Note: I use the terms “counselling” and “therapy” interchangeably throughout this website.
Transpersonal therapists work under a larger umbrella than many other therapists. We have a more varied tool box with which to work from, as we are trained in spiritual counselling as well as modern psychological interventions. It really is the best of both worlds.
Each model has its own theory of human development and its own way of working. Some practitioners, like me, take an eclectic approach, which means that we draw on elements from a variety of different models when working with our clients.
Some styles of counselling are “directive” (suggesting courses of action and perhaps giving homework exercises), and others are “non-directive” (where the client takes the lead in what’s discussed). My work falls into the “non-directive” category.
Below is a summary of the different therapy models I draw from. These represent the main therapeutic orientations taught in my three-year Clearmind International Transpersonal Counselling Program.
Transpersonal counselling
This is an integrative and holistic approach that utilizes creative imagination. It assumes a spiritual dimension to life and human nature. It also presupposes the interconnectedness of all beings with a higher spiritual power, and specifically addresses the bridge between the two.
Transpersonal counselling emphasizes personal empowerment. It takes account of the client’s past experiences, but also looks to the future and what is likely to unfold for them, the challenges they may face, and the qualities that need to emerge to meet those challenges.
The basic belief is that whatever the hardships of human experience, the core essence — or soul — remains undamaged. Unlike most forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on improving mental health, transpersonal therapy takes a more holistic approach, addressing mental, physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual needs, with an emphasis on the role of a healthy spirit in healing.
To facilitate healing and growth, transpersonal therapy places great emphasis on honesty, open-mindedness, and self-awareness on the part of the therapist as well as the client.
Humanistic therapy
This approach emphasizes a person’s capacity to make rational choices and develop to their maximum potential. Concern and respect for others are also important themes.
Three types of humanistic therapy are especially influential: person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy:
Person-centered (or client-centered) counselling
This is based on the principle that the counsellor provides three core conditions (or essential attributes) that are, in themselves, therapeutic:
Empathy (the ability to imagine oneself in another person’s position)
Unconditional positive regard (warm positive feelings, regardless of the person’s behaviour)
Congruence (honesty and openness)
The counsellor uses the relationship with the client as a means of healing and change. The counsellor provides little authority or direction. Instead, they offer subtle guidance on an individual’s life or mental illness, and encourage the client to take control of their future.
Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility and helps clients focus on the present. It also stresses the development of the therapist-client relationship, the social context of the client’s life, awareness, attitudes and direct feelings and perceptions rather than interpretations.
Gestalt therapy encourages people to have an active awareness of their present situation and also incorporates communication that goes beyond words. A key part of Gestalt counselling is the dramatization, or acting out, of important conflicts in a person’s life.
This could involve using two or more chairs, for instance, so that they can physically take up different positions to represent different aspects of themselves.
Existential therapy
Existential psychotherapy is based on the model of human nature and experience developed by the existential tradition of European philosophy. It focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life.
Many existential therapists also make use of basic skills like empathic reflection, Socratic questioning, and active listening. Some may also draw on a wide range of techniques derived from other therapies such as psychoanalysis, Cognitive-behavioural therapy, person-centered, somatic, and Gestalt therapy.
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT isa directive model, concerned with the way people’s beliefs about themselves shape how they interpret experiences. The objective is to change self-defeating or irrational beliefs and behaviours by altering negative ways of thinking.
Clients learn to monitor their emotional upsets and what triggers them, to identify self-defeating thoughts, to see the connections between their beliefs, feelings and behaviour, to look at the evidence for and against these thoughts and beliefs, and to think in a way that is more realistic and less negative.
The counsellor usually gives the client tasks or homework to do between sessions. This could mean recording thoughts and feelings or doing something that tests out a basic assumption about themselves. This might mean, for instance, going shopping when their fear is that they may panic.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises.
Family systems therapy
Family systems therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals resolve their problems in the context of their family units, where many issues are likely to begin. Each family member works together with the others to better understand their group dynamic and how their individual actions affect each other and the family unit as a whole.
One of the most important premises of family systems therapy is that what happens to one member of a family happens to everyone in the family. Many psychological issues begin early in life and stem from relationships within the family of origin, or the family one grows up in, even though these issues often surface later on in life.
Families in conflict, as well as couples and individuals with issues and concerns related to their families of origin, can benefit from family systems therapy.
Attachment-based therapy
Attachment-based therapy is a process-oriented form of psychological counselling. The client-therapist relationship is based on developing or rebuilding trust and centers on expressing emotions.
An attachment-based approach to therapy looks at the connection between an infant’s early attachment experiences with primary caregivers, usually with parents, and the infant’s ability to develop normally and ultimately form healthy emotional and physical relationships as an adult.
Attachment-based therapy aims to build or rebuild a trusting, supportive relationship that will help prevent or treat anxiety or depression.
Psychodrama
Psychodrama is an action method, in which clients use spontaneous dramatization, role playing, and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight into their lives.
AEDP encourages people to develop a secure attachment so they can physically experience and process difficult emotions. In this approach, the therapist establishes a safe, supportive relationship with the client, and that relationship provides the environment needed for change to occur.
Somatic therapy
Therapists who practice somatic body psychotherapy believe a person’s inner feelings impact their physical form. They use mind-body exercises to release pent-up trauma from the mind and the body. By releasing these bodily sensations, a therapist works towards healing trauma from the inside out with this form of trauma therapy.
Somatic experiencing therapy is a specific approach to somatic therapy and is based on the idea that traumatic experiences cause dysfunction in a person’s nervous system and prevent them from processing the experience.
The goal of somatic experiencing therapy, therefore, is to help an individual notice physical sensations stemming from their mental health issues and use that awareness to work through painful feelings and emotions. This kind of physical sensation can be in the form of chronic pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Psychodynamic therapy
This is based on the idea that past experiences have a bearing on experiences and feelings in the present, and that important relationships, perhaps from early childhood, may be replayed with other people later in life.
It translates the principles and insights of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy into once-a-week counselling.
The counsellor usually aims to be as neutral a figure as possible, giving little information about him or herself, making it more likely that important relationships (past or present) will be reflected in the relationship between the client and the counsellor.
This relationship is therefore an important source of insight for both parties and helps the client to work through their difficulties. Developing a trusting and reliable relationship with the counsellor is essential for this work.
Next steps
If you’ve tried to solve your problems on your own and you’re starting to realize that maybe, just maybe, you need outside support, I’m glad you’re here.
Asking for help can be hard, but it’s a great first step toward lasting change.
I will meet you with flexibility, adapting my approach to your unique circumstances. I will help you become who you authentically are, and will greet you with acceptance, knowing that diversity is what makes human beings beautiful.
I see vulnerability as the window to connection and will hold your vulnerability with care and compassion. I take confidentiality seriously and have processes in place to guarantee your privacy.
Your next step: Schedule a free session with me to see how it goes. I look forward to meeting you!
Note: I use the terms “counselling” and “therapy” interchangeably throughout this website.
One of my favourite counselling modalities is drawn from the philosophy of person-centered therapy. It’s a non-directive approach to talk therapy, which means that the therapist believes the client has all the answers within them. The client simply needs a safe non-judgemental space to explore what is alive inside them.
Person-centered therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s. Rather than having an “expert” treating a “patient,” the therapist and client are seen as equal partners.
Person-centered therapy assumes that people are essentially trustworthy and have a vast potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems. It emphasizes the client’s capacity for self-awareness and self-healing. The therapist fosters a climate that promotes growth.
The philosophy of this approach is that people are essentially good, and they know what’s right for them. The essential ingredients of successful person-centered therapy are love and empathy.
What to look for in a person-centered therapist
Congruence — being genuine and real. The therapist is willing to transparently relate to clients without hiding behind a professional facade
Unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and caring. This means that the therapist offers acceptance of the client’s feelings and actions, is willing to accept the client as they are, and maintains a positive attitude toward them. The therapist also listens attentively without interrupting, judging, or giving advice.
Empathetic understanding (see below)
The goals of person-centered therapy
With person-centered therapy, the client achieves a greater degree of independence and integration. The therapist provides a climate conducive to helping the individual become a fully functional person.
Clients are encouraged to live in the present rather than in the past or future, and to rely on their own inner experience of each moment to guide their behavior, carry out the responsibilities of their life, and contribute to the world to the best of their ability.
Through a therapeutic attitude of genuine caring, respect, acceptance, support and understanding, the client is able to loosen their defenses and rigid perceptions and move to a higher level of personal functioning.
As the client begins to understand and accept, they become less defensive and more open to their experience. They also become less concerned about meeting the expectations of others and begin to behave in ways that are truer to themselves, increasingly trusting themselves to manage their own lives. Being accepted = accepting themselves.
The therapist’s attitude and way of being with the client constitutes the heart of the change process. The process of being with clients and entering their world perceptions and feelings is often sufficient for bringing about change.
Person-centered therapy assumes that the client has the resourcefulness for positive movement without the counsellor assuming an active, directive role.
This approach emphasizes staying with the client in the moment, rather than getting ahead of them with interpretations. The therapist’s attitude is more important than knowledge, theory, or techniques. The intent is to promote growth, development, maturity, and improved functioning in daily life.
How empathy helps you heal
Empathy is understanding the feelings of another person. A skilled therapist can understand the client and support them by paying attention and valuing their experience. They can help the client see their earlier experiences in new ways, modify their perception of themselves, and increase confidence in making choices and pursuing a course of action.
Research has consistently demonstrated that a therapist’s empathy and radical curiosity are the most potent predictors of a client’s progress in therapy.
A person-centered therapist can see through the client’s eyes, “be in their shoes,” and at the same time retain their own identity. The therapist can sense the client’s subjective experience “as if” they were the client, but never assume they understand based on their own frame of reference.
How to know if your therapist is person-centered
Here’s how to know whether your therapist is person-centered: You should be able to share your internal experiences without your therapist making any judgments, or giving you direct guidance or advice. The relationship you create together is an important part of person-centered therapy.
If you don’t feel understood or supported, it might be important to address these concerns, and if that doesn’t work, consider finding someone else instead.
10 traits of a person-centered therapist:
Sets clear boundaries
Has the attitude that the client knows best
Acts as a sounding board
Isn’t judgemental
Doesn’t make decisions for you
Concentrates on what you are really saying
Is genuine and doesn’t hide behind a professional facade
Accepts negative emotions
Their attitude towards you is more important than their theories
They know their limitations in supporting a client
My promise to you
As a person-centered therapist, I will meet you with flexibility, adapting my approach to your unique circumstances. I will help you become who you authentically are, and will greet you with acceptance, knowing that diversity is what makes human beings beautiful.
I see vulnerability as the window to connection and will hold your vulnerability with care and compassion. I take confidentiality seriously and have processes in place to guarantee your privacy.
Your next step: Schedule a free session with me to see how it goes. I look forward to meeting you!
Self care tips… Being busy should never come at the cost of your overall physical and mental well-being. Not taking the time to care for yourself can put you at increased risk for depression, burnout, and anxiety, which can make you less resilient, productive, and happy. If taking a vacation or going on a full-day spa excursion doesn’t fit into your life, there are a few things you can do at home to help promote mental health through self-care. Keep reading to learn more.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the most valuable methods of facilitating mental well-being. The long-term consequences of sleep deprivation can include heart disease, weight gain, depression, a weakened immune system, and dementia. It’s no wonder that sleep-related illness accounts for $16 billion in medical costs per year. If you want to reduce your risk for the aforementioned sleep deprivation consequences, be sure to get enough sleep.
To start, it may be necessary to evaluate your relationship with sleep. Do you view it as a necessity? Do you have a sleep routine? What makes you sleep poorly? Asking yourself these questions can help to identify the route of your sleep issue. For example, if you sleep poorly only when you haven’t exercised, consider making exercise a part of your daily routine. Additionally, try limiting caffeine, alcohol, and late-night snacks. If you suffer from systemic sleep issues, this may be an indicator of a more serious sleep disorder. If this sounds like you, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Do Something You Love
Doing a hobby or activity you love can break-up your daily routine, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and facilitate relaxation. All too often, people have the tendency to put their passions on life’s “back burner” in favor of more immediate responsibilities — work, chores, errands, etc. That being said, doing something you love each day is a great way to learn new skills, break up daily monotony, stay social, and help keep you motivated.
There are thousands of hobbies out there waiting for you — all you have to do is find them. Many people find volunteering, exercising, arts and crafts, reading, and taking online classes to be highly beneficial for mental health. Consider dedicating a portion of your day (or at least week) to your chosen activity. If time is a concern, consider learning more about maximizing productivity and finding “hidden time” during the day. For many, finding more personal time involves perfecting one’s ability to “say no” to stress-inducing, unnecessary demands. Remember, your well-being is a priority, so make time to do what you love.
At-Home Spa Day
Spending time alone facilitates thoughtfulness, personal reflection, and relaxation. Having an at-home spa day (or evening) can give you the time you need to decompress and reflect on your day/week. With just a few DIY techniques, you can bring the health benefits of an expensive spa to your own home. Start by dimming the lights and preparing some of your favorite spa materials — bubble bath, manicure kit, face mask, etc. You can even prepare in advance by making some of your own spa solutions such as body scrubs, lotions, and hair masks. While it may be tempting to turn on your favorite TV show, try to use this time to unplug from technology (your phone included). While technology is wonderful, there is evidence to suggest that unplugging from devices now and then can be highly beneficial. To break the silence, consider turning on some relaxing music.
Self-care is highly important to your overall mental health. Sleep, hobbies, and taking time for yourself are all highly effective ways to reduce stress and increase personal resilience. Now is the time to make self-care a daily priority.
Suicide is a tragic phenomenon that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. However, it is particularly prevalent among indigenous Canadians under the age of 44. In the rest of the population, there are approximately 4,000 deaths by suicide each year, with teen suicide among Canadian girls increasing annually. Suicide is a complex issue with a variety of underlying causes, but it is essential to know the warning signs and how to help someone who may be contemplating taking their own life.
Suicide Warning Signs
Being able to recognize the warning signs of suicide is critical if you believe you or someone you know may be at risk. It is important to have an open conversation with the person you suspect may be considering suicide, even if it feels uncomfortable. Although the person may be combative or in denial, it is essential to remember that you may be saving a life. If you walk in on someone in a dire situation, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, contact one of the suicide prevention hotlines for guidance. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to speak with a crisis line worker anytime, day or night.
According to Odyssey, some warning signs to look for include:
Suicidal talk
Changes to their will
Giving away their possessions
Obtaining a weapon
Strange sleeping patterns
Lethargy
Drug or alcohol abuse
Low motivation for their social life
Self-harm
Risky behavior
Body language
Why People Commit Suicide
Mental health professionals believe there are six main reasons why a person may contemplate suicide:
Depression: This is the most common reason why people consider suicide. If depression is severe enough, it can lead to an immense feeling of hopelessness, causing people to believe that life will never get better. There is also a tendency to think that life would be better for others if they were not around. Fortunately, depression is almost always treatable.
Psychotic Tendencies: Psychosis can be harder to hide than depression, and it is often associated with conditions such as schizophrenia. If poorly treated, the inner voices that characterize psychosis can take over, leading to suicidal thoughts.
Impulsiveness: This is often linked to drug and alcohol abuse. The side effects, mixed with depression, can prompt someone to attempt suicide. In this case, treatment should begin with addressing the substance abuse addiction and exploring the reasons behind it.
A Cry for Help: People in this category usually do not want to die, but they do not know how else to get attention except by doing something severe, perhaps without intentionally trying to take their life. Think about someone who takes too many aspirin when upset over a breakup.
Philosophical Reason to Die: In this case, the motivator is unrelated to the above reasons. People who fall into this category are attempting to control their own destiny. For example, someone with a terminal illness may choose suicide as a way to end their life sooner.
A Mistake: Tempting fate through reckless acts like trying to be a daredevil or experimenting with oxygen deprivation often have fatal outcomes.
Getting Help
It is crucial to seek help if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide. Whether it means reaching out to a close friend or family member or calling a trusted suicide hotline number, it is vital to make an effort to reach out before it is too late. You will need to seek the help of a mental health professional, where you will undergo treatment that may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants, to help control negative emotions.
It is important to remember that suicidal thoughts and feelings are treatable, and there is hope for recovery. Seeking help from mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones can make a significant difference in preventing suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to reach out for help as soon as possible.
One way to get help is by calling a suicide prevention hotline. These hotlines are staffed by trained crisis counselors who can provide support, resources, and guidance to those in need. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). They can also provide information on local crisis centers and support groups.
In addition to calling a hotline, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. A therapist or counselor can provide therapy and support tailored to your needs and help you develop coping strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings. They may also recommend medication to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Support from loved ones can also be crucial in preventing suicide. Having a trusted friend or family member to talk to, lean on, and provide encouragement can make a significant difference in someone’s recovery. It’s important to approach conversations about suicide with care and empathy, and to listen non-judgmentally. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to help them find resources and support.
Preventing suicide also involves addressing the underlying factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and feelings. This includes addressing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, as well as social and environmental factors such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare.
In conclusion, suicide is a serious public health issue that affects many people, including indigenous Canadians and Canadian teens. It’s important to know the warning signs of suicide and to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. Help is available, and recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Remember, suicide is never the answer, and there is always hope for a better future.
Note: Persons calling from outside of Canada can dial 1-250-754-4447 to reach the Vancouver Island Crisis Line (long distance charges may apply).
1800SUICIDE 1-800-784-2433
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line and other network members of the Crisis Line Association of BC (CLABC) answer this 24/7/365 provincial service to support callers experiencing suicidal thoughts. Workers provide skilled suicide assessment, de-escalation, intervention, referrals, and short-term support.
310Mental Health Support 310-6789
(no need for “1” in front of this number) The Vancouver Island Crisis Society also answers the provincial 310Mental Health Support service 24/7/365, also as part of CLABC, to provide empowering emotional support, information about appropriate resources and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566
Developed by Crisis Services Canada (CSC), the Talk Suicide Canada network provides 24/7/365 Crisis Line support. The Vancouver Island Crisis Society is part of the CSC, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) collaboration of non-profit distress and crisis service centres located throughout Canada.
Support is available via text at 45645, from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am Eastern.
All four of the crisis line services described above have access to language translation services.
Mindfulness is a practice of being present in the moment, without judgment, and with an open mind. It’s about letting go of our thoughts, fears, regrets, and expectations, and instead focusing on experiencing the world around us as it is. It’s a form of meditation that helps us to become aware of our thoughts and emotions, and to go beyond them, so that we can clearly see the truth of what’s happening in the present moment.
The untrained mind is often referred to as the “monkey mind,” because it’s constantly jumping from one thought, emotion, or bodily sensation to another. It’s stuck in the past, or worrying about the future, without truly paying attention to what’s happening right now. Mindfulness is a way of training the mind to become more aware and present, so that we can experience life more fully.
If you want to start practicing mindfulness, the first step is to allow yourself to do nothing. Spend some time alone, sitting quietly, and simply observe the world around you. Embrace your emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations, and allow them to pass by like the weather. Instead of trying to control them, simply observe them with equanimity, without judgment or attachment.
Mindful eating is one of the most powerful ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. When you eat mindfully, you’re fully present to the taste and texture of your food, and to how it feels in your body. You become aware of whether you’re eating because you’re hungry, or because you’re trying to push down an emotion like sadness or loneliness. Mindful eating encourages healthier eating habits, helps with weight loss, and allows us to savor the food we eat.
But the benefits of mindfulness go far beyond eating. Practicing mindfulness can help you sleep better, become more compassionate, and make wiser choices in life. It can improve your memory and attention skills, and even change the structure of your brain. Mindfulness can reduce stress and depression, boost your immune system, and increase positive emotions.
The practice of mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, but it’s not limited to any particular religion or philosophy. Many different traditions include some type of meditation or prayer that helps us to shift our thoughts away from our usual preoccupations and toward a larger perspective on life. Mindfulness practice involves accepting whatever arises in our awareness at each moment, and being kind and forgiving toward ourselves.
One of the best ways to anchor yourself in the present moment is to focus on your breath. Wherever you are, pause and take a few deep, mindful breaths. Remember that a thousand-mile journey starts one breath at a time, and that every moment is an opportunity to be more present, compassionate, and mindful.
Transpersonal therapists work under a larger umbrella than many other therapists. We have a more varied tool box with which to work from, as we are trained in spiritual counselling as well as modern psychological interventions. It really is the best of both worlds.
One of my favourite counselling modalities is drawn from the philosophy of person-centered therapy. It’s a non-directive approach to talk therapy, which means that the therapist believes the client has all the answers within them. The client simply needs a safe non-judgemental space to explore what is alive inside them.
Self care tips… Being busy should never come at the cost of your overall physical and mental well-being. Not taking the time to care for yourself can put you at increased risk for depression, burnout, and anxiety, which can make you less resilient, productive, and happy. If taking a vacation or going on a full-day spa excursion doesn’t fit into your life, there are a few things you can do at home to help promote mental health through self-care. Keep reading to learn more.
