Counselling sessions occur in a comfortable, safe, confidential environment and are booked to ensure client privacy.
*Covid protocol is followed during in person sessions and phone and virtual sessions are offered.
Clients may find one session sufficient if there is a need to “talk through” a specific problem. During times of crisis counselling may be supportive and a solace for a short period of time. For others counselling is a commitment to change and a longer time frame may be necessary.
Frequency of sessions and length of the therapeutic relationship are details that are discussed and decided upon jointly with clients as the goals of therapy are established during first sessions.
I believe each client is unique and as such my methods of therapy differ depending on my perception of the needs of the client and what the client and I feel may be helpful.
The following are some of the therapeutic methods I find helpful;
- Unified Protocol – cuts across traditional diagnostic boundaries to focus on key psychological processes underlying most mental health issues
- Solution Focused Counselling – focuses on individuals strengths and what is possible and changeable
- Family Systems – creates awareness of patterns of behaviour developed through our early experiences
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – promotes awareness of thinking patterns, emotions, physiology and behaviour leading to better coping strategies
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) – teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, how to improve interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness skills
- Relaxation & Mindfulness Techniques – use of breathing, guided imagery, progressive muscle, body scan, here and now awareness
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – use of acceptance, behavioural and mindfulness strategies to increase psychological “flexibility”
Barb Larkin, M.S.W., RSW 