Find a Therapist in Port Moody, British Columbia.

Psychotherapy can be effective and greatly beneficial for couples, individuals and families. We strive to create a safe and understanding environment where we work in a collaborative manor based on your goals and needs. We will work with a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs providing optimal results. Through psychotherapy you can begin to see yourself and your world through a non partial and neutral lens. Through the clarity and acceptance of your authentic self we will work to build your tools for ongoing personal growth and success, independent of counselling.

Psychotherapy (or counselling) is ‘talk therapy’ – where you, as the client, share: your experiences, goals, challenges, presenting concerns, both verbally and nonverbally. Through this communication a therapeutic relationship (or alliance) is formed. This relationship acts a safe space for you to explore, excavate, evaluate, take new risks, etc. In a large way, engaging in the therapeutic relationship is ‘practise’ for the real world. I, as the therapist, will work with multiple modalities (or theoretical orientations) within our dialogue and engagement, which will serve to help us reflect, challenge, bear to light, collaborate, as well as model things (such as security, compassion, etc.).

Feelings need to be felt. Stories need to be told. Sometimes, a therapist takes the role of a highly trained audience. I know how to listen, with the curiosity and earnestness of someone newly in love. Listening is not the entire treatment, but it is definitely a necessary part of it. I'll quote Lou Reed here: "I'll be your mirror, reflect what you are, in case you don't know."

Exploring your past and present experiences with a compassionate professional can provide a safe atmosphere for intrapersonal exploration, allowing you to understand yourself better. When we understand ourselves, our relationships and habits become clearer, leading to new possibilities for the future. Self-awareness brings increased satisfaction in relationships with self and others, as well as enhancing our ability to make confident decisions and move toward our goals.

Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to take a step back from your life and reflect on what matters to you. It used to be thought that if you need a "shrink" i.e. head shrinker, there's something wrong with you! These days, we know that the demands of our fast paced lives can get us down and we may not be aware of the reasons. We may be too close to our own issues. In psychotherapy, we can slow down and have help to examine what comes up in the context of our difficulties. Our bodies and emotions register reactions that we may not understand. Psychotherapy can help open a space to let new realities unfold through honouring small reactions that can be understood in the larger context.

I believe the main function of psychotherapy is to be a reflective tool. Like a mirror I can reflect what you show me exactly as it is, but I can also magnify and expand the image for you. Sometimes we can narrow in on an issue, and observe the smallest details; sometimes getting so close that they don't look small anymore, in all their complexity. Other times an expansive view is is more beneficial, so we can see the overall connections a single issue can have with other various parts of life.

My qualifications include a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. My trauma-informed theoretical framework is anchored in Internal Family Systems (IFS), while integrating the attachment principles and relational lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Both of these methodologies are evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to be effective with a variety of situations and symptoms. I recognize that each individual has a unique set of circumstances and perspectives, so with this in mind, I will work collaboratively with you to determine your strengths, needs, areas of growth, and go

The benefits of Psychotherapy with me are: Having a better Understanding of your problem, issue, and or illness Being able to talk freely and openly (helps to relieve stress) Discover what created the issue Discover different ways to manage your feelings, think, behave and practice them Identify your triggers and learn to how manage them Discover how you react to a situation, or things Create and acquire realistic goals Explore new strategies and coping skills Eliminate your anxieties, fears, and insecurities Improve your self-esteem and confidence Improve you problem-solving skills Learn to break old patterns and unhealthy habits Learn to live a life that is healthy and happy for you

Psychotherapy is another word for counselling. The main feature of counselling is that clients tell their story, and are validated and not judged by the counsellor.In all of my professional development courses I have heard over and over again that the counselling relationship is the healing tool for the client. Being heard and not being judged are what helps clients heal.Counselling/psychotherapy can be absolutely life changing!!

I use a two pronged approach in assisting clients . The first is called CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is highly used in counselling. It increase a clients awareness and enhances their education and skills. The second component, and I believe the most important, is the Reduction of Emotional Charge connected with the issue. Some times CBT is sufficient to bring about permanent change. But often people relapse because the emotional stimulation/reaction had not been reduced & they default to their old coping mechanisms.

Patterns of self-sabotaging behavioural, disorganized thinking and overwhelming emotion make life very difficult. How can we move forward when our bodies seem to betray us and we just need a break from the buzzing anxiety or the numbing of depression? What you may not know is all these symptoms are the imprint of our unfinished business, stuck in the body and just begging to be seen, cared for and accepted. Working with me means looking with curiosity, compassion and an educated-eye at how old wounds of betrayal, abandonment and rejection show up to block living your best life. You are not alone and there is hope.

Take the courageous step towards personal growth and lasting change by engaging in my unique style of psychotherapy. I've been a psychotherapist for over 30 years and learned what's most effective from the clients I've worked with in the past. Through collaborative sessions tailored to meet your needs we will explore challenges, uncover insights, determine a path to healing, and develop effective strategies for a more fulfilling life. Unlock your resilience and your potential for happiness!

Psychotherapy is a big word, that really just means talking through your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with someone that is trained in helping you understand them and then how you can change them to live the life you desire. Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of individuals who have shared with me their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and together we worked on individualized steps to create a new, more desired future. It takes honesty and a desire to make small steps and the results are amazing.