For Clients


In mental health I often describe the therapeutic process as “developing tolerance” within one’s emotions or nervous system. Studies show there is an ideal window where each person can stay regulated and feel safe, which through therapy or other practices can be expanded, increasing our "window of tolerance".

Another helpful way to think of this is that we are building “tolerance for discomfort” in one’s life. I often describe the therapeutic process as "building tolerance for dwelling in confusion”, because when we start off we spend an uncomfortable amount of time sitting in a place of “I don’t know the next step”, or "I don't know what to do".

Sitting in uncertainty is a natural part of the process.

Keep in mind, we are introducing curiosity to aspects of our lives that otherwise go untouched and often the insights we explore have been operating in the background unconsciously. For example, negative thoughts or beliefs that play in the background every day for sometimes 10 or 20 years. 

It’s only natural that when we finally question that thought or belief, and begin to explore beyond it with curiosity, we start out in a space of confusion. Sometimes repressed emotions surface, but there is a beauty in creating a space for this process to unfold. When you commit yourself to this healing process, and it can be a lengthy process for some... you unconsciously “break the cycle” of negative thoughts or disempowerment.

I encourage you to begin approaching life differently, moving away from the beliefs that take away our power to begin feeling open to turn towards the challenges life offers you.

 Over time it becomes easier to approach fear with curiosity instead of apprehension. After the coaching or counselling process ends, I encourage you to look at your life through new eyes. Begin to explore your life as if it were a journey that excites you and welcome each challenge, exploring the unknown courageously!   


So this is what the process really is.  A kind of re-invention of your relationship to yourself where you build a foundation that you take with you for the rest of your life! When you begin to live with autonomy, with self-leadership, showing up from the lens of service, other people can benefit from this shift.

Thank you for taking the first step towards the kind of life you deserve to live! A life where you're capable of harnessing your true potential. Keep in mind that going to therapy or doing coaching is not about making an isolated, radical shift in your life… true progress comes through a dedicating oneself to making smaller shifts, day by day and over time building momentum! Once that "train" leaves the station the world opens up to you! The journey isn't easy, but it's cultivated from a place of genuine, authentic, heart-centered freedom.

Live a peaceful life, embodying your highest, most heart-centered values. I can't define these things for you... that's for you to find out! 

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What is IFS?

IFS stands for Internal Family Systems, sometimes referred to as “Parts work” and is a tool for self-exploration that bases its process around the idea that our mind operates as “multiple minds” that interact with each other (think of the movie “Inside Out"). If you think the idea sounds a bit strange, consider how this idea isn’t new and has been considered in various psychological theories throughout history but was rejected by mainstream psychologists. IFS involves communicating with each of our parts as they intervene, with each individual part getting the attention of you via emotions, physical sensations or thoughts.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a tool which can be applied in coaching or counselling to help a client introduce awareness to problematic thinking patterns. The goal of applying CBT is to help a client change the way they think or feel to reinforce different thoughts, feelings or beliefs.

According to the philosophy of CBT our Thoughts (T) impact either our emotions or behaviours (E) or (B) and in turn there can be a variety of different ways our world is shaped by how we think or what we feel.

The CBT process is highly structured, backed by research, and involves the assigning of "homework" in between sessions that help a client practice these tools outside of sessions, usually mindfulness practices.  
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IFS coaching and Counselling

Richard Schwartz found of IFS explains more about Internal Family Systems (IFS)

 

Articles I recommend

How to do a "U-turn" with IFS

This brief article outlines how to introduce a brief "check-in" practice applying the theory of Parts work or Internal Family Systems (IFS) to bring awareness to challenging thoughts/feelings or emotions.

Article here

What is IFS Therapy? 

This brief article helps clarify what Internal Family Systems (IFS) is and identifies when it can be applied or limitations to it's use.

Article here

The Joy of Being Alone- Julian De Medeiros

This brief article is a summation of the internal philosophizing of the introvertepicted by this painting, “man on a balcony” (1880s), by the French impressionist Gustave Caillebotte.    

Article here

6 types of Inner Critics...

Research-backed methods to tame your inner critic and change self-dialogue. This brief overview can help you begin to understand the difference between types of "inner critics" within your internal system.

Article here

The Individuation Process: Finding Your Authentic Self

This approximately 2-min read defines Carl Jung's Individuation process and helps the reader begin this process of self-inquiry that leads to a deeper, more purposefully led life.

Article here
Everybody is playing with their stories,



"Who they think they are. It's more fun to just witness it all. To be in the environment in which it's all happening"

~RAM DASS

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