Taking the first step to start to see a therapist is an important one. A person may be suffering and have been for a long time. To hope that things can be different and take steps to change your life is brave.
how can therapy help?
Therapists can provide support, assist with the development of problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.
People can work collaboratively with their therapist to understand patterns of thinking and behaviour in their life now and what may have contributed to the development of these patterns. As we work to understand this a person's way of being can change. The benefits a person gains from therapy depends on how well people use the process and begin to put into practice what they learn.
what are some benefits people can experience?
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behaviour patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family and/or romantic relationships
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
what does therapy with me look like?
We will meet in a private space where I will work to help people feel safe, heard and engaged in their own process for change.
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.
Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.
In my practice people commit to a minimum of weekly sessions ongoing.
Meeting weekly can assist with:
The development of a therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. The more we see each other the more we know each other. It can help people create a feeling of safety which is essential for the therapy process. Evidence shows that a good therapeutic relationship is the best predictor of successful outcomes in therapy.
Giving you space to discuss you issues and goals regularly, which can assist with general wellbeing throughout your week.
Allowing for enough time to think about what we have discussed in session and begin to practice in your life but not enough time for this to be forgotten between sessions.
Creating the opportunity for depth work to proceed. Therapy can be a space to vent and this is important. However, psychodynamic therapy can also assist in understanding patterns and create long term change through depth work.
People come to therapy with some internal wisdom about what has been missing for them and what is needed for healing. We can work to tap into this knowing together and find ways to integrate a person's wisdom into practice in their lives.