My Foundations
Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual's mental health. As a trauma-informed therapist, I prioritize safety, empowerment, and collaboration with clients to help them heal from past experiences. The practice of trauma-informed therapy recognizes that trauma affects individuals holistically, and that trauma recovery must encompass all aspects of a person's life. This includes creating a safe and compassionate environment, working collaboratively with clients, and providing education on trauma and its effects. Through this approach, clients can feel more calm and grounded, and begin the path to healing.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Existential philosophy is a powerful tool that can be used to help clients navigate their trauma and find hope for the future. Life is full of uncertainty and change, which can be overwhelming for individuals who have experienced trauma. However, by focusing on the present moment and finding meaning in our experiences, this perspective helps clients build a sense of empowerment and resilience. Drawing on existential principles, I help clients explore their beliefs and values, and use their agency to make choices that lead to a sense of purpose and direction. Through existential perspectives, clients can find hope and meaning in their lives.
Existential Philosophy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective therapy approach that encourages clients to examine their automatic thoughts and behaviors. As a trauma-focused CBT trained therapist, I often incorporate CBT techniques into my work with clients who have experienced trauma. By reframing negative thoughts and beliefs related to trauma and identifying negative thought patterns, clients can gain a greater sense of control over their emotions and experiences. My work also includes exposure therapy, which exposes clients to elements of their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way, helping clients reduce their trauma symptoms and reclaim their lives.
CBT Theory and Skills
Stoicism is a fascinating philosophy that can inspire individuals to overcome adversity. This philosophy emphasizes an individual's personal ethics and virtues such as courage, self-control, and wisdom. As a former undergraduate of philosophy studies from the University of Toronto, I often incorporate stoic principles to help clients build resilience and develop coping strategies for managing difficult emotions related to depression and anxiety. By cultivating an internal sense of gratitude, developing emotional resilience, and focusing on personal growth, clients can learn to view their challenges in a new light. By practicing acceptance of what is outside of their control and focusing on what they can control, clients can learn to regulate their emotions and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Stoic principles are in line with cognitive behavioural theory, and by integrating Stoicism into our treatment, clients become more resilient to future adversity.
stoic philosophy
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a type of PTSD that can develop from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or neglect. As a trauma-informed therapist, I recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals with C-PTSD and tailor my approach to their needs. This may involve incorporating elements of DBT and CBT, which are effective in addressing emotional regulation, identity, and self-esteem issues associated with C-PTSD. Additionally, trauma-focused techniques such as somatic experiencing can be used to help clients integrate their traumatic experiences. By providing a safe and supportive environment, clients with C-PTSD can begin to heal from the impact of their past experiences and reclaim their autonomy.
Complex PTSD
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a powerful treatment option for individuals with complex trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This theory and related skills focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, encouraging clients to manage difficult emotions, recognize and change distorted thinking patterns, prioritize self-care, and build healthy relationships. As a fully certified DBT therapist, I often incorporate DBT skills into my work with clients, helping them generate a range of coping strategies to manage their trauma symptoms effectively and build resilience in the face of past traumas.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Polyvagal theory is a neuroscience-based theory that helps explain the ways in which our nervous system responds to stress and trauma. As a trauma-informed therapist, I incorporate polyvagal theory into my work with clients to help them understand their physical and emotional responses to trauma. By helping clients regulate their nervous system responses through techniques such as breathing exercises and grounding techniques, clients can learn to manage their emotions and build resilience.
