Our Mission & Values
WE BELIEVE in a collaborative approach to therapy where the therapist and client are authentic and transparent with one another.
The most fundamental need of our being is to be seen, heard and accepted as we are. It is no surprise that the strongest determining factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. Positive change happens when we become more like ourselves rather than trying to be something others want us to be.
WE BELIEVE in an integrated approach to therapy where the mind, emotions, and body are accounted for in the recovery and healing process.
When we are experiencing emotional distress our entire being experiences the pain. Letting go of pain by changing our negative thought patterns, learning new behaviours, resolving issues from the past, and releasing tension from the muscles and nervous system all work together to create better mental and physical health.
WE BELIEVE in supporting our clients to transform their defenses (the way we block ourselves from living our potential) into healthy ways of relating to self, others and the world.
Defenses get created when our needs were not provided adequately, mostly in childhood. The pain of not getting these needs met such as unconditional love and validation, had to be suppressed and the “false selves,” worked to get these needs met inauthentically. By respectfully and gradually exposing the original pains, the Real Self can emerge and vitality of the personality restored.
WE BELIEVE in empowerment through personal responsibility.
Underlying much of emotional distress, anxiety and depression are suppressed emotions having to deal with our “unacceptability,” as persons. We encourage our clients to embrace their authentic selves by courageously challenging the negative self-talk of the “false selves,” to accept negative emotions simply as underlying needs to met, and making a commitment to stop the cycles of shame, guilt and blame.