Specialties

Anxiety – Limitations imposed by anxiety can take many forms, such as isolation, social withdrawal, hesitancy to take risks (at work and in our relationships). In the mind, it is represented by racing, often self critical, and worry based thoughts. In the body it is associated with many unpleasant sensations, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, tightness or tension in the chest/shoulders. Emphasis is on familiarizing the client with function of anxiety, and familiarity of tools that can help guide the body back to a place of safety.

Anger Management – In many cases, difficulty managing anger results in strain within our relationships. Additionally, the distress may also lead to behaviors we’d rather avoid (e.g. aggression, substance use, etc.). Emphasis is on recognition of triggers, signs of anger (physiological, and cognitive), and development of skills to de-escalate (such as communication and grounding skills).

Depression – Often presenting as fatigue, difficulty feeling pleasure, lack of motivation, sadness, low self esteem, and hopelessness. The symptoms associated with depression can create a vicious cycle that reinforces a felt-sense of being “stuck.” In addition to cognitive techniques (challenging negative thoughts) emphasis is on use of Behavioral Activation (BA), a therapy specific to depression to encourage pursuit of activities associated with joy, value, and meaning. When in low moods we’re less likely to do the things we enjoy, when we don’t do the things we enjoy, the low mood is likely to continue. BA provides the tool to intervene in this cycle.

Grief – Many things can be grieved, e.g. the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, changing health, loss of a loved one, etc.. Emphasis on the creating space to honor and process the pain associated with loss and change.

Racism / Racial trauma – This is often associated with stress, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Racism is an experience that can affect many facets of our lives. Emphasis is on recognition of its impact, and empowerment of the client.

Self Esteem – Our perception of ourselves can either create a stable foundation from which to interact with the world, or quicksand. This is the experience when our value is dependent on factors beyond ourselves. Emphasis is on development of self-compassion and an internal sense of self worth.

Spirituality – As a source of purpose and meaning, spirituality serves as a wonderful protective factor, giving us hope in the midst of distress. Emphasis is on exploration of the self, meaning, and personal philosophy.

Stress – This is a global experience, present in our emotions as a felt-sense of distress, fatigue, and anxiety. Chronic stress may also lead to hopelessness and in terms of our biology, a weakened immune system (making us more vulnerable to illness), high blood pressure, and other such health concerns. Emphasis is on development of stress management skills, a healthy life-balance, and development of a self-care practice suited to the client.

Substance Use / Addictive behaviors – Whether clients aim to pursue a path of harm reduction or abstinence, we aim to provide the tools and strategies to recognize patterns, triggers, and maintenance cycles. Emphasis is on the use of interventions to recognize and respond to cravings, thus creating more helpful and healthy associations.