Helpful Tools

I have a wide range of tools from 15 years of practice, and I apply them in my work at just the right moment.  Some specific strategies I use are described below.  I can explain any of these to you in person or over the phone -- it's a lot to read!

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Sexual Health & Intimacy

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Help for struggles related to sex can be useful in many ways: when things are "just not working," when pleasure and connection are lacking, or when people are coping with sexual trauma, pain, and shame.  I offer counselling one-to-one and for couples, and I help people have better communication around sex.  I am sex-positive, and polyamory and kink-affirming. 

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Somatic Therapy

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Somatic Therapy uses the body and body awareness to work through emotions and trauma.  In my practice, it is not the main focus of the session, but is instead woven into the work that is being completed.  In this manner, it can speed up recovery.

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Somatic therapy is a bit different from talk therapy, and it can feel strange to check in with your body.  However, being in touch with your body sensations can be key to healing.

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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

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CPT is a "thinking your way through trauma" approach for treating a disturbing event.  It takes about 8 to 15 sessions to complete, and it follows specific steps using an approach that is already mapped out.  It is well-researched and proven to be effective, and is considered one of the few strong therapies for treating trauma.  CPT may be a good choice if EMDR is not a good fit.    

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Brief Solution-Focused Therapy

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This method is used for short-term help when the goal is addressing a smaller but real struggle.  Sometimes a client just needs to talk out a specific problem.  Larger issues unrelated to the topic at hand are put to the side at this time.  Strategies include listening, exploring, and problem-solving.

 

Flash or RAP Technique

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The Flash or RAP Technique is a newer trauma therapy which is supported by ongoing research, and which is gaining recognition as a rapid and effective strategy.  Disturbing memories can often be resolved in a very short period of time, leaving the client feeling much less or no longer bothered by past events.  This approach is less emotionally demanding and less distressing than other forms of trauma therapy because the client doesn't focus on the trauma at all in order to carry it out.  The speed at which it works is also helpful cost-wise and to reduce suffering.

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Ego State Therapy/Internal Family Systems (IFS)/"Parts Work"​

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I also regularly apply concepts called Ego State Therapy, "Parts Work", and/or Internal Family Systems.  I often use these with EMDR Therapy, but they can also work well on their own and can lead to deep insights, shortening treatment time. 

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What are they all about?  I may help you assist your child self from a time period of trauma or struggle, or perhaps creatively identify the different parts or aspects of yourself.  This overall approach heals past trauma and helps you make connections.  It can assist when you feel stuck, when you are trying to understand why you act as you do, and when you want to make changes to your behaviours or patterns of reacting to events.  It can be used with people with or without dissociation.  This approach involves the use of imagery.