What is Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling?

Psychotherapy and mental health counseling are both forms of therapy that aim to help individuals and couples improve their mental health and well-being. However, they differ in their approaches and focus. 

Psychotherapy refers to a variety of techniques used to address mental issues or personal challenges. It typically involves regular sessions in which the individual explores their thoughts, feelings and behaviours to gain insight, resolve problematic patterns and achieve personal growth. In the context of relationships, this approach helps partners understand and navigate dynamics, differences, communication and connection issues. 

Mental health counseling is a targeted form of talk therapy designed to address specific concerns or challenges. It often involves a shorter-term therapeutic process focused on achieving particular goals, such as enhancing communication skills, managing stress, or resolving relationship difficulties. As a practitioner, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused therapy. These techniques are employed to help individuals develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and work towards practical solutions in a collaborative and supportive environment.

 

MY APPROACH

When you step into my therapy room, your well-being becomes the center of our work together. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, seen, and empowered to thrive. We will work together to understand and explore your thinking, behaviors and feelings. Taking the first step to come to therapy can be daunting, stressful and may make you feel vulnerable. Seeking help is far from selfish; in fact, it’s a caring and courageous choice.

My approach to overcoming challenges is rooted in the Developmental Model, which sees struggle as opportunities for growth rather than problems to solve. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of oneself and others, emphasizing resilience and adaptive growth in the face of obstacles. By viewing challenges as natural stages in development, this approach encourages a mindset of continuous learning and evolving through each experience. 

I’m also interested in how attachment wounds can impact our well-being and our relationships. My approach emphasizes differentiation—the balance between closeness and independence. This work focuses on understanding our emotional strengths, recognizing and honoring our boundaries, and clearly expressing our needs, helping us build healthier and more fulfilling connections.

I value clients from all backgrounds and seek to understand the intersecting identities and context that each of my clients bring to the room.

My role is to support and guide you in discovering what might be holding you back in life. Through understanding and self-acceptance, therapy can help you find a way to live with more peace, kindness, and alignment with what truly matters to you.

 

Getting started 

Most people feel a little nervous before their first session. These feelings are quite normal because you are going to meet somebody that you don’t know and you are going to talk about something that may be troubling and upsetting to you. Please try to remember that I am on your side. I am here to help you and I am honored to hear what you have to say. Your first session is often a big step and most people discover that it is much easier than they had imagined. 

 In each session there is no rush or pressure to divulge every intimate detail of your life. You can tell me as much as you can about your situation at your pace. I will not rush you or push you to talk about things you aren’t ready to talk about. This is your space so you can take as much time as you need. 

 

Preparation

People often ask if they need to do anything before their first appointment but prior preparation is not necessary. However, I will ask you to complete an intake form and that’s it. During the first session you will be asked what prompted you to seek counseling and what you would like to gain from your sessions. As you would expect, I will ask (many) questions to try to understand to the best extent what has led you to your current situation. You are also free to ask me any questions you may have as well. 

 If you are coming for couples therapy you will be asked to complete a couples questionnaire. You will both be asked to describe how you understand the situation and what you would like to change. 

 In the first couples session it can sometimes be a little difficult to hear your partner describe things from their perspective as they may see it quite differently from you. You may be tempted to interrupt and disagree or correct how your partner perceives things. This is quite normal and I will make sure that you both get a chance to talk as I want to hear both sides of your story. 

 Results may vary and will to an extent depend on you and what you want to achieve and the commitment you make in the process. However, most people get some sort of relief and feel better for having spoken about their challenges. You might feel that a long-held burden has been lifted helping you feel better equipped to face life's challenges.  

Contact me today