My personal and professional experiences and training have helped me to evolve an integrated approach. As a result, I foster a flexible healing process and an empowering environment that is informed by many different treatment approaches. These can include:
* Internal Family Systems [IFS]
* Brief Solution Focused
* Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
* Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
* Bowenian- Multigenerational
* Object Relations
* Child-Parent Therapy
* Satir
* Psychosocial Rehabilitation
* Stages of Change/ Harm Reduction/ Addictions Recovery
* Gender/ Cultural and Trauma Informed
I help clients and their families to navigate and access collateral services when needed to ensure appropriate wrap around care (Addictions Treatment, Psychiatric, Medical).
MFTs are uniquely qualified Relationship Professionals who help individuals, couples and families see their situations from a new perspective that brings out strengths and invites change. MFTs are rigorously trained Mental Health Professionals who have achieved over 1000 hours of therapy with individuals, families, couples and groups, while under the supervision of an MFT Approved Supervisor. MFTs have acquired specific graduate level training in couple and family therapy. MFTs are respectful of diversity in ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, spirituality and socioeconomic status. MFT research has demonstrated that Couple and Family Therapy is a recommended best practice approach for depression, severe mental illness, substance abuse, couple problems and parenting concerns. MFTs in Ontario first and foremost adhere to the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) ethical and legal requirements. Along with this, an MFT also adheres to the AAMFT Code of Ethics that outlines responsibilities to clients, the profession and the community. MFTs help people to keep their most significant relationships alive, rich and stable.
At the outset I will collaborate with you in order to determine and come to an agreement about the goals for therapy. This is known as client directed care. These goals can be based on current needs, concerns and predicaments or they can come from past experiences that are difficult and are blocking you from feeling whole, balanced and at peace. You and I together, will monitor and review the progress and gains you achieve from participating in therapy. In this way you will be clear about the length of time you need to achieve your goals. In general most people achieve their therapeutic goals through brief assistance. This supports people to maintain a healthy, independent life. Once you’ve discovered how therapy can be a powerful process that promotes growth and healing, you will know that you can utilize this health resource anytime your life presents new challenges that require additional assistance.
Psychotherapeutic treatment can be effective at mitigating slight to moderate mental health distress without the aid of medication. If you are presently being prescribed medication for a mental health concern, this can help you to gain an improved level of mental and emotional functioning stability. However, in combination with Psychotherapy, positive mental health outcomes are shown to be greater and of longer duration. Therapy is needed in order to uncover and address the source of your distress and behavior patterns. In the case of severe or chronic physical symptoms that seem related to your mental health, always check with your medical doctor or psychiatrist first to determine what combination of treatments is best for you. It is alo recommended that you do not make any medication changes without checking with your doctor or psychiatrist.