Counselling Approaches
SB Psychology offers a variety of strategies and tools to work with each individual’s therapeutic needs. I have training and experience working with EMDR Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies focusing on symptoms of trauma which can include PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief and relationship issues.
EMDR Therapy
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy)
EMDR therapy is an effective form of treatment that helps alleviate symptoms related with, but is not limited to, PTSD and other related traumas and can also help with other stressors that we experience through life. After a treatment plan is developed, the client would be working with emotionally unpleasant thoughts and images in mind. Before all this, your therapist will be working with you to build and practice stress management strategies and mindfulness/grounding techniques. The next step will involve the client to pay attention to an outside stimulus including eye movements or guided by the therapist.
For example, in a session with EMDR, a client may be asked to bring attention to a distressful thought or image in their mind, as well as negative beliefs and body sensations associated with the traumatic event. Afterward, the client will exercise deep breathing and discuss what was brought up during the exercise. The cycle continues until client distress has reduced. The goal of this therapy is to completely process the experiences that are causing the problem and include new ones that are needed for a healthier outlook.
Proponents of EMDR therapy suggest that it works by building new connections between a client’s traumatic memories and adaptive information within other areas of the memory, bringing about a reduction in client distressful symptoms.
CBT & DBT
(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
CBT & DBT are based on changing our behaviours and thoughts, which can then help with regulating difficult emotions. These therapies are also helpful and effective working with trauma, anxiety, depression and interpersonal relationship issues.
More specifically, CBT was initially designed to treat depression but it has been linked to help with many other issues like anxiety and PTSD. This type of therapy helps individuals understand how their emotions, thoughts & behaviours influence each other. CBT is problem-focused & action-oriented which means that negative patterns of thinking and feeling are explored to influence positive actions & behaviours. When thoughts, personal beliefs and feelings are better understood we can feel more empowered exploring alternative solutions.
DBT mixes the standards of CBT with concepts of distress tolerance & mindful awareness. Overall, DBT strategies help individuals accept and work through powerful emotions that may be experienced when we are exposed to upsetting situations or triggers. DBT also helps increase awareness using mindfulness or teach your brain to bring attention to the moment. This can be a difficult thing to do when you are feeling anger, sadness, fear and guilt. And even more difficult when individuals are experiencing a fight-or-flight response.
Counselling services can be offered via Telehealth if preferred please request this service during your booking.