I use a variety of approaches to meet each person’s unique and specific needs. When exploring what brings you to counselling, I conduct a biopsychosocial assessment (this feels quite conversational in-session), looking at what biological (e.g. nervous system, neurodiversity), psychological (e.g. emotions, behaviours), and social factors (e.g. relationships, societal pressures) have affected you to bring you to where you are now. Together, we can discuss what approaches may be a good fit for you to help you see positive changes and reach your personal goals.

Person-Centred

You’re the expert of your own life, I’m simply a guide or navigator, hopping into the passenger seat to help you get to where you want to go. Together, we can explore where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go, all at a pace that feels comfortable you. This collaborative approach is integral to my work with all clients.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and responses, all affect each other, shaped by events and experiences from the past. With CBT, we can look at these connections and find ways to shift your perspective in a meaningful way that feels right for you.

 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

In order to make change, we must first accept our circumstances. There are also some things in life that we ultimately can’t change. Part of DBT is learning how to change what we can, radically accept what we can’t, and live a live worth living anyway.

Polyvagal Theory

Our nervous systems are constantly paying attention to cues of safety and threat and shifting our state (safe and social; fight or flight; freeze or shutdown) to help us survive. This theory can be a useful way to understand what activates our nervous system and moves us into these states, such as specific trigger sounds with misophonia, how this can manifest in life, such as anxiety or depression, and how we can connect with feelings of joy and safety.

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Mindfulness (awareness without judgment) is crucial to counselling as a whole, and is more than just meditating (don’t worry, we’ll only explore meditation if that’s something you’re interested in). There are also neurodivergent-friendly ways that we can bring mindfulness into your day-to-day life. Mindful self-compassion can be an impactful antidote to self-criticism or judgment (which is ultimately trying to protect us), and can meaningfully improve our relationship with ourself and others.

To learn more about my approach and what direction may be beneficial to you, schedule a free 20 minute consult.