MY APPROACH
MY APPROACH
Personal Philosophy
Early childhood is crucially formative. Exploring and understanding our earliest experiences is often a rich and fruitful exercise that brings insight into self-understanding, acknowledgement and acceptance. That said, the brain has proven to be an incredibly resilient agent of change, that with the right support, tenacity and patience, can heal, learn new skills and facilitate incredible personal growth.
Increasingly, I am recognizing the effects of what has been called the "meaning crisis", evidenced by increasing rates of self-harm, suicide and reported purposelessness and isolation, particularly among young men. I am interested in supporting my clients in an investigation of their personal values, and recognizing the whole person; Body, Mind and Soul. I encourage my clients to bring whatever faith practice or tradition they may observe to sessions where they will be met with respect and curiosity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the theory that the way individuals perceive a situation is more closely connected to their reaction than the situation itself. Individuals’ perceptions are often distorted and unhelpful, particularly when they are distressed. Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps people identify their distressing thoughts and evaluate how realistic the thoughts are. Then they learn to change their distorted thinking. When they think more realistically, they feel better. The emphasis is also consistently on solving problems and initiating behavioral changes.
Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. (2023, September 15). Understanding CBT | Beck Institute. Beck Institute. https://beckinstitute.org/about/understanding-cbt/
Trauma Informed Parts Work
Sarah is a Clinical Trauma Specialist as well as a Therapeutic Counsellor, she has also completed the Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II) Course with Janina Fisher, so her understanding of how traumatic experiences impact functioning and healing informs every aspect of the work she does. She is also inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) and incorporates what she calls "Trauma-Informed Parts Work" which borrows from Attachment Theory, IFS, and the theories of Bessel Van Der Kolk MD and Janina Fisher.
The Body Keeps The Score (Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk)
Litanies of the Heart (Dr. Gerry Crete)
Attachment (John Bowlby)
Separation (John Bowlby)
Loss (John Bowlby)
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Confidentiality
There is nothing I take more seriously in my practice than the trust and respect on which the relationship with my client is based. I recognize how crucial it is to the work that we do that the client is comfortable to reveal themselves without fear and judgment especially when they are struggling to accept even themselves. I am wholeheartedly commited to the privacy of my clients and follow the guidelines set out by the BCACC
https://bcacc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/140501-How-Private-Is-Private-REVISED.pdf
Online Therapy
Although I prefer the chance to share space with my clients, I recognize the convenience and flexibility of virtual sessions. Bookings (unless otherwise planned) are facilitated through the Jane App as their platform provides greater standards of confidentiality compared to other virtual tools. Mini workshops for small groups and speaking engagements can be booked online or by contacting me directly by email and are facilitated online or in person.