Psychological Services

Psychotherapy/counselling is a relational process between a counsellor and client that supports growth and change in the areas of wellness, relationships, personal development, mental health, and/or psychological illness or distress.  All of our psychological services are rooted in trauma-informed care principles, the science of resilience and toxic stress, developmental knowledge and attachment theory.  The most common benefits of counselling include improvements in self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, increase feelings of hope, improved relationships with self and others, greater emotional awareness and regulation and a greater ability to take on an active role in one’s life.  The role of a therapist/counsellor is to help you to not only cope, but thrive in the face of life's challenges in ways that serve your well-being. Periods of change are often stressful, and they are sometimes stormy. You may experience a range of emotions and changes in your relationships with yourself and others.  

 

With or without therapy, you may derive valuable benefits from self-help and social support groups, time in nature, bibliotherapy (therapeutic reading), exercise, regular sleep, hobbies, music, religious or spiritual practices. We will be glad to help you explore possibilities in these areas.

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How does therapy work?

Communication is essential to successful therapy. We encourage you to ask questions and to express your feelings and concerns as openly as possible.  The most important factors contributing to success in therapy are persistence and patience, the quality of the relationship that we develop together, and the optimal pacing of exercises and experiences that encourage and strengthen new patterns of action, thought, and feeling.  It is most effective when the relationship between the client and therapist is built on the principles of safety, trustworthiness & transparency, empowerment & choice and a sensitivity to the cultural, historical and gender context.

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