Find a Therapist in Lantzville, British Columbia.

I am a registered Clinical Counsellor or practicing Psychotherapist in the Province of British Columbia. I have been practicing for over 25 years in the field of Mental Health and relationship counselling. Psychotherapy typically uses talk therapy, however, in my practice, I also use creative arts approaches if clients prefer. Psychotherapy can help with symptoms that interfere with enjoying life to the fullest. I use a trauma-informed approach, meaning that I am sensitive to the conditions and experiences that can retraumatize a person in counselling.

Patterns of self-sabotaging behavioural, disorganized thinking and overwhelming emotion make life very difficult. How can we move forward when our bodies seem to betray us and we just need a break from the buzzing anxiety or the numbing of depression? What you may not know is all these symptoms are the imprint of our unfinished business, stuck in the body and just begging to be seen, cared for and accepted. Working with me means looking with curiosity, compassion and an educated-eye at how old wounds of betrayal, abandonment and rejection show up to block living your best life. You are not alone and there is hope.

Sometimes just the idea of self-exploration in counselling can seem daunting. We can make this process more comfortable and accessible, not just through our compassion for others, but also by offering a variety of counselling strategies from traditional talk therapies to expressive and creative options. Having choices in therapy allows the safety and flexibility to learn about ourselves and others. Let us help to open the door to the real, practical and long term changes you are seeking. We encourage the intra-personal and interpersonal connections that bring greater harmony to the individuals and families we serve.

In psychotherapy I can help you explore the deeper roots of issues--the hidden facets of yourself and how they play out in your life. This exploration includes insight-oriented work, reflection, and specific strategies to address issues. Psychotherapy is an evidence-based therapy approach, and research has shown it to be the most effective approach for long-term resolution of issues. In our lives there are underground streams of feeling and meaning. I can help you access these deeper currents, bringing hidden dreams, unexplored life meaning, and unresolved conflicts (which may be underscoring relationship issues) to the surface.

I provide psychotherapy for children, youth and adults at The Centre For Expressive Therapy, a warm, nurturing atmosphere that reflects and supports healing. The therapeutic methods used during the course of psychotherapy are carefully chosen according to age, natural inclination and life circumstances to meet a client's unique needs. We will work together to explore and change the thought and behaviour patterns that are keeping you from being the best you can be. Building on your inner strengths, you will learn new skills to better cope with life's obstacles and challenges. Ongoing support is offered as suitable.

Psychotherapy involves several types of therapy some of which are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Focused Integrative Short Term Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. All have positives and negatives as they have tiy work through isssues that have been burried due to emotional pain. The most important component of any therapy is the relationship developed with the therapist who provides a safe caring and nurturing environment in order for you to challenge your fears and work through you issues.

Psychotherapy is often used to treat a wide range of challenges, some of which include: poor self confidence, depression, anxiety, career problems, impaired relationships, addictions, etc. As your therapist I will assist you in identifying the key areas you would like to work on. Sometimes people feel so overwhelmed they do not know where to start. Together, we can determine which issues are of top priority. I will assist you in looking at the 'big picture', while initially setting small measurable goals. I will provide you with the support you need to tackle each obstacle head on. Small successes lead to great accomplishments.

In my practice as a psychotherapist I assist individuals to understand forces within that cause suffering & confusion. My approach is engaging, compassionate and expansive. I have over 25 years of experience with many types of people from different cultures & backgrounds. I believe most people have a mixture of complex emotions & complicated life experiences. But most everyone is trying to live a better life. People often have ‘scripts’ of who they are & why they came to be living the way they are. I help people develop ways of reflecting on what has been, what is, and what might be. This opens the possibilities for more choices in life. Your life can be different if you want it to be.

The circumstances and issues that you are dealing with are unique to you, but you don't have to face them alone. Every individual has different experiences, perceptions, feelings, thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes, cultural backgrounds and "upbringings". Counselling sessions are private and confidential, and can provide a way for you to explore your problems and really tune in to your feelings. This is an opportunity to speak freely about your circumstances and release pent up feelings, without having to worry about what others think or feel, and without receiving unwanted advise from family, friends or coworkers. At the root of the problem, there are very real, legitimate and understandable reasons for feeling the way you feel, thinking the way...(view profile to read more)

Fundamental to the work is a good therapeutic relationship. That is, we have the collaboration and trust to combine your knowledge of yourself and your situation and my skills and knowledge of the clinical issues to make change happen. With established trust and rapport between us, we can develop a structureless structure for our treatment plan. That is, one flexible enough to give space to deal with thoughts and feelings spontaneously each week, and structured enough to accomplish your goals.

My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe in the power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, serving as a foundation for the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches, I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower clients to openly express themselves and work towards understanding the underlying factors influencing their behaviours.

My approach is to work collaboratively with clients using a holistic model of therapy which entails a blending of Eastern and Western modalities. For example, training in meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, proper exercise, a nutritious, science-based diet and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. Also, including talk therapy can then help to reveal core values and issues. Mindfulness training benefits clients in observing clearly thoughts and behaviours. Clients benefit greatly through the use of evidence based interventions by developing the skills needed to evaluate thought patterns and overcome destructive patterns.

We all go through challenges in life, in our past, present, and thoughts for our future. Sometimes we experience, stress, have family struggles, go through loss, or experience mental health challenges. It is during these times that a Clinical Counsellor can provide support and tools to navigate these situations. Individual counselling begins with building a collaborative relationship between you and your counsellor. The relationship can develop in person or virtually. Some clients prefer to have their sessions outdoors or engage in walk and talk therapy. Whatever the setting, therapy is a non-judgmental and confidential space for you to share safely and receive feedback and support.