The matter of fact is that trust, safety and respect are key in a healthy relationship, and the relationship between the client and the therapist is no different. Studies clearly show that the most important factor predicting the success of a therapeutic process is the quality of the relationship between the client and the therapist. It is even suggested that even though the training is essential, the quality of the relationship has greater importance in the success of a therapeutic process. I will create an environment where you can feel safe to share your heart and mind. I am not judging; I am here to listen and to provide guidance, support, and an objective perceptive. We must get to know each other, as each person is unique and has a different set of values and life experiences. We will learn how to work together.
My attitudes
I am gentle and calm. I look at life and situations with a realistic perspective. I look for solutions, but I understand that sometimes we need to accept what life brings to us. It is a process, and I recognize that. Truth is not always easy to share, but I believe it is crucial. Honesty is very important. I will share my honest thoughts with you and hope that you feel comfortable to do likewise. I will do my best to support you, but I know that you have an essential part to play in your healing journey.
What to expect
Starting Therapy: The first few sessions are meant to collect information about who you are and to explore what is going on. During these sessions, I will be able to answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process ahead.
What is the Plan?: We discuss what path might work best for you and your situation. It’s not one plan that fits every person/situation. Every person is different, and what works for one person might not work for someone else. We work together and discuss how we will move forward.
Working through the plan: These sessions are meant for you to learn strategies and tools that apply to you and your situation, to process whatever you need to, and also to take time to discuss whatever is on your mind. In between sessions, I recommend that you take the time to reflect on what we have discussed and applied in your day-to-day life what you are learning.
How Often?: I have no rule for appointment scheduling. The frequency of appointments can be flexible. However, I suggest scheduling appointments regularly, or at least at the beginning of the therapeutic process. We can discuss this together.
After therapy: When you are ready and feel that you have achieved your goals, we slowly end the process, which can take a few sessions. We take the time to review what you have learned and talked about in this process. We can decide to end the process and to continue with occasional sessions for goals to maintain your mental well-being.
This is an overview of what a process can look like, but it can also be personalized.
Counselling methods I use
The approaches that I use have been proven to be very effective. They can be life-changing, and some clients have experienced immense benefits from these approaches. Each method has its own uniqueness and can serve different purposes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works on the basis that the way we think and perceive a situation affects how we behave and, ultimately, how we feel. CBT focuses on the here and now, and it is used to deal with current situations that are affecting someone’s day-to-day living. CBT is a short-term therapy that can help people find new ways to behave by changing their thought patterns. It is a flexible technique that can adapt to different issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, phobia, OCD, relationship challenges, and more.
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. (EMDR International Association, 2024)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. “ACT” is a good abbreviation, because this therapy is about taking effective action guided by our deepest values and in which we are fully present and engaged. It is only through mindful action that we can create a meaningful life. Of course, as we attempt to create such a life, we will encounter all sorts of barriers, in the form of unpleasant and unwanted "private experiences" (thoughts, images, feelings, sensations, urges, and memories.) ACT teaches mindfulness skills as an effective way to handle these private experiences (psychotherapy.net, 2024).
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple relationship and integrates research-based interventions. The Gottman Method Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhances the couples shared goals. Relapse prevention is also addressed.
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element in stress reduction and overall happiness. To live mindfully is to live in the moment and rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Mindfulness can also be a healthy way to identify and manage negative emotions that are causing problems in personal or professional relationships. Mindfulness is frequently used in therapy It has many positive benefits, including lowering stress levels, reducing harmful ruminating, and protecting against depression and anxiety.
Christian Counselling and secular counselling share the same desire to support people overcome their problems, find a sense of peace and happiness in life, and encourage a healthy life balance, both mentally and emotionally. Christian Counselling specifically incorporates the spiritual dimension, Biblical truths, and a seeking of God’s will in an individual’s life. Christian Counselling uses scripture and biblical teachings to help people deal with life’s challenges. Christian counsellors understand that the Bible has a lot of practical wisdom about human nature, marriage and family, human suffering, and so much more.
Consultation
Let’s chat before we meet
I think it is important for a person who is seeking help, to have a sense of who the therapist is. I encourage new clients to request a 15 minutes free consultation. This time will allow you to share briefly what is going on, and to decide how you feel about me.