Calgary Psychologist: Therapy and Treatment
What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken specialized training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders. Psychology is a science-based profession that integrates theory and clinical practice to understand and treat psychological distress.
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice, and people come to therapy for many reasons. Let’s face it—life is not always easy. At times, we all experience distress, frustration, disappointment, rejection, loss, and failure. The truth is life can be difficult— it inevitably involves plenty of pain for every one of us. Sometimes we need help with long-standing psychological issues or struggles with anxiety or depression, or in response to an unexpected changes in our lives. Many people come to therapy to pursue growth and well-being.
What Happens in Therapy?
When psychotherapy treatment begins, we embark on a journey together. The therapeutic process is collaborative and dynamic. My priority is to get to know you as deeply and thoroughly as possible, and stay attuned to your evolving needs. This involves getting to know who you are now-in the present moment-and what got you here. I want to know everything about you—what does a typical day in your life look like? What energizes you? What depletes you? What habits do you want to develop? What do you want to let go of? What can’t you let go of? What was it like growing up in your family? Your medical history, exercise, sleep and eating patterns, personal relationships, and social life. Together we will explore how you work, love, play and live, so we can develop insight and understanding of your true self.
I believe in cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship. You are the expert on your own life and I collaborate with you to determine the best course of treatment. We will work to identify your core strengths and inner resources and cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance, in the service of your healing and growth. We will monitor and evaluate your progress and adjust treatment as needed. I am committed to providing a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental space that is safe, secure and confidential.
Learn more about my approach to therapy and what happens during therapy.
Is Psychotherapy Effective?
According to the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association there is extensive evidence that therapy promotes positive change and is effective for a wide range of mental and behavioral health issues.
In order to maximize the benefits of psychotherapy, it’s important to collaborate, be open and honest, and follow the agreed upon treatment plan, including any assignments between sessions.
Although therapy cannot guarantee results, potentially life-changing benefits include:
✓ Relief from anxiety and depression
✓ Increased ability to cope with destructive thoughts
✓ Increased emotional regulation and stability
✓ Increased understanding, perspective and clarity
✓ Healing from trauma
✓ Replacing self-defeating habits with healthy alternatives
Why Choose Zen Psychology?
Everyone needs a little help. I recognize that it takes courage to reach out and seek help. You deserve to be seen, heard, understood and supported. I believe that well-being can be fostered through an authentic, empathic and accepting relational connection. Together we will look at your life— where you may be stuck or struggling and what direction you want your life to take. My intention is to help you express your authentic self and guide you in moving towards what matters most to you.
Client-Centric. I offer a friendly and down-to-earth approach to therapy. I will meet you where you’re at in this very moment. I’m here to support you as you look more deeply at your inner life and what’s truly important and meaningful to you. Together we can use this knowledge to guide, inspire, and motivate you to overcome your challenges, and create lasting wellbeing.
Individualized Approach. I believe therapy is both an art and a science. I am committed to providing comprehensive, quality of care grounded in evidence-based practice and personalizing treatment to meet individual goals. I utilize a creative, collaborative approach that integrates various types of psychotherapy, including elements from Mindfulness-and Acceptance Based Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. I emphasize your resilience and innate strengths to help you uncover how to make positive, lasting changes in your life.
Treatment. We will start with a comprehensive assessment, and co-create a change plan to loosen the grip of painful thoughts and emotions, relieve distress and reduce reactivity. You will learn straightforward skills and practical strategies to enhance coping and clarity. I empower you to identify, define and take ownership over short-term treatment objectives and long-term treatment goals.
Values: I emphasis mindfulness, curiosity, acceptance, and compassion. I am committed to supporting resilience, growth, healing and well-being.
