How can therapy help?
Psychotherapy is the practice of mental health treatment that is intended to improve clients' well-being. The decision to begin the journey of psychotherapy is a courageous one. Therapy ignites the possibility of change by drawing from past experiences and understanding how they affect the present. The benefits of therapy work include personal growth through goal achievement, development of coping strategies, increased self-awareness, and improvements in interpersonal relationships. The therapeutic relationship is a safe and secure base to explore one's inner emotional world as it becomes a powerful tool in the therapeutic change process.
How long will I need to participate in therapy before I feel better?
The length of therapy is unique to each client. Some people have one specific problem they need help to solve or others may come for more complicated issues. Some may feel they need 10-20 sessions or some may prefer to come long-term. The process is flexible and dependant on what you need.
What can I expect to happen in a therapy session?
We initially start with my getting to know more about you and what brings you to therapy. We explore your presenting concern, history and background information and talk more about goals for change. We will collaborate on the best therapy approach to support your goals.
As the process unfolds, we will together explore your experience from a place of warmth, validation and acceptance. As your therapist, my job is to help you navigate your story at a meta level, where we may dive deeper and get more specific about the problem. At this level, we can view symptoms, sensations, thoughts and self-perpetuating behaviours more clearly. We can step back and view the pattern from a place of empathy and loving kindness. Einstein once said that "we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them". From here new solutions to the problem may be discovered. The therapy work itself is revolves around the process. What happens is a existential shift at a visceral level causing Self-growth, Self-expansion and Self-Compassion.
May I include family members in my therapy sessions?
When participating in individual therapy, it can be very helpful to invite a family member or partner into a session. As families are a fundamental organizing system, it can be valuable to explore the interaction and emotional tone between members.
How much do you charge?
$160 per 50-minute session (applies to individuals)
$250 per 50-minute session (applies to couples)