Living in a world that spends a great deal of time telling us who we are meant to be, how we are supposed to dress, act, think and feel, it is not surprising that many of us feel overwhelmed and lost at some point in our life. Oftentimes, it is hard to find our own voice. We can feel stressed out, scattered, confused and hopeless. Compounding this, we are desperate to “fix” ourselves, trying a myriad of different solutions – fad diets, self help books, medication – sometimes these bring temporary relief, but not lasting change.

The therapeutic interventions we use in sessions are based on evidence-based treatments for the following: depression, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social phobia, OCD, eating disorders, substance abuse, exposure to trauma, disruptive disorders, ADHD, adjustment issues, and emotion dysregulation disorders. We follow Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion, Skills Training, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). So what does that actually mean?

It means that the Individual Therapy programs support individuals who are:

• Experiencing difficulty regulation emotions
• Substance Use and Addiction
• Eating Disorders or disordered eating
• Relationship conflicts or simply problems with family or peer relationships
• Grief related to the loss of a loved one
• Trauma as a result of abusive relationships
• Excessive worrying and/or fears
• Debilitating shyness
• Feeling stressed, burned out or exhausted by life’s never ending demands
• Struggling with unhelpful and unhealthy behaviour patterns
• Suffering with poor self-care
• Feeling stuck or trapped in their current lifestyle
• Seeking meaning, balance and a sense of peace in their life

Types of Counseling Offered

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a problem-focused, goal-oriented and proactive treatment approach, with particular emphasis on the present and future. CBT is a form of psychotherapy based on the premise that thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected. Treatment emphasizes identifying, evaluating and modifying dysfunctional thinking patterns and problematic behaviours to improve overall quality of life. CBT teaches strategies to effectively cope even as difficult situations change and evolve. Collaboration and psychoeducation are key elements in guiding individuals to improved emotional well-being.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents and Caregivers - Comprehensive Model

DBT for adults was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, and has been adapted for adolescents by Dr. Alec Miller, Dr. Jill Rathus, and Dr. Marsha Linehan. This evidence-based approach is often considered to be the gold standard of treatment for individuals suffering from emotion dysregulation, identity confusion, interpersonal difficulties, impulsivity, risky behaviours, and teen-parent conflict which may and more may not include a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.  DBT is a full treatment program involving four modalities of treatment - Individual Therapy which the client attends weekly, DBT Skills Group which the client and family members attends weekly for 20 weeks, in-between session Phone Coaching and the clinician attends a specific Consultation Team.  Participants will undergo a screening and orientation process prior to being enrolled in the DBT program.   

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the very present moment in a non-judgmental way.  It allows us to begin to discover how our suffering is often a result of reliving the painful moments of the past, negatively anticipating the future, or judging (often harshly) what is happening in the current moment.  When we are mindful we begin to become aware of these patterns of thinking and reacting and seeing more clearly how they only bring about suffering in the moment without creating any change.  Mindfulness requires a great deal of practice and the focus of this group is in helping your learn the foundational skills of a mindfulness practice.  You will learn how to direct your focus and attention, become more present with willingness and acceptance and how to let go of judgments and unhelpful thoughts rather than getting attached to them.  This will build self-compassion, resilience and compassion towards others.  Mindfulness is not a religion - anyone, with any belief system, can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness, whose benefits have long been documented in research.  

Mindful Self-Compassion

Mindful Self-Compassion was developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer which combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to help build resilience and emotional well-being.  Mindfulness helps us learn how to identify and be present with our thoughts, feelings and urges without judgment.  Self-compassion supports us in learning how to respond to these difficult experiences with understanding, validation and support.  Mindful Self-Compassion has been shown to increase happiness and reduce anxiety, depression and assist us in developing a balanced and healthy way of engaging in our world.  

Life Process Transformation™

Developed by Viola Fodor, Life Process Transformation ™ is a 16 week program of self-exploration that is designed to help individuals find their true self and uncover their inner wisdom. The program is an alternative to the cognitive models of treatment; rather it focuses on developing the practice of inner silence and true reflection. Often, individuals find themselves in Life Process Transformation™ when all other attempts at accessing help have not provided the relief and sustainable change they are looking for. In Life Process Transformation™ it is believed that healing is possible, even from significant mental health struggles, and that this change occurs on the deepest level, through increased awareness and a re-unification with their true self.