We support individuals with a variety of challenges such as suicide, self-harm and personality disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, OCD and related disorders, trauma and family and interpersonal challenges.
The therapeutic interventions we use in sessions are based on evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion, Prolonged Exposure (PE for Trauma), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). So what does that actually mean?
It means that the Individual Therapy programs support individuals who are struggling with a range of issues related to how they think, how they feel and how they are treating themselves and others around them. Read on to learn more about the specific interventions we use and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a problem-focused, goal-oriented and proactive treatment approach, with particular emphasis on the present moment. CBT is a form of psychotherapy based on the premise that thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected. Treatment emphasizes identifying, evaluating and modifying dysfunctional thinking patterns and problematic behaviours to improve overall quality of life. CBT teaches strategies to effectively cope, even as difficult situations change and evolve. Collaboration and psychoeducation are key elements in guiding individuals to improved emotional well-being.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults and/or Caregivers – Comprehensive Model
DBT for adults was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is an evidence-based approach considered to be the gold standard of treatment for individuals suffering from emotion dysregulation, identity confusion, interpersonal difficulties, impulsivity, and risky behaviours. Individuals may or may not have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT is a full treatment program involving four modalities of treatment – Individual Therapy which the individual attends weekly, DBT Skills Group which individuals attends weekly for 20 weeks, in-between session Phone Coaching and the clinician attends a specific Consultation Team. Participants will undergo a screening and orientation process prior to being enrolled in the DBT program.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the very present moment in a non-judgmental way. It allows us to begin to discover how our suffering in this moment can be a result of reliving painful moments of the past, negatively anticipating the future, or judging (often harshly) what is happening in the current moment. When we are mindful we begin to become aware of these patterns of thinking and reacting and seeing more clearly how they only bring about suffering in the here and now without creating any change. Mindfulness requires a great deal of practice and the focus is in helping you learn the foundational skills of a mindfulness practice. You will learn how to direct your focus and attention, become more present with willingness and acceptance and how to let go of judgments and unhelpful thoughts rather than getting attached to them. This will build self-compassion, resilience and compassion towards others. Mindfulness is not meditation and is not a religion, anyone with any belief system can enjoy the many well documented benefits of a mindful practice!
Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion was developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, which combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to help build resilience and emotional well-being. Mindfulness helps us learn how to identify and be present with our thoughts, feelings and urges without judgment. Self-compassion supports us in learning how to respond to these difficult experiences with understanding, validation and kindness. Mindful self-compassion has been shown to increase happiness and reduce anxiety and depression and assist us in living a balanced and healthy way of engaging in the world.
Life Process Transformation™
Developed by Viola Fodor, Life Process Transformation ™ is a 16 week program of self-exploration that is designed to help individuals find their true self and uncover their inner wisdom. The program is an alternative to the cognitive models of treatment; rather it focuses on developing the practice of inner silence and true reflection. Often, individuals find themselves in Life Process Transformation™ when all other attempts at accessing help have not provided the relief and sustainable change they are looking for. In Life Process Transformation™ it is believed that healing is possible, even from significant mental health struggles, and that this change occurs on the deepest level, through increased awareness and a re-unification with their true self.
