Approaches To Care
“Change your opinions, keep to your principles, change your leaves, keep intact your roots.”
– Victor Hugo
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
At the heart of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the understanding that our thoughts or beliefs are intertwined with our feelings and our behaviours. Although we may have little control over our environment, our experiences, people or events, we have the ability to alter our thoughts and reactions to these external triggers to manage our emotions differently. CBT is an evidence-based approach that provides practical strategies for changing your thought process and developing new responses. It is not simply a “just think positive” therapy model, but rather a method of finding a balance to the way life is perceived.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a meditative approach that has been researched and has demonstrated itself to be effective in the treatment of multiple mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, heart disease, blood pressure and chronic pain. Mindfulness has been defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as the “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally”. I like to emphasize the “nonjudgmentally” since we are often trapped in our negative inner dialogue and self-doubt, and this makes being present very difficult. Through a Mindfulness practice, we can develop a new relationship with our thoughts and feelings, finding our way to a place of curiosity and acceptance, even when life can sometimes present us with tremendous challenges.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that has been found to be effective with extreme mood swings, intense emotions, and difficulty coping with distress. The main premise of DBT is that seeming opposites can co-exist, and one can learn to be both in the reality of what life presents, while working towards positive personal change and growth. While rooted in CBT, DBT places more of an emphasis on emotions and behaviours, and uses Mindfulness and other practical techniques to help individuals regulate strong emotions, tolerate distress and improve their relationships.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is another evidence-based model that is rooted in attachment science and focuses on the importance of emotional connection and security. At its foundation is the understanding that humans thrive when we find meaning and validation in our relationships with ourselves and with others, and we feel lost when these connections become threatened. I have completed internships with Dr Sue Johnson in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and I understand how to explore the emotions at the root of our internal and interpersonal struggles, to identify the problematic patterns that can emerge, and how to develop new moves in the complicated dance we engage in within ourselves and with our loved ones.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is an additional approach that can be very beneficial as an integrated practice with CBT and Mindfulness. Through extensive training, I have learned how to use trance work in treating many issues, but have especially found it to be effective with low self-esteem and trauma. By helping clients to relax into a state where they can step away from the conscious state (guarded, judging, critical) and deepen towards a subconscious state that is more open to change, unhealthy core beliefs can begin to shift and an inner wisdom and peace can be experienced.
CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as a model has provided a framework for many mental and physical health concerns. Insomnia is one of these ailments that can be treated through CBT. My training with Dr Colleen Carney has provided me with the tools and techniques necessary to apply CBT to this common sleep issue. By understanding distressing cognitions that perpetuate sleep problems (the C in CBT), and making changes to unproductive behaviours and routines (the B in CBT), people who suffer from insomnia can find their way to better sleep. Mindfulness and other stress management practices are also introduced as methods for relaxing the body and finding peace.
You don’t have to walk this path alone. Let me join you on your journey to wellness.
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