One of the most important questions you can ask a therapist is about their theoretical orientation. There are many types of therapy, and the right match depends on you, your therapist, and your needs.

Somatic Experiencing:

After years of suffering through a serious health crisis, I came across a therapist who was practicing Somatic Experiencing.  I became fascinated with her approach which was to help relax, stabilize and reset the nervous system.  Many mental and physical health difficulties are a result of nervous system dysregulation.

 I found that simple interventions in somatic experience (SE) can make a huge difference, and have made it a key part of my practice. Visit here to learn more about what I offer through somatic experiencing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

 CBT is an evidence-based treatment for mental health issues. It connects thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical sensations. When working through a problem, you will consider each area and how they affect the others. This helps you make positive changes, feel better and change patterns that aren’t serving you anymore.  Sometimes the difference between the life you imagine for yourself and the one that isn’t working anymore is a pause that allows you to switch gears and live according to your true values.  

 CBT is effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. It’s often a life-changing process.

Transpersonal Counselling and Bowen Family Systems: 

When we heal our traumas we can also experience transpersonal post-traumatic and spiritual growth. Transpersonal means beyond self.  Seeing through the lens of our personal experiences, combined with the lens of intergenerational trauma, we can better understand our role and power in our families.

 As we start the healing journey and see ourselves as individuals, we can speak our truths and live our values. That allows us to experience life with more capacity, joy, energy, and aliveness.  When we do this work and are in the flow, synchronicity starts to appear and things begin lining up to give us a greater sense of purpose and support.

Attachment Theory:

 Humans are wired for connection and community. However, if you’ve experienced emotional disruptions in your childhood or had caregivers who were unable to give you the connection you needed, you may continue to see the effects in your adult relationships.

We all have a drive for closeness, but at the same time, it can feel threatening as we become more open and vulnerable. The paradox is that closeness, separation, and aloneness can all feel dangerous.  It pays off exponentially to learn more about your attachment style and how to feel safer in relationships. I work through connection, using mindfulness to notice these edges and responses that may be interfering in relationships. 

Person-Centered Therapy:

 I always incorporate person-centered therapy, also known as Rogerian therapy. This is based on the idea that we must accept ourselves fully as we are in order to make a change. I strive to do that for my clients, so they can experience the acceptance they need to learn to love themselves. I believe all people are doing the best they can at any given moment, and sometimes they’ve simply been lacking the support they need. I’m here to provide that.

If you’d like to learn more about the types of treatments available, set up a free 20-minute consultation today.

“I have gotten so much out of my counseling with Sue. In our sessions I really felt safe and heard, she kept us on track with issues I wanted to work on with an impressive variety of techniques. Sue’s therapy style is engaging, creative and based on effective, proven exercises and theories.”  —Anonymous.