Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is client-centered- which means that the work is guided by your individual needs, concerns, and lived experiences, and draws to foster a deeper recognition and appreciation of your strengths and resiliency. Creating and working towards concrete and realistic goals, and seeking your input through regular check-ins and feedback is imbedded within each stage of this process. I draw upon a variety of theoretical and model-based approaches, instead of adhering to a single one, that are chosen to address your identified needs and concerns. These are based on best practice guidelines, evidence-based research, emerging literature, and also include holistic healing approaches and models. Psychoeducation and stress reduction techniques are integrated in therapy sessions to foster a deeper understanding of issues faced and offer sustainable coping tools.
As a woman of colour and Psychotherapist, I am deeply aware of the impact and legacy that power and privilege, status, stigma, oppression and its intersectionality, colonialism, capitalism, and structural violence can have on formulating and maintaining identities, factors influencing health-seeking behaviours, and overall sustainability of health and well-being. My practice is anchored in anti-racism, anti-oppression, harm reduction, feminist theory, cultural competence and restorative justice frameworks. I am sex-positive, youth-positive, kink-positive, and sex work positive, and have experience supporting diverse clientele and relationship models such as open relationships, polyamorous, monogamous and non-monogamous.
Determining the length and frequency of our therapeutic work is based on many factors. This may be based on your concerns, hopes and goals for therapy, your current life circumstances, and/or your availability. I offer support that can be brief in nature, on a “as need basis” or “maintenance” support, as well as provide long-term counselling. It is imperative to me to facilitate discussions around what would be supportive, work best to bolster your growth, and empower you outside of sessions. If your needs happen to fall outside the scope of my professional practice and expertise, I am happy to provide referrals to other qualified psychotherapists and/or community agencies.
Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with and look forward to working with plays a vital role in making your psychotherapy experience effective. I encourage you to contact me and utilize the free 20-minute phone consultation to start discussing your needs and determine if I am a good fit for you.
