Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.My Approach to Helping
I became a therapist because, just like you, I am human and have had my fair share of battles. It took a long time for me to get to where I am today. In moments of hopelessness, it is hard to find determination. I became a therapist to help others because depression can be scary, anxiety can be overwhelming, and traumatic experiences can be exhausting!
My therapeutic style include a combination of various modalities and approaches, as my hope is to tailor therapy to your individual needs and concerns. My belief is that each individual has their own identity, needs, choices, values and beliefs, and it is important to use interventions that best fit that individual’s needs. Thus, using a Client-Centered approach with my clients allows me to encourage self-exploration, insight and understanding, while creating a safe, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment.
Additionally, keeping the Biopsychosocial Model in mind throughout therapy can be helpful in understanding the interconnection between biology, psychology, and environment. In order to increase self-awareness, it is important to consider identity. This can include race, gender, introductions to faith and culture, place of birth and childhood upbringing, and positive or negative experiences. This model can allow me to understand you better, through discussions of biopsychosocial factors that may contribute to the obstacles in your journey.
Some other forms of modalities that I have taken additional training in, include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). CBT focuses on identifying, recognizing and changing thoughts and patterns, in order to then change behaviours. DBT helps build interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and mindfulness skills. ACT helps to increase psychological flexibility, through noticing and accepting thoughts, becoming more present, and moving towards what is most important and meaningful in our lives. ACT and DBT both encourage acceptance of thoughts, without judgement, and as something that is outside of the individual. Thus, allowing for change. Together, these theories provide me with tools and skills that I can share with my clients, when tailoring treatment to their needs.
Lastly, I enjoy incorporating Mindfulness methods as Mindfulness-based techniques can teach one how to live in the present, builds focus and patience, and increases awareness, particularly when noticing thoughts. Overtime, mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and low moods.
I hope to accompany you on your journey, whether it is a process of self-understanding, self-exploration, managing changes in life, or simply just needing a safe space to gather your thoughts and feel empowered. I want you to feel heard, relevant, connected, and valued. Our lives can be full of meaning and purpose – we just have to find it! Although I use various therapeutic modalities and approaches, my utmost focus is on providing an empathetic, genuinely supportive, respectful and compassionate space – one where you can retain your autonomy during an already difficult time.