Therapy can help people find the courage and hope to overcome their difficulties in a one-to-one or group setting, while intervention may focus more broadly on family, environment, school, or relationships to improve mental health.
My Approach
I provide a sensitive, warm, and supportive environment for people and their families to find the courage to grow. While there are virtually hundreds of ways to approach therapy and intervention, I use only those methods that have been shown in research to be helpful for specific problems, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders and Parent Management Training (PMT) for behaviour problems in youth. I track progress in therapy using well-researched tools to make sure that change is happening, and I adapt the therapy plan when things aren't getting better. Clients receive a tailored approach to therapy and intervention that is chosen specifically for their needs, with families involved as needed. I also provide evidence-based consultation and training for parents, teachers, and schools to help children be their best.
“In changing children’s behavior, as a general rule, we want to start with interventions that are the least invasive and costly in terms of restriction of the child’s freedom (or yours), side effects, risks to the individual, time, and money... many therapies have no solid scientific evidence to show that they work. Make sure you are getting one that has been studied.”
What Counselling or INtervention can help with
Mood problems such as persistent irritability, sadness, low mood, crying, or thoughts of death
Anxiety problems such as general worry or specific fears such as test anxiety
Trauma-related problems such as exposure to terrifying events or neglectful environments
Family problems such as separation or divorce, custody issues, blending families, or sibling illness
Emotional distress arising from medical issues such as a new or chronic medical condition
Impulse-control or behaviour problems such as excessive impulsivity, hyperactivity, explosive anger, or defiance
Emotional distress arising from loss such as the death of a family member or friend
Identity problems such as struggles with self esteem, self confidence, sexual identity, or gender identity
Classroom strategies for children with behavioural or mental health problems
Parenting strategies for difficult behaviour or significant emotional concerns
Behaviour modification strategies that are most likely to work for a particular child
Family consultation to help clarify and modify helpful and unhelpful family dynamics
Group-based interventions for children who struggle with social skills or social interaction
Caregiver emotional support for adults who care for children with challenges
Staff training for improving skills in identifying, working with, or treating children
Support with next steps for learning, treatment, or intervention