My Approach
As an integrative psychotherapist, I believe that in order for people to change, we have to focus on four areas: thoughts, emotions, behaviours and the body. I help clients explore all four areas through the context of a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. I believe that the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist is the most important ingredient in change. As a client, you need someone who can attune to you, accept you, support you, challenge you, help you see yourself and the world in new ways, and most fundamentally, help you gain more awareness of yourself: your thoughts, your feelings, your behaviours and your body.
If you decide to come and see me, the first session will be us coming to an understanding of what the problem is. Together we will outline a treatment plan that makes sense to you.
A course of therapy can involve exploring your inner world, working through unresolved feelings from the past, reading, journal writing, gestalt therapy techniques, or homework assignments about trying new behaviours. It may also entail EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) sessions. For more information, see Services, above.
About Me
I have been a registered psychologist since 1978 after obtaining an M.A. in Counselling Psychology and have trained in many modalities and approaches. My main framework for understanding my clients thoughts, feelings and behaviours comes from Integrative Psychotherapy as developed by Richard Erskine, Ph.D. (integrativetherapy.com). I am a founding member of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (integrativeassociation.com) and an active Board member in the association.
Prior to starting my private practice in 1991, I worked in community mental health settings where I served as a director of a mental health team. In my private practice I have seen over 1000 clients in both individual and group psychotherapy. As a certified Trainer and Supervisor in Integrative Psychotherapy, I have offered a consultation group for psychotherapists for many years teaching the Integrative Psychotherapy model and currently co-lead it with Lindsay Stewart, R.C.S.W. (lindsaystewart-psychotherapist.com).
Memberships
College of Psychologists of B.C., Member #549 (http://www.collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca/)
Certified Trainer and Supervisor with the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association (http://www.integrativeassociation.com/)
Board Member of the IIPA