My Approach to Helping
I am a Montreal psychologist who takes care to adapt my psychotherapy to your personal style. I apply an integrative approach to therapy, borrowing ideas and interventions from various therapeutic modalities. I prefer to collaborate with my clients in therapy, and build on their existing strengths and knowledge to assist in change, understanding, and transformation. I strongly believe that trust is essential for effective therapy so I take special care to build the therapeutic relationship to ensure that my clients feel safe opening up to me. I am a firm believer in teaching others methods for coping and healing that they can carry on in their future lives.
I also understand that in some circumstances one may need extra help in order to get out of a rut. This is why I would refer to psychiatrists, medical doctors, or other specialists if I believe your difficulty is outside of my abilities.
More Info About My Practice
I have significant experience providing therapy to individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, gender identity, sexuality, low self-esteem, and trauma history. I specialize in therapy with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual individuals. I also offer therapy, consultations, and referral letters for individuals choosing gender reassignment. I am very informed about alternative lifestyles. Approaches I like to use are: Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I absolutely love being there to witness someone's transformation. It is incredibly powerful to assist someone in overcoming obstacles that had been so debilitating that they significantly reduced one's quality of life. To hear someone say: "I feel so much happier in my relationships" or "I no longer spiral into depression when I attend family gatherings" is evidence of tremendous change, which might not have been initiated without therapy.
From personal experience, and my experience as a therapist I can vouch for the resilience and resourcefulness of the human mind. I truly believe that each one of us contains within us the potential for authentic happiness, excellence, and love. We do not have to be stuck in unhappiness and torment. There is a way out and I am so pleased to help others find that path to a better life.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Therapy in a very intimate experience. Because of this, it is vital that the person with whom you share this experience is a good match for you. The things you want to look out for are professionalism (Will this person ensure confidentiality, and ethical boundaries? Are they a member of a professional order? Do they have adequate training?), personality (Are our personalities compatible? Do I feel safe even though I am vulnerable? Do they react appropriately to me?), cost (Can I afford their rates? Will they provide an insurance receipt?), and specialized training (If I am seeking therapy for a specific issue, do they have experience with this issue? Is the treatment founded in a validated theory or treatment model?).
Most therapists are very good at what they do. However, I always recommend people shop around since therapy is an investment. It is relational work, and chances are some people will simply feel like a better fit. You will most likely know when you have found a good match. If something feels odd, please do mention it to your therapist and it can be discussed, or a referral can be made to another psychotherapist.
