Find a Therapist in Gibsons, British Columbia.

Psychotherapy is a fancy word for "talk therapy." Within a safe, therapeutic relationship psychotherapy can help clients explore and gain an understanding of how their past may be influencing the present and how behavioural and relationship patterns may be getting in the way of reaching goals. Heather is familiar with all of the major approaches to psychotherapy and may incorporate other forms of therapy, including somatic therapies, to respond to the unique needs of each client.

My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe in the power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, serving as a foundation for the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches, I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower clients to openly express themselves and work towards understanding the underlying factors influencing their behaviours.

Psychotherapy is deep work that involves a willingness to access painful experiences and emotions so that they can be faced, talked about, and digested. In the beginning of therapy you might feel temporarily worse before you feel better. That’s because you’re allowing yourself to feel the pain you had to numb yourself to in the past in order to survive. But that’s not where we stop. As you release yourself from past hurts and integrate them into your personal narrative, they lose their grip on you. Ultimately, the therapeutic process can lead to new freedoms to be yourself, improve your relationships, and engage in the world in more fulfilling ways. You walk with a lighter step.

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.

Not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror is painful. Not recognizing the person you once fell in love with and losing yourself in a relationship is painful. As an individual, or a couple, I can help you find hope. I can help you see a future – one with genuine smiles. All you have to do at this point is book a free consultation to take the first step toward healing.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy can be a helpful way to address problems and create meaningful change in your life. Utilizing a number of therapeutic models I hope to provide an empathetic and non-judgemental experience to explore "problems". Sessions are typically one hour and can be a safe and confidential space to share concerns, worries, fears, hopes, and needs. We will collaborate on goals for our work together. Therapeutic approaches include: Response-Based Practice, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Systemic Family Therapy.

Counselling is my life's work. I am in love with learning and do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. My first priority is to establish a good relationship with my client(s), to listen and create a safe space for them. I use my instincts, my years of experience and wisdom to customize treatment for each of my clients. I respect the wisdom of each person and believe that counselling can be a collaborative process between therapist and client. I am there to support, encourage, listen with compassion and to guide clients to find their own direction and empowerment. I also teach specific skills for communication, managing depression and anxiety and trauma symptoms.

To maintain an overall health, mental health and wellbeing with psychotherapy -- to enhance one's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and environments. Evidence-based practices of therapeutic modalities will be used to support clients' journey toward healing and acceptance. To provide psychoeducation in order for the client to understand their own symptoms and develop goals.

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.

Life and relationships become painful, sometimes paralyzing when our emotions overwhelm us. Emotions are actually intended for good - they are intended to give us motivation and information; specifically they inform us of how to act in the way that is in keeping with who we are. I help people to face their emotions, take from them the lessons that they offer and move forward positively in their lives. You do not have to be stuck, paralyzed and fearful, you can be peaceful, productive and motivated.

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons. You may want to heal from a traumatic event, or resolve problems in your relationships or life situation. Perhaps you are looking for support or guidance as you deal with a loss or transition. Maybe you feel “stuck” in a difficult relationship, need help making a tough decision, or feel your life has lost its meaning. In a safe, supportive, and confidential space, I can help you gain new perspectives, improve your relationships, alleviate distress, and learn strategies for dealing effectively with challenges in life.

Psychotherapy can be a powerful tool to help you grow in self-awareness, notice patterns in your life and help you heal. Just like when you watch a chess game from the outside, you can notice things about the game in a way that you cannot see when you are in a game, in the same way, psychotherapy can be extremely helpful in helping you to see yourself with more clarity and that clarity will result in a more fulfilled, intentional life.

Therapy can help us see new perspectives, become aware of our blind spots and increase our capacity to sit with discomfort so that we could live life fully in the present moment rather than in a mode of distraction and avoidance. I offer EMDR and somatic/body-focused approaches as well as talk therapy to help you feel safe and better. You are not alone, I will be walking by your side to tackle the challenges you are facing.

Our thoughts have a huge impact on how we view and act in the world. I will work with you to explore how your thoughts have been influenced by your experiences growing up, as well as by significant life events, loss and/or trauma. I use approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Mindfulness to help you calm your mind and invite you to consider the possibilty of expanding your perceptions of life experiences as a way of creating changes in yourself and in relationships.

Whether you are suffering with long standing anxiety and depression, facing a difficult transition, or frustrated with a current relationship, psychotherapy can help get to the root of your struggles. Psychotherapy differs from advice: as a therapist, I won't offer quick fixes or inspirational sounding platitudes. What I will do is join you in thoroughly exploring your current problems. This helps you tune into with your emotions, needs and desires in a way that can clarify purpose, improve your connection with others, and help you make important decisions. I have extensive training in psychotherapy - please get in touch to discuss how psychotherapy can be helpful to you right now.