I see you’re looking for someone to talk to about problems, or maybe you’re looking for a therapist to help you with bigger challenges? Let’s see if I might be who you’re hoping to find?

 

Life is hard. For some of us, it’s even harder. It's filled with daily hassles, stresses and sometimes even terrifying events. How we perceive these experiences is what determines how stressful and challenging they are. Let’s be honest – if you’re reading this, chances are you’re not experiencing life for all the wonderful things it can offer. You’re here because you need someone to talk to. Talking to the right person helps us see things differently. Many of us have family and friends we can lean on for support, but sometimes the things they say and do, don’t help us feel much better. Why is that?

 

Often our supports want us to feel better and be happy, but they don’t necessarily know what to say or how to say it. When their support doesn’t serve us well, we consider reaching out… to an “expert”. There's a common view that therapists are experts. I believe clients are always the expert. Through our life experiences, we gain knowledge and insight about our own struggles. A therapist can help identify these and bring our abilities and wisdom to our own awareness.  This is an important part of the therapy “process”. How do people like me do that?

 

We have specific education, training and experiences we draw on – kind of like a toolbox – of models, resources and strategies. Using these resources, we share and help individuals like you, learn, grow and change, so you can be your own best support with your very own mental health kit of resources. Theories and models serve as “roadmaps” for therapists. They help guide us through client problems, challenges and struggles, as well as determine the best treatment approach. There is no “one size fits all” approach or intervention. We are all unique – shaped by our own individual values, beliefs and experiences – and therapy should be “personalized” to each one of us. Many therapists integrate a variety of therapeutic models into their practice. These become functional roadmaps that integrate mind and body together in order to achieve overall wellness and longer positive health outcomes. Treatment plans and options should always be made collaboratively with you. Why is that important?

 

The heart of therapy lies in the personal interaction and trust between a client and their therapist, working to improve wellbeing. It is what makes therapy effective. It’s important you like the person you choose to be your therapist. You should feel heard, understood, respected and valued for being you. Clients I work with always comment their appreciation for being validated and not feeling judged. These, and other qualities, are important in developing a trusting relationship that you can feel safe and comfortable in. If you don’t experience this, I encourage you to look for another therapist. Therapy works through personal and intimate matters. Having a confidential and safe space to voice your thoughts and feelings is imperative.

 

The goal of therapy is to work collaboratively with someone you like and trust so you can become happier and healthier… and happiness really does help make us healthier! Therapy can provide strategies, solutions and reframe your struggles in ways to help you overcome what is causing your challenge.

​

​

I am privileged to be a therapist.

People let me into intimate aspects of their lives.

They share their vulnerabilities and trust me

to help guide them through

some very complex and delicate situations.

​