Psychotherapy and counselling often have a lot of myths associated with it; around who it’s for and often people might believe it’s not for them. So, let’s spend a minute exploring what psychotherapy is. Traditionally, psychotherapy is a treatment for anyone experiencing mental health challenges through psychological means. Right away when reading this, some people will think they don’t have any mental health. I would like to challenge that in that anyone with a brain has mental health, albeit some more interfering than others.
With that out of the way, how can psychotherapy be helpful for you? Psychotherapy covers a wide range of concerns from supporting overall wellness, work or family stressors, parenting questions/concerns, relationships, navigating various life stages to diagnosed mental health disorders and trauma for children, adolescents, and adults.
There are a couple trends in mental health that have been demonstrated in statistics and in my office over the years and this is anxiety and depression. Both of these challenges can range in individuals from mild to debilitating. Using a client-centered approach I work with many people to learn ways to manage symptoms and have these disorders become less intrusive in their day to day lives. With each individual being the expert within their own lives we build on strengths and add new skills to their repertoire to feel less incombered. I also welcome people who might not be diagnosed but are just not feeling themselves and are seeking support.
Another area that seems to be brought into my practice a lot experience is working with children and adolescents. Both life stages have such amazing developmental milestones in addition to difficulties. The pressures of academic success, fitting in to peer groups, new relationships, peer pressure, bullying, and all of nuances of being a child or youth in today’s world can be really difficult. Young children might not have the ability to make sense of their stressors and this might present as a child with “behaviour”. I work with a lot of children who are often labeled in a negative way when really, they are struggling and do not have the tools to manage. Or an adolescent who might seem more withdrawn or their grades are not what they used to be. Behaviours in all people in motivated by a need we have, and without understanding the need it is difficult to support the person who might be suffering. And as a parent of these children and adolescents there are often a lot of questions and concerns. I’m sure many parents can relate to the idea that the instruction guide should have been included! In addition to seeing children and youth I also see parents to guide them in their roles as their child’s primary support person.
I will leave you with this thought:
Everyone is doing the absolute best they can and everyone can do better.
If this resonates with you and your looking to see what can be better then come on in.
