WORKING VALUES

Research shows that the relationship with your therapist is the most influential element in the therapeutic experience, that is why it is important that you understand some of the philosophies and values that will be guiding our work, to help you decide that my help is right for you.

This may be a bit long, but I hope it is also useful for those who like to consider things deeply.

I come to the therapeutic encounter in a collaborative mindset that is reflective of the uniqueness of the realities of both the client and the therapist. I do not find that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is effective. My contributions are based on what you define as your goals, and on my understanding of your needs.

RELATIONAL & COLLABORATIVE

If you are looking for a warm, passionate and engaged psychotherapist, look no further. My approach is the opposite to the therapist that is silent and writes on a pad, aloof and distant, uttering grunts. I am an active participant in our collaborative work.

ENGAGEMENT

I offer my authentic presence and fully imperfect humanity, expecting you to feel safe enough to do the same. I am no slouch, however. I will ask many questions, remain curious, and respect your uniqueness.

AUTHENTICITY

I promise not to take you for granted or pretend I know your life. You are the only expert on your life. I am an expert in facilitating the process of exploration, keeping sessions safe and empowering for you to achieve what you want.

RESPECT

Despite my acumen and experience, I use the services of gifted colleagues that act as peer clinical supervisors to help me keep sessions centred on you, and to maintain proper boundaries.

SUPERVISION

I don’t believe in “neutrality”. Nobody is neutral. Bias can be invisible to members of privileged groups, so I do not pretend to be unbiased. I work with an anti-racist anti-oppressive approach.

The reason why my services are effective has a lot to do with what I have learned in my life journey, lived experience and professional understanding.

NEUTRALITY

My work engages in anti-racism, feminism, queer positive, gender affirming, sex-positive approaches and equity-building. I believe that I am responsible to leave this world a better place than I found it.

I draw on my expertise and awareness to look together with you at how intersectionality affects your life. We can then use liberatory therapies to help you overcome inequity and oppression.

I walk the walk.

ANTI-RACISM, ANTI-OPPRESSION

My practice is inspired in part by the humanist philosophy of Martin Buber’s “I and Thou”. It is also anchored in the idea that people are motivated by a wish to have mastery over their own life, not only by unconscious drives, childhood drama or deep conflicts.

HUMANISM

If you are like most of the highly functional and intelligent people that seek my services, you come to therapy to get alternative points of view, not a blank silence. In your work with me you will get my opinions and views whenever you request them. I am transparent and generous with my comments while keeping our work based on your values, not mine.

GENEROUS FEED-BACK

My working goal is to create a space where you can feel free to talk about the things you cannot talk elsewhere. This will be your safe space.

If you are concerned that I might be judgemental of what you bring to session, don’t bother! I have seen quite a bit of what humans suffering looks like in this world by working in two psychiatric hospitals, and in my own life.

NON-JUDGEMENT

My patients are often surprised about how much they laugh in our sessions. I find that a sense of humour and subverting convention can help liberate people’s souls. Under certain conditions, some problems that people face can be reduced using laughter.

IRREVERENCE & HUMOUR

My work is firmly anchored the practice of compassion for ALL living beings and in the practice of the Golden Rule (Love your fellow human as you love yourself).

I am here to help you bloom in your unique and amazing way. I want to help you live a life that is meaningful and rewarding. I hope that in our work together you will find a way to explore self-compassion, and learn to contribute to the world freely through your gifts and your ideas.

LOVING-KINDNESS & COMPASSION

I love my work and feel passionate about helping. What you bring to work in our sessions is important to me. I actually care.

I DO CARE

If you have any questions about these ideas and values, please do not hesitate to send me questions via the CONTACT ME tab or if you think you may want to work with me you can make a free Meet and Greet session so we can discuss them.