Therapeutic Approaches
Explore brief descriptions of common practices or "approaches” your therapist might use. These are intended to help you know what to expect in your appointments. We aim to make therapy less intimidating in any way we can, so please ask us any questions you might have using the "Contact Us" page or the next time we chat!
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and loved therapeutic approach that benefits clients struggling with anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, perfectionism, phobias, performance anxiety, imposter syndrome etc.), depression, stress, anger, PTSD and much more. This evidence-based model allows clients to learn their negative thought patterns and develop skills to challenge them. CBT is practical and easy to implement in your daily life.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach primarily used with those struggling with depression, personality disorders, trauma, PTSD and many more. It is a beneficial model that helps clients understand the 4 core pillars of distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness. Clients will learn many DBT skills to manage challenging situations, complex emotions, suicidal/self-harming thoughts and their interpersonal relationships.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is an approach that centers the clients' lived experiences and helps them to understand their story in a non-judgemental and collaborative way. Narrative therapy recognizes that clients have many strengths and allows them to navigate their challenges from a place that aligns with their values.
Brief Solution Focused Therapy
Brief Solution Focused Therapy is a positive, tangible approach that focuses on short-term goal setting. Therapists work with clients to make clear, achievable plans and monitor their progress while providing tools to enhance their skills. Clients participate heavily in creating and managing their goals, often feeling motivated and finding the process to be rewarding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach that focuses on assisting clients to accept their internal dialogue and understanding the "self" in their circumstances by encouraging mindfulness, exploration of values, thoughts and feelings in combination with goal setting and behaviour changes. ACT allows clients to be present in their current context and build commitments to themselves to meet goals and make changes that align with their focus.
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a beneficial, evidence-based model studied for work within family systems, with caregivers of all types, and with interpersonal conflict. EFFT encourages a deep understanding of stress, distress, pain, self-blame and stigma that often arise in relationships. EFFT teaches skills to help clients interrupt harmful behaviours, build stronger emotional bonds and resolve obstacles in relationships of all types.