Specialties
Our psychologists are trained in a variety of therapy and counseling approaches. Here are some of our specialties:
EMDR
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is primarily used to treat individuals who have experienced trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but is has also been applied to other mental health conditions.
The key feature of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation, which involves activating both sides of the brain alternately using side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through recalling distressing memories while simultaneously directing their attention to external stimuli. The bilateral stimulation helps facilitate the processing of distressing memories and help integrate them into a more adaptive and less emotionally charged form. The goal is to help the individual process these memories and reduce their emotional impact.
While EMDR is well-known for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, it has also been applied to a range of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and more. This therapy approach is commonly used for individuals who have been in a motor vehicle accident (MVA). It’s important to note that its use is not limited to trauma-related issues.
Both Katerina and Chelsea offer EMDR therapy.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between eye movement and the brain’s processing of traumatic or emotionally charged experiences. The therapy involved the use of bilateral music and the use of eye positions that are related to the processing of emotional and traumatic experiences. During a brainspotting session, therapists help clients identify “brainspots,” which are eye positions associated with particular thoughts, feelings, or memories. These spots are believed to be linked to the neural processing of trauma or emotional distress.
Brainspotting is often used in the treatment of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, body pain, and other emotional difficulties. It is considered a neurobiological approach, drawing on the connection between the visual field, the brain, and the body’s physiological responses to stress and trauma. Brainspotting is known for its flexibility and adaptability to the individual needs of clients. It can be integrated into various therapeutic modalities and is applicable for a range of psychological issues.
Samantha offers Brainspotting therapy.
Psycho-educational Assessments
Psychoeducational assessments play a crucial role in understanding individuals’ unique learning profiles and providing tailored support to promote their academic success and well-being. They are comprehensive evaluations completed by a psychologist to understand a person’s cognitive abilities, academic skills, emotional functioning, and behavioural patterns. The evaluations aim to gather information about a person’s strengths and areas of need in a variety of areas including cognition, academic achievement, attention, memory, language, executive functioning, and social-emotional development.
Psychoeducational assessments will identify any learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual giftedness, or other factors that may impact the person’s learning and overall functioning in academic, social, and emotional contexts. Assessments are available for children, youth, and adults.
Based on the assessment results, recommendations may be provided to support the individual’s educational and emotional needs, which may include specialized instruction, accommodations, interventions, therapy, or other services to help the individual reach their full potential. Additionally, psychoeducational assessments can help inform educational planning, eligibility for special education services, intervention strategies, and treatment planning.
Samantha, Chelsea, and Katerina all offer psycho-educational assessments. Please call us to discuss the process of an assessment.
If you are looking for Autism Assessments please visit www.yycpsyc.com
Other Therapy Approaches We Use:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of talk therapy that has been demonstrated effective for a wide range of mental health challenges. CBT allows the person to develop a range of practical tools and coping strategies for addressing specific issues. CBT focuses on the connections between thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It supports with gaining a greater sense of confidence, learning to recognize ones thinking patterns, understanding the behaviour of others, and using skills such as problem solving to cope with difficult situations.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on finding solutions to current problems rather than analyzing the root causes of issues. It is often considered a brief and goal-oriented form of therapy. In SFT, therapists work with clients to identify their goals, strengths, and resources, and then collaboratively develop strategies to achieve those goals.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) stems from cognitive behavioural therapy and is an approach oriented toward taking action. ACT is used to address a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, and more. The therapy aims to enhance psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be open, adaptable, and effective in the presence of difficult or changing situations. It focuses on moving towards an individual’s values, and uses mindfulness skills.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that assumes that people have different parts that have a role in our core self. The goal of Internal Family Systems therapy is to help individuals understand and harmonize these internal parts, fostering a more integrated and balanced sense of self. The therapist in Internal Family Systems work helps the individual explore and understand these different parts, facilitating communication and negotiation between them. The ultimate aim is to bring about healing and integration, allowing individuals to access their true Self. IFS has been used successfully in treating a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. It is considered a non-pathologizing approach, emphasizing the idea that all parts have positive intentions and can be understood and worked with in a constructive manner.
Ego State Interventions
Ego state therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the person’s internal world or inner psyche as multidimensional and aims to foster a great integration of the self. Ego state therapy assumes people have different parts, or ego states that come into conflict and the person works to understand themselves on a deeper level, reducing internal conflict. The goal of ego state interventions is often integration, where disparate ego states become more cohesive and harmonious. This integration can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. This therapy is often termed “parts work” and is commonly used in EMDR.
Play Therapy
Our child psychologists utilized a play-based therapeutic approach. Play therapy is a form of intervention that uses play as a means of communication and expression. It recognizes play is a natural and essential way for children to explore their world, express their feelings, and work through challenging experiences. This type of therapy is grounded in the belief that children learn and express themselves better through play. Play therapy can be used to address a variety of concerns, including behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and social difficulties. Play-based therapy is generally considered developmentally appropriate for children and aligns with their natural inclination to explore and communicate through play.
Parenting Support
Parent support counselling is aimed to support parents of children of all ages, but is often helpful for parents of children under the age of 12. It is an approach aimed at supporting parents with a variety of concerns including navigating difficult situations, learning about their children’s behaviour, learning about their parenting style, gaining confidence in parenting, understanding development, and providing a structured and tailored approach to addressing challenging behaviours or situations.
Gottman Couples Therapy
Gottman Therapy, also known as the Gottman Method or Gottman Couples Therapy, is a therapeutic approach developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, clinical psychologists and researchers in the field of relationships. Their method is based on over four decades of research and clinical observations of couples, aiming to help couples build and maintain strong, healthy relationships. Overall, Gottman Therapy offers evidence-based strategies for helping couples strengthen their relationships, manage conflicts constructively, and cultivate deeper emotional connection and intimacy. It’s known for its practical approach, focusing on specific behaviors and skills that couples can learn and apply in their everyday lives.