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I primarily work from a narrative therapy perspective, but like to bring in other tools and ways of working when it feels right. Click through the tabs below to learn a little bit more about the different approaches I use when supporting people through challenging times.
My work with people is grounded in an approach called narrative therapy. Narrative therapy understands peoples’ strengths, problems and identity to be rooted in the stories of their lives. These stories are created relationally, meaning they are informed by the people and society around them.
I enjoy working from this perspective, because it is a creative and collaborative approach to supporting people through life's challenges. Through this approach I encourage people to explore and challenge the stories in their lives that may be limiting their potential for growth and change. I often do this through externalizing problem stories, or asking people to see their problems as something separate and outside of themselves. (For example, we might talk about depression as an ocean of sadness or a chronic illness as an uninvited house guest.) Through this externalization, we then talk about the person’s relationship with the problem, how it effects them and others in their life, and what it might look like if the problem were to disappear or have less of an influence on them and their life. People often gain new perspectives of the challenges they are facing through this approach and discover alternative ways of making sense of and responding to the experiences the problem has created.
While the work to recognize problems is important, narrative therapy also strives to focus on the things in people's lives that are important to them and are working well. So, in learning about the problems that are challenging, I also strive to explore peoples’ strengths, values, and hopes and dreams for the future. These stories help me guide people to where and who they would rather be in life away from the problem that brought them to therapy. Overall, then, narrative therapy aims to empower individuals to take control of their own life stories, challenge oppressive problem narratives, and create new more empowering realities that better reflect their preferred sense of self and their aspirations.
Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and beliefs in order to improve emotional well-being and behavior. It is based on the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings and actions, and by identifying and challenging negative thinking, individuals can learn to develop more positive and adaptive approaches to problems. It is often suggested for depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
I like this approach at times, because it is goal oriented and concrete. It offers clear and concise approaches to analyzing situations and the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that arise for people during these experiences. This can be very helpful if people find they are struggling to identify and name their thoughts and feelings throughout different experiences. It is also invaluable in working with people who are working to better manage ADHD.
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes that many emotional and relational challenges are shaped by past or ongoing experiences of overwhelm, stress, or trauma. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, this approach focuses on understanding “What has happened to you?” This creates a space that emphasizes collaboration and respect, with the goal of offering safety and stability.
A trauma-informed lens can be woven into many therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, mindfulness, CBT, and relational work. It helps guide the pace of therapy and ensures that healing happens in ways that feel grounding rather than overwhelming.
Mindfulness in therapy involves learning to notice thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences with curiosity and without judgment. Rather than trying to push difficult feelings away, mindfulness helps create space to understand and respond to them more gently and intentionally. This can support greater emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of connection to the present moment.
Mindfulness can work well alongside other therapeutic approaches such as narrative therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed care. It aims to slow down overwhelming experiences, deepen insight gained through reflection, and support practical skill-building for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
Have more questions? Interested in reaching out to discuss your experiences more?
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