VALUES & IDEAS THAT GUIDE MY WORK

The philosophy of my work is to practice therapy from a holistic perspective: body, mind and spirit. To support personal growth by facilitating mindful connection to self and others.

My strong dedication to helping people make personal change comes from my 20 plus years in recovery and the fulfillment of many personal and professional goals.

I treat children, adolescents and adults as individuals, couples and groups. I provide specialized care in the treatment of addictions both behavioral and substance with a focus on the resolution of trauma;

• Mood problems such as anxiety and depression
• Trauma resolution both developmental and single incident
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Codependency
• Sexual and intimacy problems
• Sexual addiction/compulsively
• Internet addiction/compulsivity
• Love addiction and romance addiction
• Issues related to food and disordered eating
• Issues related to finances and financial disorders

I consider myself a Somatic or Body Centered Therapist. It may be that events of the past are colouring your present experience. If so, there may be some unresolved trauma in your life. In other words, it may be that there is more to learn from a past event.

Through somatic psychotherapy, you will learn to create a dialogue between your body's sensations and your ability to interpret their meanings. You can learn to acknowledge, make space for, tolerate, contain, differentiate, learn from, and then, ultimately, relax the sensations on a regular basis, as they arise, regardless of the situation you are in. It is a journey that invites emotional expression, movement, compassionate insight and inner peace. We use the direct experience of your body in relationship with the mind as a healing tool that can help with the resolution of traumatic events.

I use experiential therapy techniques to help you break free of unhealthy thought patterns, beliefs and feelings. Psychodrama, grief expression and anger release work are just some of the techniques we will use. Your counselling may include group process, role play, music, and/or art.

Sexual Health versus Sexual Compulsivity

When the need to bond with others has been wounded through trauma, neglect or abandonment people can experience great emotinal pain. They then can have difficulty relating to their sexuality in ways that honour their values, respect their bodies and encourage growth in relationships. Compulsive sexual behaviours take many forms and are seen as any sexual behaviour which interfers with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones and one's work environment. There is usually a confusing willingness to sacrifice what is cherised most in order to preserve and continue the behaviour even when it is known to be unhealthy.
I am trained to work with individuals and couples who are suffering from addictive or compulsive sexual behaviours by the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals and Patrick Carnes, PhD. Check out the following links for more information.
www.acara-counselling.com
www.sexhelp.com
www.sexsmart.com

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed in the late 1980s as a treatment for post traumatic stress. Since this time there was been much research done as to the effectiveness of this treatment on various forms of trauma, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, performance enhancement and the development of inner strengths and resources.

When a disturbing event occurs, the memory can become “locked” into your nervous system as an isolated network incorporating imagery, emotions, body sensation and negative beliefs. This network can become triggered when any kind of associated or related experience comes along. This can cause an overreaction of the present situation which may result in you feeling almost as upset or powerless as you did in the original event. The expected result is that the memory is laid to rest in the past and you are no longer hampered by the effects of the original disturbing event or later incidences which may have been added to the memory of it. For more information go to www.emdr.com

Somatic Experiencing ® was developed by Dr. Peter Levine and is now used by many practitioners working in the field of trauma. After 35 years of scientific study, Dr. Levine has come up with a model to help human beings move through and renegotiate overwhelming life events without feeling overwhelmed in the process. His unique understanding that trauma is in the nervous system and not in the event. The trauma symptoms are generalized and biologically predictable. Therefore, logical strategies can be devised to change their state, lessen suffering and enhance healing in many individuals. The body can and will relax towards a state of resiliency. This is what we will be working with…to release the energy of shock so that the body can organize itself or return to a healthy state of mental and physical well being. For more information go to www.traumahealing.com

A Positive Outlook on the Challenges all Couples Face
 “ The Couples Institute”  www.couplesinstitute.com
edited by debi Hartwell, MA, CCC
 
Problems and disillusionment eventually happen in almost every relationship.  How you think about your difficulties, how you manage your feelings, where you focus your attention, and how you act and communicate under stress will determine the quality of your relationship.  If you can change your conviction that your partner is the source of your unhappiness – if you can understand that struggles are not a sign of a failing relationship – if you can see your relationship as a journey along a path of development, then you will be well on your way to a more positive outlook.
 
In couples therapy you will learn about the normal and natural stages and struggles that growing couples encounter.  Equipped with a clear overview of the terrain and a ‘map’ that points to the stepping stones of differentiation, you can redirect your efforts and energy toward a vital, satisfying relationship.
 
As a professional couple’s therapist, I can help you and your partner sort out your problems and build a strong relationship. Whether you are in the middle of a crisis, moving through an arduous transition time, or discovering unpleasant behaviours – professional help can provide a source of support, strength and growth.  Having a highly trained third party can help you work through anger, resentment or frustration, and get to workable solutions.  I am often privileged to see couples emerge from a difficult situation felling more intimate and committed that they ever thought were possible.
 
• Successfully handle your differences and disagreements, actually growing closer from then;
• Set goals and build a foundation for all future changes with your partner;
• Negotiate strategies that build trust and respect;
• Reduce stress and tension in your relationship; and,
• Apply these skills to other areas of your life.

 
Download How to Get the Most out of Couples Therapy (pdf file 108kb)

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