Common Questions
and Concerns
Feel free to explore some common questions below. It's normal to have inquiries about therapy, and I'm here to provide answers and support you in your journey towards healing and growth.
What are your qualifications?
I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. I have completed numerous advanced trainings including, but not limited to:
​
Internal Family Systems Therapy Level 1 and 2 , IFS Institute
Certificate in Applied Internal Family Systems Therapy, Adler Institute
IATP Trauma Certificate, PESI
EMDR Basic Training, EMDRIA
Introduction to Acceptance & CommitmentTherapy (ACT)
Polyvagal System, Stephen Porges, NICABM
Polyvagal Theory and Trauma, Deb Dana
Somatic IFS Workshop, Susan McConnell, ISFCA
Emotionally Focussed Individual Therapy, Dr Sure Johnson
Interpersonal Therapy, Paul Kasurak
​
I engage in regular consultation and ongoing education in the areas of childhood trauma, trauma, anxiety, depression, shame and attachment
​
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. I believe that asking for help is a sign of strength. We all need help sometimes. Asking for it shows you believe you can grow, heal, and change and have the courage to try.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
As a psychotherapist, I am trained to help heal and grow – to listen with care and without judgment, to help you listen to yourself so you understand your emotional landscape, to heal the effects of trauma, to teach new skills, and to help shift perspectives. I don’t give advice or opinions, like a friend. I help you find your own solutions, using evidence-based approaches to treatment that create lasting change. Also, therapy is completely confidential.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because we all have different goals, challenges and strengths, it can vary. Sometimes I’ll ask questions, sometimes you’ll share your thoughts and feelings and we will discuss them. We may use body signals, mindfulness techniques, and inner exploration to uncover what’s troubling you. Other times we may practice new skills.
How long will it take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and the length of time therapy can take depends on your goals, your desire for personal development, your commitment, and what brought you to therapy.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
That’s great! Your participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. Some things that help include booking regular sessions, bringing new awareness from our sessions to your daily experiences, practicing skills we develop, and communicating regularly with me about what is working and what is not.
I have personal issues that I’m nervous about sharing. What if you judge me?
I will not judge you. I can even help you reduce some of your own self-judgment.
Therapy involves personal issues, and it’s natural to fear judgment or feel nervous. I work with sensitivity and compassion, to create the comfort you need. We work at a pace that you set. You get to decide what to share and how much, and when you share it – my job is to make you feel safe to do so.
​