Therapy Models

EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, emerged from the innovative work of Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., a pioneering clinical psychologist from California, back in 1987. Originally crafted to ease the burden of traumatic memories, its scope extends to various forms of trauma, including:

physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
combat experiences, natural disasters, accidents
exposure to violence or death
neglect
abandonment
bullying

This therapy doesn't just address overt traumas but also delves into challenges stemming from diverse concerns including developmental trauma, major life changes, or chronic illnesses. EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories and promote psychological healing. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories stored in the brain. Our EMDR therapists in Calgary intervene by dismantling the negative beliefs linked to these traumatic narratives, allowing individuals to revisit and reframe their past experiences.

EMDR provided in Calgary and online by Gillian and Scott

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CBT Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment widely regarded for its effectiveness in addressing various mental health issues.

Our psychologists in Calgary offer CBT services tailored to individual needs. CBT targets thought patterns and behaviours contributing to psychological distress, empowering clients to develop adaptive coping skills. Through collaborative sessions and structured exercises, clients learn to recognize and challenge:

negative thought patterns
develop problem-solving strategies
confront avoidance behaviors

CBT emphasizes present-focused interventions, equipping clients with practical tools to manage current challenges and enhance overall well-being. With a strong emphasis on research-backed techniques and clinical expertise, CBT aims to produce tangible and lasting results. If you're seeking a proactive approach to managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns, consider CBT as a path towards positive change. Contact us to learn more about how CBT can support your journey to mental wellness in Calgary.

CBT provided in Calgary and online by Marissa, Misha, Gillian, and Scott

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DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to address individuals struggling with intense emotions and maladaptive behaviors. Our psychologists offering services in Calgary provide comprehensive DBT therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. DBT is renowned for its effectiveness in treating conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), as well as other mood and behaviour disorders.

Key Components of DBT:

Dialectics: DBT emphasizes finding balance between acceptance and change. Clients learn to accept themselves as they are while simultaneously striving for personal growth and change.
Mindfulness: Clients develop present-moment awareness, allowing them to observe thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness practices promote emotional regulation and stress reduction.
Emotion Regulation: DBT equips clients with strategies to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions effectively. By learning to regulate emotions, clients experience greater stability and well-being.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Clients learn assertiveness skills, boundary-setting techniques, and effective communication strategies to navigate relationships and resolve conflicts.
Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches clients coping skills to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviours. These skills empower clients to respond skillfully to crises and difficult circumstances.

DBT provided in Calgary and online by Marissa and Misha

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Gottman Couples Therapy

Gottman Therapy, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is a research-based approach designed to improve relationships and strengthen marital bonds. Our psychologists in Calgary provide specialized Gottman Therapy to couples seeking to enhance their connection and resolve conflicts effectively.

Key Components of Gottman Therapy:

The Sound Relationship House: Gottman Therapy is grounded in the concept of the "Sound Relationship House," which encompasses various elements crucial for healthy relationships, including trust, communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution.
Assessment Tools: Gottman Therapy utilizes evidence-based assessment tools to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement within the relationship. These assessments help tailor interventions to the specific needs of each couple.
The Four Horsemen: Gottman identified four negative communication patterns, known as the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," which can erode relationships: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Gottman Therapy focuses on replacing these destructive behaviours with healthier communication strategies.
Repair and De-Escalation Techniques: Couples learn techniques to repair conflicts and de-escalate arguments effectively. These strategies promote understanding, empathy, and emotional connection, even during disagreements.
Building Friendship and Intimacy: Gottman Therapy emphasizes the importance of building friendship and intimacy within the relationship. Couples learn how to nurture fondness, admiration, and appreciation for each other, fostering a strong emotional bond.
Love Maps and Shared Meaning: Couples develop "love maps" – a deeper understanding of each other's inner worlds, dreams, and values. Additionally, they work on creating shared meaning and rituals of connection that strengthen their bond over time.

Gottman Couples Therapy provided in Calgary and online by Marissa and Scott

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Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy offers a collaborative and empowering approach to counselling, focusing on the stories we tell about our lives and identities. Our psychologists in Calgary specialize in Narrative Therapy to help individuals rewrite their narratives, reclaim agency, and overcome challenges.

Key Components of Narrative Therapy:

Externalizing Problems: Narrative Therapy externalizes problems, separating them from the individual's identity. By viewing problems as separate entities, individuals can gain perspective and agency in addressing them.
Reauthoring Stories: Clients are encouraged to reauthor their narratives, challenging dominant narratives and constructing alternative, more empowering stories about themselves and their experiences.
Exploring Unique Outcomes: Narrative Therapy explores exceptions to problems and unique outcomes in individuals' lives. By highlighting moments of strength, resilience, and resourcefulness, clients can discover new possibilities for change.
Deconstructing Dominant Discourses: Clients learn to identify and deconstruct dominant societal narratives and discourses that may contribute to their distress. This process enables them to challenge oppressive narratives and construct more liberated identities.
Cultivating Preferred Identities: Narrative Therapy supports individuals in identifying and cultivating preferred identities and values. Clients explore their strengths, aspirations, and values, aligning their actions with their preferred ways of being.

Narrative Therapy provided in Calgary and online by all of our psychologists

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach focused on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility and live a values-driven life. Our psychologists in Calgary specialize in ACT to assist clients in overcoming challenges and fostering meaningful change.

Key Components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

Acceptance: ACT encourages clients to accept their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment or avoidance. Rather than struggling against difficult feelings, clients learn to make room for them and approach them with openness and compassion.
Cognitive Defusion: Clients learn techniques to "defuse" from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, recognizing them as passing mental events rather than objective truths. By distancing themselves from their thoughts, clients gain greater clarity and flexibility in their thinking.
Mindfulness: ACT incorporates mindfulness practices to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental attention to their experiences. Mindfulness techniques enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Values Clarification: Clients identify their core values – the qualities and experiences they deem most important and meaningful in life. Clarifying values provides clients with a guiding compass for making decisions and setting goals aligned with their deepest aspirations.
Committed Action: ACT emphasizes taking committed action toward valued goals, even in the presence of discomfort or uncertainty. Clients learn to move forward in life with purpose and intention, overcoming obstacles that may arise along the way.

ACT provided in Calgary and online by Marissa, Sydney, and Misha

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