Therapeutic effectiveness can be attributed not only to extensive training, but also to my belief in and appreciation of my clients' individuality. I feel strongly that therapy should be tailored to the specific needs and personality of each person. As a therapist, it is my role to assist my clients with any number of psychotherapeutic goals ranging from symptom reduction to the in-depth exploration of personality and the pursuit of greater life satisfaction.

I employ a multidisciplinary approach to therapy, drawing mainly from two models: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Adlerian Therapy, each briefly outlined below. In consideration of the client's specific needs, either one or both of these approaches (as well as other appropriate, strategies and techniques) may be utilized.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the relationship between a person's thoughts, behaviours, and feelings and the impact it has on a person's mood, beliefs and daily functioning.

Cognitive therapy teaches the individual how certain thinking patterns can be causing or maintaining symptoms by creating a distorted picture of one's life. These thoughts may contribute to feelings such as fear, sadness or anger; which may lead to self-defeating or self-damaging behaviors.

Behavior therapy helps weaken the connections between troublesome situations and typical reactions to them. One also learns how to tune-in to and calm one's mind and body in order to feel better, think more clearly and make better decisions. When combined into CBT, behavior therapy and cognitive therapy provide very powerful tools for alleviating symptoms and making life more enjoyable.

Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian therapy is typically best suited for long-term treatment, although the basic Adlerian principles provide useful in short-term therapy as well. The goal of the Adlerian therapist is to 'see with the eyes, hear with the ears and feel with the heart' of each client, clearly emphasizing the importance of each individual's subjective view of the world.

The therapist will embark on a comprehensive examination of the client's functioning in five fundamental 'life tasks': love, friendship, work, spirituality and self. The client's relative degree of satisfaction with each task will indicate where efforts to make adjustments or improvements will be focused. Adlerian therapy emphasizes the role of the individual in his or her social sphere, as well as the importance of how one views themself and others.

The focus of therapy shifts from past to present depending on the client's personal goals for therapy. The duration of therapy is in direct relation to the type and amount of change and depth of insight that the client seeks to attain. A range of specific Adlerian techniques and interventions are utilized to facilitate this process.