The central principle of CBT is that our thoughts, emotions, physical reactions and behaviours are part of a unified system. Using CBT-based approaches the therapist will support the client in developing the skills to explore, explain and modify unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behaviours that are the basis of psychological distress. 

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CBT is a well validated treatment modality and one of the most extensively utilized and researched forms of therapy. 

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CBT has shown to be effective with a number of psychological problems including, but not limited to:

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Panic Disorder

• Chronic Pain

• Self-Esteem

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Anger Management

EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. EMDR therapy is a phased, focused approach to treating trauma and other symptoms by reconnecting the traumatized person in a safe and measured way to the images, self-thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with the trauma, and allowing the natural healing powers of the brain to move toward adaptive resolution.

It is based on the idea that symptoms occur when trauma and other negative or challenging experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to heal, and that the healing process can be facilitated and completed through bilateral stimulation while the client is re-experiencing the trauma in the context of the safe environment of the therapist’s office (dual awareness).

A primary approach to couples counselling is the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

This method supports couples in learning to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.

The major aim of couples counselling is increasing your knowledge about yourself, your partner and the patterns of interaction between you.

Therapy becomes effective as you apply new knowledge to break ineffective patterns and develop better ones.

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It’s not what you say, it is how you say it and it’s what they hear.

Although Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is often a primary modality utilized with children and youth to support strengthening emotional regulation, healthy communication and problem solving skills, it is the approach that optimizes success. 

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Children do not often benefit from a strictly talk-based therapy approach. A hands on, play-based and skill focused approach allows children to be successful while meeting their learning and developmental needs in an environment that feels safe. 

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The expectation that children will learn and employ strategies talked about once or twice in therapy often sets them up for failure. It is important that counselling strategies with children and youth employs a scaffolding approach that involves the key caregiver figures in their lives.