psychotherapist, family counsellor, & life coach

My therapy and coaching draws heavily from my background in cognitive behaviour therapy, attachment-based therapy, psychodynamic psychology, positive psychology, existential theory, family systems theory, and mindfulness. 

Here’s an example of how I apply my theoretical background to anxiety / low mood issues:

Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, such as catastrophic thinking or overestimation of danger, through cognitive restructuring techniques.

  • Attachment-Based Therapy: Exploring early attachment experiences and how they influence current patterns of worry and fear, fostering secure attachments and emotional regulation.

  • Mindfulness: Teaching mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to increase present-moment awareness, reduce rumination, and cultivate acceptance of anxious thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Social Anxiety

  • CBT: Gradual exposure to feared social situations combined with cognitive restructuring to challenge negative beliefs and assumptions about social interactions.

  • Positive Psychology: Focusing on strengths and resources to build self-confidence and resilience in social settings, emphasizing positive experiences and accomplishments.

  • Existential Theory: Exploring existential themes of authenticity and freedom, helping clients confront and transcend fears of judgment or rejection in social situations.

Panic

  • CBT: Identifying and challenging catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations associated with panic attacks, implementing relaxation techniques and gradual exposure to feared stimuli.

  • Psychodynamic Psychology: Exploring unconscious conflicts and underlying emotions contributing to panic symptoms, working through unresolved issues and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

  • Family Systems Theory: Examining family dynamics and intergenerational patterns of anxiety, addressing family communication styles and boundary issues that may exacerbate panic symptoms.

Specific Phobias

  • CBT: Systematic desensitization and exposure therapy to gradually confront feared objects or situations, paired with relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring to modify irrational beliefs.

  • Attachment-Based Therapy: Exploring early experiences of fear and avoidance, examining how attachment figures responded to distress and fostering a sense of security to facilitate exposure and habituation.

  • Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of phobic stimuli, practicing mindfulness-based exposure to reduce avoidance behaviors and increase tolerance of discomfort.

Low Mood

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with low mood, such as self-criticism or catastrophizing.

  • Implementing behavioral activation techniques to increase engagement in pleasurable and meaningful activities, even when lacking motivation.

  • Developing coping skills for managing distressing emotions, such as relaxation exercises or problem-solving strategies.

Attachment-Based Therapy

  • Exploring early attachment experiences and how they influence current patterns of emotional regulation and self-esteem.

  • Working to develop a secure attachment style through building trust in the therapeutic relationship and fostering a sense of safety and validation.

  • Addressing unresolved attachment wounds or relational traumas that may contribute to feelings of sadness or emptiness.

Psychodynamic Psychology

  • Exploring unconscious conflicts and unresolved issues from the past that may be contributing to present-day low mood.

  • Investigating defense mechanisms used to cope with difficult emotions and uncovering underlying feelings of grief, loss, or abandonment.

  • Utilizing techniques such as free association or dream analysis to access deeper layers of the psyche and facilitate emotional processing.

Positive Psychology

  • Focusing on strengths and resources to cultivate resilience and enhance overall well-being, even in the presence of low mood.

  • Practicing gratitude exercises and positive affirmations to shift attention away from negative thoughts and foster a more optimistic outlook.

  • Encouraging engagement in activities that promote feelings of accomplishment, connection, and purpose, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Existential Theory

  • Exploring existential themes of meaninglessness, isolation, and mortality as they relate to feelings of low mood and existential angst.

  • Facilitating exploration of core values, life goals, and sources of meaning to help clients find purpose and direction in their lives.

  • Encouraging acceptance of existential paradoxes and uncertainties while empowering clients to find meaning and significance in their unique experiences.

Family Systems Theory

  • Examining family dynamics and communication patterns that may contribute to or maintain low mood within the context of the family system.

  • Addressing intergenerational patterns of depression or maladaptive coping strategies passed down through family relationships.

  • Involving family members in therapy to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen support networks.

Mindfulness

  • Cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of difficult emotions associated with low mood.

  • Practicing mindfulness meditation and body scan exercises to develop emotional regulation skills and reduce reactivity to distressing thoughts and feelings.

  • Using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to interrupt automatic negative thought patterns and prevent relapse into depressive episodes.