What's in a Session?
For years now, I've had an intense curiosity in learning new kinds of therapy, and enjoy working with clients to figure out how best we can mix-and-match strategies in ways that make the most sense for folks...definitely not a fan of "one size fits all" approaches here!
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We can meet in person, by phone or video, whatever makes the most sense. Heck sometimes I even do house calls!
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Sessions can involve aspects of the following (and maybe more-researchers figure out new ideas all the time!):
HABIT FORMING AND BREAKING
PULLING FROMÂ RECENT RESEARCH, WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOU FIND LASTING CHANGEÂ IN THE WAY YOU LIVE, WORK, AND THINK!
"Bevavioural Design" is an overly complicated way to describe developing habits which will take you in the direction of the life you want to live. My approach is heavily inspired by the "Fogg Behavioural Model," learn more about this exciting philosophy and research below:
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Forget big change, start with a tiny habit: BJ Fogg at TEDxFremont - YouTube
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ACT
RESPONDING TO LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS WITH MORE FLEXIBILITY, TO TAKE YOU IN THE DIRECTION OFÂ A MORE RICH, MEANINGFUL LIFE
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is considered a "third wave Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy" (CBT). As a therapist I've struggled with CBT in the past, for a lot of reasons, and this sense has grown over the years.
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However, I find ACT is a welcome breath of fresh air in the CBT world! I especially love how flexibly ACT can be applied, making it a better fit for the randomness which happens so often in our lives.
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The evidence supporting ACT therapy is strong internationally, and growing every year, for a wide range of mental health concerns. Learn more at:
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PROBLEM-SOLVING & IMPROVING YOUR EFFICIENCY
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO DEVELOP BETTER WAYS THROUGH THE EVERYDAY TASKS AND STRESSÂ OF LIFE!
My job is to help you develop the best tools and strategies to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. And, after 20 years, I have a good number of these jangling around in my head! Whether we're doing a single session to develop a better system of getting things done, or years-long working through trauma, these skills definitely come into play.
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Besides getting more done, and done more effectively, we'll also also explore reasons *why* it's important for you to get more done, to avoid feeding any "perfectionism monsters!"
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I'll try to share some of these in my Blog, but in the meantime, check out the link below for an example of a system I find personally helpful, and which we can tinker with to make your own!
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Discover Kanban in 90 seconds to improve the way you live and work - YouTube
TRAUMA TREATMENT (EMDR, and BEYOND!)
WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO UNDERSTAND HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS YOU, OR LOVED ONES, AND DEVELOP A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TOGETHER TO WORK THROUGH IT
Trauma is different for everyone, and shows up in far more ways than most of us realize. And so, I believe trauma treatment should also be tailored to whatever different clients need. I'm trained in EMDR therapy and other strategies, however have seen the best results when we can apply such approaches with empathy and flexibility.
Usually we start by understanding biological reactions related to trauma. These often surprise people, and sometimes clients describe profound relief when they get some clarity on some of the troubles they've had (like feelings, thoughts, relationships, work troubles...the list goes on!). We then develop strategies together to help improve the quality of your life.
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This recovery work is often slow, involving building trust (often people have tried and had mixed results with many different counsellors over the years), coping with grief, unlearning anger and addictions, recognizing unhealthy relationships, and so much more, to build a life worth living.
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If you or someone you care about is dealing with trauma, or think you might be, let's work together to get on track.
Hopefully a helpful resource to start:
LGBTQ+ FOCUSED THERAPY
STARTING AS WHAT I KNEW AS "THE GAY COMMUNITY," THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY HAS GROWN AND DEVELOPED A LOT OVER THE PAST DECADES. I'M TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED IN HELPING SUPPORT THESE FOLKS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
ALSO WPATH TRAINED, FOR TRANSGENDER TRANSITION ASSESSMENT AND LETTERS!
As an openly-gay cisgender male, I have seen and marveled (over the past 4 decades or so) how my LGBTQ+ Community has grown and worked through so many challenges, in Nova Scotia and globally. Finding and understanding our identity better, evolving our use of language, overcoming sometimes-deadly discrimination and oppression, to finding greater range of representation in the media...it's been quite a journey. And despite being part of the same community, we still each have our own, unique way of seeing things, fueling more conflicts but always further growth.
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Professionally, I've been privileged to work with clients through understanding sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation matters, both in city and rural/small town settings. The amount of myths to be busted are HUGE when it comes to the kinds of things we're uncomfortable talking about!
Some especially prefer virtual visits, to speak with a Therapist from outside their own communities, for greater confidentiality and peace of mind while discussing such private concerns.
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Though I can promise I am not the world's expert, I can promise confidentiality, respect and determination as we try to figure out these things together!
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Some helpful places to start looking for answers:
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NARRATIVE THERAPY
LET'S LEARN TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE STORIES OF YOUR LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF YOUR LOVED ONES, AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO GET AHEAD!
"Doctor Who" once said, "we're all stories in the end-let's make it a good one, eh?"
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For millions of years, most likely, we have communicated through stories. Pictures, written work, spoken word, video, to video games...this is the basic language of how we relate to others, and how we understand our own identity and life.
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Let's work together to figure out where your stories come from, how they make you feel strong as a Skywalker or low as a Gollum, and create a better story going forward!
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Learn more here:
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INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS) THERAPY
CARRYING AROUND THE FAMILY WE STARTED WITH
IFS involves a lot of specialized techniques to help us understand how we continue to play out the dramas, and chase the hopes, we learned in the past. Sometimes these may even be memories we don't remember we have, but the body keeps track.
Let's work on finally letting those hardworking "parts of yourself" rest, often freeing us up to build more productive, healthier and happier lives!
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You can learn more here:
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Internal Family Systems Therapy (goodtherapy.org)
