My Therapy Approach
New Client Consult
During our initial consultation, I will answer all of your questions. I'll ask questions about your background and current situation while explaining my approach to therapy. Together we address everything from what to expect to the cost of treatment, scheduling and what you need.
Assessments: Helpful Addition to Therapy
The cost of assessments is in addition to therapy and includes the following.
- $0 The intake process is a general assessment that is fairly comprehensive and free of charge.
- Additional assessments to investigate ADHD - Autism are an additional $100 and will include a summary of combined results from the CAARS, SRS-2, and CEFI and are summarized from an executive functioning perspective.
- Deep assessments and personality assessments are available by special request for $500. The assessments used vary depending on what we are exploring.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) v. Psychodynamic Therapy
Both CBT and Psychodynamic therapy are a form of talk therapy.
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic therapy are two widely practiced approaches used in psychology, albeit with some fundamental differences.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It emphasizes identifying and challenging negative or distorted thinking patterns and promoting healthy behaviors to improve mental well-being. CBT often involves practical techniques such as cognitive restructuring, setting goals, and implementing behavioural changes. The goal is to help individuals develop more adaptive thoughts and behaviours, leading to more positive emotions and overall life improvement behaviour.
On the other hand, psychodynamic therapy is rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud and focuses on the unconscious mind and early life experiences. It explores how past relationships and unresolved conflicts influence current thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy aims to gain insight into unconscious processes, promote self-awareness, and facilitate emotional healing. It often involves free association, dream analysis, and exploring the therapeutic relationship to uncover unconscious patterns and encourage personal growth.
While CBT is typically a shorter-term therapy focused on addressing specific symptoms and behavioural changes, psychodynamic therapy tends to be longer-term, allowing for a deeper exploration of underlying issues and patterns. CBT emphasizes the present and practical solutions, while psychodynamic therapy often delves into the past and the unconscious.
CBT and psychodynamic therapy have their merits and can be effective in different situations. The choice between them depends on an individual's goals, preferences, and concerns. It's often beneficial to consult with a mental health professional to determine the most suitable approach for your needs.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy v. Hypnotherapy
These therapies use natural states; EMDR emulates REM sleep cycles and the Hypnosis experience is like daydreaming. Both consolidate positive changes and positive future visions into the subconscious mind where permanent behavioral changes are made.
EMDR is a therapy that was initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has been adapted to help with many issues. It involves using rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing memories or experiences. The goal of EMDR is to facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic memories, allowing individuals to resolve emotional distress and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. This therapy also incorporates other elements, such as cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques, to help individuals process and heal from traumatic events.
As the name suggests, hypnotherapy involves inducing a deeply relaxed and focused state of consciousness, often called a hypnotic trance. In this state, individuals are more receptive to suggestions and may be guided by a therapist to explore and address various aspects of their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Hypnotherapy aims to tap into the subconscious mind to uncover underlying issues and facilitate positive changes. It can address various called concerns, including anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, weight management, and more.
While both EMDR and hypnotherapy can be practical therapeutic approaches, their techniques and target areas differ. EMDR primarily focuses on addressing traumatic experiences and their impact on psychological well-being, while hypnotherapy has a broader application and can be used for various concerns.
EMDR & Hypnotherapy Combined
The combination of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and clinical hypnotherapy can be a powerful approach to psychotherapy.
During a session, I may start with hypnotherapy to induce calmness and help you become more receptive to the EMDR. We will use EMDR to address specific traumatic events through guided eye movements. Once the trauma is processed and you begin to experience relief, we may transition back to hypnotherapy to reinforce the positive changes and help you integrate the healing experience into your subconscious mind.
A Touch of Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is an approach I use to support and build structure around talk therapy sessions. Narrative therapy focuses on understanding and changing your story about yourself and your experiences. It seeks to help you recognize the power of your stories and develop more positive, empowering narratives to guide your life.
Choices of Duration & Frequency (60 min v. 90 min v. 120 min)
In support of the above, I offer the following flexible scheduling options.
- While 60-minute therapy sessions have benefits, I offer longer sessions to provide more time for a deeper exploration of issues and a stronger therapeutic rapport.
- Additionally, 90-minute sessions can lead to more significant progress in therapy and more meaningful insights into behaviours and thinking patterns.
- Longer 120-minute sessions are for individuals who prefer to meet once monthly for an in-depth EMDR and hypnotherapy experience. Then, they pause to reflect and allow themselves time to acknowledge "the shift" before processing to process adjacent memory networks and behaviours.