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, and the outside environment. Using the skill of mindfulness we will focus on nonjudgmentally accepting thoughts, emotions, sensations, memories, and beliefs. You will learn the two most important components of mindfulness: self-regulation of attention, and orientation toward the present moment.
Narrative Therapy
We will focus on the stories or narratives you use to inform and organize your sense of reality. In counseling, you will explore how these stories describe and shape your perspectives on your past, present, and future. Your counseling sessions will likely focus on re-authoring your single story and the creation of options and alternative stories.
Family Systems Therapy
Family Systems Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding you in the context of your relationships or family. We will examine your experiences within the context of your family, but will not blame you or your family for dysfunction. Instead, we will observe the patterns of communication or interaction within the family and invite the family to interrupt patterns and try new behaviors to effect change. This can occur even if your family does not attend counseling sessions.
Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy focuses on the present time to make changes. We will identify your current emotional issues and then help you discover feelings and emotions that you may not realize you have. You may discover deeper past feelings and vulnerabilities that are blocked by the more immediate emotions you display in your current relationship. You will learn to express these emotions in a way that will help you connect, rather than disconnect with others. There are three stages: de-escalation of negative cycles of interaction, restructuring interactions with others, and consolidation to change negative patterns with new positive ways of being.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on how our thinking influences our behavior. I will work with you to identify and challenge your maladaptive thinking and then your behaviors that contribute to the problem. It is common for clients to complete homework assignments related to their counseling goals between sessions. Your counseling sessions will likely be structured to aid you in making incremental progress towards your goal.