My Counselling Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

What it is

EMDR helps people to process trauma and memories that are “stuck” in the body and impacting the nervous system. It involves a side-to-side movement pattern using eye movements, butterfly taps, alternating sounds, or some other kind of physical sensation. The mechanism by which EMDR works is not well understood but it has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health concerns including low mood, trauma, depression, panic attacks, grief, PTSD, OCD, addictions, phobias, and low self-esteem. In other words, we know that it works but we’re not sure why it works yet.

What to expect

During EMDR sessions, you will reprocess the memory, feel the emotions and sensations in your body, and experience bilateral stimulation. It’s like sitting on a train and watching the scenery go by - not reliving the moment but observing it pass.

EMDR is a structured therapy with a standard protocol that we will, for the most part, follow faithfully. The first one or two sessions will be spent exploring your goals and whether EMDR can help you meet them. Next, we will work on preparation and emotional regulation. After preparation, we can begin reprocessing. EMDR typically takes 3 to 18 sessions but this can vary widely depending on your unique needs and situation. Some people undergo EMDR therapy for years.

Narrative Talk Therapy

What it is

Narrative talk therapy is a form of relational therapy that relies on the foundational ideas that people are nuanced and relational beings who are, at their core, fundamentally good but can can get tripped up by our experiences and the stories we tell ourselves or have been told about them. The challenges we face are not located solely within us but result from complicated and comples interactions within ourselves, our environment, and those around us. Too often, we cannot change external reality but we can write a new story that highlights ours strengths and capacity to challenges and overcome obstacles. Narrative therapy can help you discover the solutions, skills, and capacity you already possess.

What to expect

During sessions, you can expect to encounter thoughtful questions about your experiences, delivered at a slow and measured pace, while we attempt to rediscover or discover those parts of your story that contradict the problem and make space for positive change. This isn’t always easy. I encourage self-reflection and inner-dialogue that can sometimes be challenging. Typically, I do not offer advice or solutions. Sessions tend to be less structured. Some may feel that their needs have been met after a only a few sessions while, for others, therapy may take months or even years to reach a successful conclusion.