Frequently Asked Questions
Individual and Trauma Therapy
What should I expect from the first session?
In the first session I try to get to know you better and give you an understanding of the treatment process. I also like to give some information about myself. The first session begins the making of the Treatment Plan.
What is a Treatment Plan?
The Treatment Plan forms the foundation of the individual and trauma therapy. If EMDR is indicated, an EMDR Treatment Planning Checklist is created. This includes current symptoms, negative cognitions (their duration and initial cause), and the top ten memories or traumas. If CBT is indicated a formulation is completed that points to the type of counseling indicated (i.e. Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Grief, and Shame etc.).
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a best practice approach for trauma therapy. It was designed by Francine Shapiro over 30 years ago. EMDR follows the premiss that the brain is always trying to heal. The EMDR processing facilitates this process to lead to more adaptive thinking. The goal of EMDR is to reduce the disturbance to a neutral point thereby reducing trauma symptoms and improving overall wellbeing.
What is CBT?
CBT is another best practice approach for individual and trauma therapy. CBT incorporates the knowledge that if you are able to change the individual’s thought processes, you will in turn impact their feelings or moods, and behaviours.
How many sessions should I anticipate?
The Treatment Plan will outline the general length of Treatment. EMDR in particular focuses on the traumas that are only pertinant for the individual. EMDR also generalizes across a number of traumas. This means that an incident that was listed in the top ten memories or traumas may no longer be disturbing to the individual after they have processed a prior trauma. All of this reduces the number of sessions required to feel better.
Family Therapy
Do all members of the family have to be present for each and every session?
It is not necessary that everyone be present for all of the sessions. Some issues revolve around the parent(s) strategies, and as such the children are not included. During Family Meetings it is important to have everyone be present if possible.
What is a Family Meeting?
A Family Meeting involves solving the problems that are causing strife in the family. It also includes positively reinforcing individual family members for a job well done. Initially, Family Meeting Do’s and Don’ts are listed to be used as guidelines for the meeting, so that everyone feels safe to participate.
What is Systems Theory?
Systems Theory is an approach to working with families that takes into account that noone lives in a vacuum. In a family this means that if one person makes changes it will impact others in the family positively or negatively. Sometimes parent(s) have to lead by example.
Are Parenting tips offered?
I have a lot of personal experience with my own family. I have three adult children and my wife and I are now empty nesting. As such, if parents want to draw upon my experience I am more than happy to offer parenting tips. Again, this is not something that I will force on any parent. I will give my advise when asked.
How Do I Get Started?
Free 20 Min Chat
It is understandable that some individuals may want to speak to me prior to the first session. This consult is provided free of charge.
Book Appointment
I understand that waiting for a first appointment can be frustrating. This is why I try to get clients in as soon as possible.
1st Session!
I see clients in person and online. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Contact Me
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