Theoretical Orientation

I could write at length about the development of my theoretical orientation and how I view and understand the counselling process. I’ve distilled it into three main areas:

1.    My personal beliefs about humanity

2.    Empirical research informing psychological practice

3.    Lived experience of body-mind connections through yoga

Personal views

I believe people are shaped by their social, political and cultural contexts. I value complexity and multiplicity in the ways people understand themselves in relation to their environment. And this is always evolving.

If there are problems to overcome, change is possible, but there is not one way to get there. I believe that people’s ability to change is shaped by forces that are both in and out of their control and conscious awareness. Thus, when looking at one’s capacity to change, I take a biopsychosocial perspective to look at the biological, psychological and social forces at play and work collaboratively with clients to define and address the problems they face.

My theoretical counselling perspective is also shaped by my commitment to social justice. I believe I have a duty as a counsellor to recognize injustice and advocate for change to benefit my clients.

Research

Empirical research informs my therapeutic interventions. I utilize evidence-based interventions based upon cognitive-behavioural theory in my work with many clients suffering from negative thinking patterns. I often explore client’s experiences through the connection of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and use psychoeducation and interventions inspired by Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my practice.

Research on neurobiology of trauma has impacted the way I understand and approach client with trauma. I am inspired by Bessel van der Kolk’s and Peter Levine’s research on the impact of trauma on the body and draw upon somatic and polyvagal approaches to working the effects of trauma.

Mind-body-spirit

Lastly, my background in mindfulness and yoga has primed me to seek the connections between mind, body and spirit. When talking therapy is unable to address the varied impacts of trauma, somatic and embodied practices such as yoga have the power to calm the nervous system and release trauma from the body. In this vein, I draw upon somatic experiencing, polyvagal exercises, Mindful Self-compassion and yoga to address the impacts of trauma.