PSYCHOTHERAPY APPROACHES
Our team uses an integrative, holistic approach to provide collaborative care for individuals, couples, and families in Guelph.
Come as you are
Working from a space of curiosity, connection and compassion, we'll work together to better understand the concerns that have led you to reach out. We'll make space for you to land - exactly as you are - and invite all parts, emotions and experiences to be present. This is a space for you to be human. If you're curious, see below for more info about some of the approaches and models we draw from.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Have you ever thought "a part of me wants to do this, and another part feels like it’s holding me back?" IFS is a non-pathologizing, creative, and innovative model of psychotherapy that operates within this framework. IFS provides a pathway for us to focus inwards and get to know the many parts within our internal world. If you've ever seen the movie 'Inside Out' - you've seen the basics of IFS!
Through the IFS process, we can create space to hold and witness the feelings and experiences of our parts. Parts can be very helpful as they have important roles to play as we navigate our external environment. At times, parts can over-function to protect young burdened parts, leaving less room for our calm and curious “Self” to fully show up.
When Self is in the driver's seat, we are able to see our parts clearly and lead them into their most helpful roles. The goal of IFS is to facilitate a healing conversation between Self and parts, where the hurt and traumatized parts can be unburdened and the protective parts can be led by Self.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is goal oriented, present focused, mindfulness based therapies.
ACT focuses on fostering psychological flexibility through mindfulness and value-driven action. It encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change or avoid them.
By aligning behaviour with core values, ACT helps people lead more meaningful lives despite the challenges they may face. ACT is excellent for addressing a range of emotional challenges and empowers individuals to live in alignment with their values while embracing internal experiences.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines cognitive-behavioural strategies with mindfulness to address emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and self-destructive behaviours. It emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change, helping folks develop skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and improving their sense of self.
DBT provides practical skills for managing and coping with emotions and help build your toolkit for fostering emotional resilience.
Polyvagal Theory & Somatic Approaches
Somatic therapies and Polyvagal Theory guides the therapeutic experience and healing out of our head and into our bodies.
Polyvagal Theory is a way to understand how our nervous system influences our emotions, behaviour, and connection to others and the world around us. It helps us make sense of how we react to different situations by exploring our sense of safety.
In this work, we encourage individuals to tune into their body cues and experiences, while building self-regulation toolkits, using techniques that incorporate the body such as embodiment, breath work, mindfulness, yoga, and gentle physical movement.
By integrating Polyvagal Theory with somatic practices, individuals can foster a deeper connection between mind and body, paving the way for healing and emotional balance. This combined approach supports overall well-being by enhancing our ability to engage with life from a place of safety, connection and groundedness.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a dynamic therapeutic approach designed to help individuals, couples and families understand and harness the power of their emotions. EFT is often used alongside Attachment Theory with a goal of creating secure relationships with oneself and others. EFT aims to uncover and address underlying issues that affect mental and emotional well-being.
EFT encourages clients to explore, express, and process their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Through this exploration, individuals can gain insights into their emotional responses and develop healthier ways of relating to their emotions and others. This approach facilitates deeper self-awareness, helps in resolving emotional conflicts, and fosters more authentic and fulfilling relationships.
By integrating emotional processing with practical strategies, EFT empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and emotional clarity, ultimately leading to more meaningful and satisfying lives. Emotion Focused Therapy has ben adapted for use with individuals (EFIT), couples (EFCT) and families (EFFT)
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy looks at the way that we internalize our experiences and the stories we tell ourselves about them. It helps people explore and reframe the meanings and interpretations they assign to their experiences, empowering individuals to reshape their personal narratives in ways that foster resilience, agency, and well-being.
In Narrative Therapy, folks are encouraged to examine and challenge the stories they tell themselves, particularly those that may be limiting or problematic. Through this process, individuals can identify alternative narratives that align more closely with their values, and that are more supportive.
By re-authoring their narratives, folks can gain new perspectives, overcome challenges, and create a more fulfilling and empowered sense of self. Narrative Therapy ultimately helps people connect with their inner strengths and live with more presence and peace in their lives.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Feeling stuck in cycles of fear, worry, or compulsions can be overwhelming. Exposure and Response Prevention is an evidence based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety - it offers a way forward from feeling stuck in those 'sticky thoughts' and actions.
In a safe, supportive environment with your therapist, you'll slowly retrain your brain in more effective and healthy ways to respond to anxiety and compulsions.
With practice, ERP helps reduce anxiety, build resilience, and restore a sense of freedom in your daily life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from traumatic or distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the brain’s natural ability to process and heal from overwhelming memories.
When we experience trauma, our brain sometimes struggles to fully process it, leaving the memory “stuck” in a raw, unprocessed form. This can lead to ongoing symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, or feeling dysregulated and triggered. EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories so that they no longer feel as emotionally charged or disruptive.
In EMDR, we follow a structured process that involves bilateral stimulation (following a side to side movement with your eyes or body) to help the brain and body 'digest' and integrate the traumatic experience, ideally leading to a reduction in post-traumatic symptoms.
"The curious paradox is, just as I accept myself, then I can change."
- Carl Rogers
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS):
Websites + Videos:
Introduction to the Model by Derek Scott, IFS Certified Therapist
Full IFS Session Example by Derek Scott, IFS Certified Therapist
What is Self? by Richard Schwartz, PH.D., Founding Developer
IFS Comics by Mardou, an IFS client draws her experiences in therapy
Books:
Introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
Parts Work: An Illustrated Guide to Your Inner Life by Tom Holmes
Podcast:
IFS Talks