What answers can counselling provide?
Life can have its challenges at times. It may be time to seek help if you are seeking answers to questions such as:
Why do I feel sad, lonely, anxious, burnt out and/or unappreciated by others?
Why is it so hard to connect with others?
Why is so hard to control my anger? Why do I feel so stressed all the time?
How do I grieve the loss of a loved one or a significant loss (e.g. relationship or a job)?
How can I control my worries, intrusive thoughts and/or fears?
While disappointments may occur in life, misery does not have to follow, or stay. Counselling can provide answers about the underlying causes of your emotional difficulties, whether it be thought patterns, self-doubt, or residual trauma from previous experiences.
I focus largely on the therapeutic alliance, and incorporate mainly a cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approach to counselling that is culturally-responsive. Throughout our sessions we will collaborate in a safe, respectful therapeutic relationship, to make sure that you feel heard. My goal is to empower you with insight and strategies so that you can live your best life.
How does counselling help you get the answers you are seeking?
Intake Interview: Don’t underestimate the bravery it takes to take this step. I am honored you reached out to me to help you on your journey. It is vital that you feel safe with me, understand the risks and benefits of treatment, and feel confident that our work together will be productive. The initial session ranges from 60 to 90 minutes long. I will try to obtain a sense of what brought you to therapy and give you the opportunity to see if you believe I am the right psychologist for you. If so, I will obtain informed consent and we will set treatment goals and determine frequency of sessions. Frequency of sessions can be weekly or spaced further apart based on your needs. Treatment length may be brief (10 to 12 sessions) or longer.
Subsequent Sessions: A therapy hour consists of 50 minutes of direct face to face contact and 10 minutes for clinical notes and administrative tasks. We will revisit treatment goals frequently to ensure your needs are being met. Psychotherapy can address some painful issues at times, but rest assured you are safe, respected, and most importantly, not alone. I may ask that you do some “homework” between sessions such as practicing a new strategy or reading some material. These tasks and our sessions are designed to help you reach your goals and to maintain long-term benefits long after our work together has ended.
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if counselling can provide the answers you are seeking.