Clinical Counselling

The foundation of clinical counselling is the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and the client. This relationship is built on trust, empathy, and confidentiality, providing a safe space for clients to explore and express their thoughts and feelings. The initial stages of counselling are aimed at uncovering the client's concerns, background, and current life circumstances. Together, they collaboratively set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide the counselling process. From there, the counsellor tailors the treatment to the client's individual needs addressing the specific challenges and goals identified. Clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Our counsellors use different techniques and approached to help their clients, which include but not limited to: 

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that addresses mental health issues by identifying and changing negative thought patterns. It emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching practical skills for improved emotional well-being and behavior. CBT is widely used and effective for various concerns, promoting a collaborative approach between the therapist and the individual.

 

Mindfulness-based CBT  - It emphasizes cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance to manage thoughts and emotions. This approach teaches individuals to observe and detach from their thoughts, fostering a more balanced and non-judgmental perspective. Mindfulness CBT is effective for various mental health issues and encourages a mindful, present-focused approach to enhance overall well-being.

 

Somatic Therapy - is an approach that recognizes the mind-body connection, addressing psychological issues through the exploration of bodily sensations and experiences. It emphasizes the role of the body in processing emotions and trauma. Therapists employing Somatic Therapy help clients become more aware of physical sensations, promoting healing and emotional well-being. This holistic approach often includes techniques such as breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to facilitate the integration of emotional and physical aspects for improved mental health.

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EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach used in clinical counselling to help individuals process and alleviate symptoms related to past traumatic experiences. During EMDR sessions, clients focus on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones, or tapping. This bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the brain's natural processing of traumatic memories, enabling them to be integrated into less distressing forms. EMDR aims to target the root causes of psychological distress and foster emotional healing. By incorporating elements of cognitive therapy and exposure therapy, EMDR empowers individuals to reprocess traumatic memories, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately experience relief from their symptoms, leading to improved overall well-being.

 

 

Internal Family Systems - is a psychotherapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of various "parts," each with its own feelings, roles, and beliefs. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS aims to understand and harmonize these internal parts to promote psychological healing. The therapist guides individuals in exploring and developing a compassionate relationship with their internal parts, fostering integration and balance. IFS is effective for addressing emotional challenges, trauma, and improving overall mental well-being through a holistic and internal-focused perspective.

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