Bringing your life into focus
My Approach
My therapeutic approach is grounded in the philosophies of Existential, Humanistic and Analytical Psychology, which incorporates a holistic view of the individual, with an emphasis on enhancing self understanding and personal responsibility, while honouring the dynamic and paradoxical nature of what it means to be human.
Entering into psychotherapy is essentially embarking on a process of self-discovery. This is achieved through the co-creation of dialogue. The fundamental principle of psychotherapy, simply put, is that increased understanding leads to improved functioning, and that the pathway to such understanding is through connection with another who has themselves embarked on their own inner journey.
In session I provide a non-judgmental, accepting, and supportive atmosphere in which we can engage in an open and honest dialogue. We can begin exploring the issues that you are faced with so that together we can increase your self understanding.
Although I am familiar with, and have studied multiple therapeutic modalities, my main interest and passion lies in Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy. My work with clients is also informed by own extensive involvement in Existential-Analytical Depth Psychotherapy.
What is Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy?
This approach is less structured than other forms of therapy. It does not focus exclusively on any one life issue or problem, nor does it employ any one theoretical orientation to understanding. Existential-humanistic psychotherapy places emphasis on increasing your self awareness through a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of your lived experiences: past, present and future.
This will help you to foster a deeper understanding of yourself, which will naturally extend to your relationships with others and the larger world in which you exist.
As noted by Carl Rogers, one of the founders of humanistic psychology, “Once an experience is fully in awareness, fully accepted, then it can be coped with effectively, like any other clear reality.”
It has been my experience that as we begin to understand ourselves and our experiences with greater precision, while learning to view ourselves from a more accepting and holistic perspective, naturally we become more fluent in our lives.
Together, we will co-create an explorative discussion
Some areas of concern may include:
- anxiety, depression,
- grief and loss,
- relationship concerns, divorce/separation, infidelity
- acute and complex trauma,
- self-esteem/identity,
- work/career stress, burnout and uncertainty,
- addictions, self or family
- parenting concerns,
- life transitions, personal growth,
- meaning making and existential (life) concerns.
It is my hope that you will feel safe to express and explore parts of your experience, that you might otherwise tend to keep hidden, that you will feel safe to be vulnerable.
It is my hope that in time, you will come to view yourself more expansively, with deeper understanding and consideration of your complexity. And that ultimately, your experience and existence will take on new meaning.
How long will it take?
“Every person must choose how much truth he can stand” -Irvin D. Yalom
The course of therapy is different for everyone. Ultimately it depends on the particulars of your situation as well as your motivation for seeking support/change, which in my experience tends to shift over time.
Generally, there is no predetermined time limit. It is worth noting that this approach is more in-depth as opposed to brief/short-term. Change takes time, the pace of which is different for everyone.
Consistency is essential to creating lasting change. The deep work of processing and integrating experiences requires regular tending to. If too much time elapses between sessions, you are likely to feel that progress is impacted.
For these reasons, weekly sessions are recommended whenever possible so that a momentum can be established and maintained.
Appointment times are reserved just for you and are regarded with importance. Therapy does require commitment. Your progress hinges on how you approach therapy and the degree to which you also regard it with importance.