How I Work
When supporting my clients I use an integrative approach focusing on the mind-body connection to meet the needs of each client. At the core is a person-centred approach, that is, you, as the client, will determine what is best for yourself. Below is a little more information about some of the therapeutic approaches that I use to suit you individually, based on your current concerns and needs.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is centred around the principle that people (i.e you) are the expert of their own lives and seeks to be a respectful and non-blaming approach. Narrative therapy views people as being separate from their problems and aims to help individuals re-author their life stories by identifying and challenging the dominant narrative that may be causing them distress. While highlighting your strengths and resources that have helped you overcome challenges in the past.
When applying narrative therapy techniques as a therapist I am seeking to open up and engage in a collaborative series of conversations that guide you towards better understanding your beliefs, values, commitments and abilities in a safe, respectful, and blame-free fashion. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural, social, and political context in which problems are experienced.
Our time together will be driven by your progress and unique journey and we may find ourselves exploring a number of conversational roads, crossroads and intersections as you feel your way forward towards the future that is right for you.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between a person’s mind and their body and is anchored in the principle your inner feelings, emotions and mental state impact your physical health. For example, if you’re struggling to make a high-stakes decision it is not uncommon to experience physical symptoms such as a sensation of a racing heart, headaches, and shoulder tension even when you’re not consciously thinking about the topic of concern. The goal of somatic therapy is to help you to become more aware of the connection between your physical sensations stemming from emotional and mental health causes and to provide you with strategies to identify and release physical tensions. I find somatic therapy particularly helpful for clients who are experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, and relationship problems.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT focuses on helping people to behave more consistently with their own values. At its core, it is a type of mindfulness practice that I can help you to develop which will help you to stay focused on the present moment, accept thoughts and feelings without judgement and let go of things that are out of your control. Through this approach, we can enable you to move through difficult emotions allowing you to redirect and invest your energy in healing and moving forward with actions you can commit to rather than dwelling on negatives and feeling trapped by inertia.
Expressive Therapies
Expressive therapies use creative art activities, such as art, writing, music, dance, drama, and symbol and dream work to explore, express, share and process emotions, thoughts, experiences and feelings. I find that using these approaches in combination with talk therapy can be useful to allow clients to express themselves in a non-verbal and creative way. This can allow for greater self-expression and self-awareness along with reducing stress and anxiety. By creating your own movement, music or art, you have control over the experience; this can be empowering. You do not need to be good at any of the creative approaches, as it is about the process, not the final result.