Carole Gaato, Psychologist in Coquitlam, V3J2K2

Counselling Psychologist Dr. Carole Gaato

Profession(s):
Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counseling Psychology
License Status:
I'm a registered professional.
Primary License:
College of Psychologists of BC - 1240

My Approach to Helping

You know how when things are moving too fast and you reach for the "chill" button and it's nowhere in sight? Or, perhaps you're feeling so shut down that you can't find some "giddy up and go" if your life depended on it? Don't give up! I'm here to help.

Here's a curious thing...ever notice how body stuff is so front-and-central in twigging to signs of stress? And, how often we shove these signals away as annoyances and "park them at the curb". For the most part, we typically run away from powerful - seemingly "negative" - body signs, deferring to the "whys" or thoughts about what's happening.

How I like to help people is through deepening their awareness of how the body is totally tuned into thoughts and feelings. When you learn how to mindfully focus inward, you are able to tap into an often unconscious minefield of positive, right-brain body resources.

I welcome the opportunity to help you learn how to go deeper within yourself and experience mind-body-spirit healing. Give me a call today!

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

First of all, it's not all about "location". I so get that time pressures in life including commuting exert a convenience factor and that this can be a powerful influence in making a decision about working with a particular therapist. To this factor, I declare "major pause button". You see, at the end of the day, making therapy work for you is all about the connection you have with your therapist! The quality of this relationship is essential to making the changes you are yearning for. In fact, staying with a therapist where there isn't an attuned "click" and this dynamic isn't being attended to is a likely sign that this therapist isn't the right one for you. So, what's important? Consider a therapist who is authentic and in sync with you. It can feel a little freaky to enter into a connection with someone with these qualities especially if your relationship style tends to be more distant or ambivalent. My invitation to you is to listen deeply inside...sometimes "scary" is a sure sign that you're onto something good! A skilled therapist with help you figure out this dynamic and help you discover safety at the edges of moving forward towards your next step! More practical factors include a therapist's expertise in your areas of concern and their commitment to dealing with personal and professional issues. As therapists, we can't be clear with our clients if we're all "backed up" inside. Energy begets energy...flow is essential to feeling better!

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

I remember way-back-when when I was a doctoral psychology intern in Saskatoon boldly proclaiming to my new supervising psychologist that all psychologists need to do their own work. "Go me" when he said that he had never been in therapy! Imagine me sinking into the floor with my foot firmly planted in my mouth! Anyway, he gave me a couple of articles about why it's not essential for therapists to do their own work which I duly read and passed along. My own struggles are embedded in the fabric of me. And, I can't take folks further than the walk I've walked...so, I've been doing my own therapeutic/spiritual work for years. What I've learned is that we are all fellow travelers. I'm so excited to help you bring clarity in understanding the roadblocks holding you back and support you in passionately moving forward into your best life ever!