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Not all therapists are the same and choosing a psychologist that you feel comfortable with is important. Research suggests that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant factors contributing to positive therapy outcomes. I often encourage clients to find a psychologist who they feel understands and respects them, as well as someone who they can be open with to ask questions and offer feedback.

In addition to fit of personality, you may want to consider if the psychologist has experience in the area you’re looking for support, or if their philosophy or therapeutic approach works for you.

For example, many people benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as it focuses on the development of coping strategies and offers a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. However, this approach may not be beneficial for someone who wants to focus on the “here and now”, to work on family issues, or to process deeper emotional concerns, etc.  Many psychologists have training in multiple approaches to adapt to the varying needs of clients. It is important that the work feels beneficial and meaningful to you.

Please see “about” tab for more information about the therapeutic approaches I often use in my work with clients.

There are many reasons that a person might decide to work with a psychologist. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants to develop greater self-awareness and understanding, gain insight into their problems and develop skills for managing difficult situations and emotions, take steps toward making desired changes in their lives, or to discover how to live a more authentic and meaningful life. We can all experience times in our lives where we feel overwhelmed by stress or unable to face feelings of loneliness, emptiness, worthlessness, defeat, etc. Working with a therapist can help provide encouragement and increase your ability to manage such challenges. Psychological services may be beneficial at various times throughout your life to enhance and maintain physical and mental well-being.

Therapy is not easily described in a general sense, as it is highly dependent on the personalities of the therapist and the client, and the issues that are being addressed. Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your psychologist. Therapy is most successful when you are actively engaged in the process, and the speed at which change takes place depends on your willingness to work on the things we talk about.

There are many different therapeutic approaches that can influence the nature of the work that is being done in session. However, you can typically expect a therapist to enquire about your current concerns and symptoms you are experiencing, as well as information about present circumstances, personal history that is relevant to your concerns and goals for therapy, and reflections on what you have noticed after and between sessions.

For some people, change occurs naturally through a process of open discussion, and development of insight and understanding into the problem. For others, their concerns demand more meaningful and intentional change to be made across several domains in their lives.  This may be a slower process due to the nature of your concerns, and will require dedicated work on your part, both in and between sessions.