Today, I thought it would be helpful to share the core beliefs that guide my therapeutic approach. You will hear me repeat these ideas often in sessions. They are not just phrases, but the very bedrock of my work - the foundational principles that will support you as you explore, heal, and build a more meaningful life.
This journey begins with a fundamental and unwavering belief: You are good inside, and who you are is good enough, period. In a world that constantly pushes us to be better, do more, and achieve more, let this be your starting point and your constant refuge. Here, your worth is not up for debate.
From this cornerstone, several other key principles emerge that guide my work in sessions.
Two Things Can Be True at the Same Time
Life is rarely simple or clear-cut. We often find ourselves holding what feel like conflicting truths. You can love your family deeply and feel frustrated by them. You can be grateful for your job and feel unfulfilled. Embracing this complexity is key to a more honest and compassionate understanding of yourself and your experiences. This principle allows us to move beyond black-and-white thinking and make space for the rich, nuanced reality of life.
All Feelings Are Valid, But Not All Behaviours Are
Every single one of your feelings is okay. Anger, sadness, jealousy, joy—they are all valid messengers carrying important information about your inner world. There are no "bad" emotions. However, there is a crucial distinction between feeling an emotion and how you choose to act on it. Feeling anger is perfectly okay; lashing out in a way that harms yourself or others is not. Our work will involve learning to listen to the wisdom of your feelings while making conscious choices about your behaviours.
If You Want to See Change, You Must Do the Work
Therapy is an active, collaborative process. While I will provide space, guidance, and new perspectives, the real, lasting change occurs when you apply the insights we uncover to your life outside our sessions. I would love to say that our hour together will change your life, but it won't; it's the work you do outside of sessions that creates the change. This "work" can take many forms: practicing a new communication skill, challenging a long-held belief, or simply allowing yourself to feel a difficult emotion. Your commitment to this process is the most powerful catalyst for change.
People Are Multifaceted: You Are Not Only One Thought, Feeling, or Belief
You are a complex and dynamic individual, a constellation of countless thoughts, feelings, memories, and beliefs. You are not just your anxiety, your past trauma, or your inner critic. You are a whole person with a multitude of facets. This principle reminds us to resist the urge to label ourselves and to embrace our multifaceted nature. It is in accepting all parts of ourselves that we can move towards a greater sense of wholeness.
Happiness Is a Part of the Journey, NOT the Goal
In our culture, happiness is often regarded as the ultimate goal. But the relentless pursuit of happiness can, ironically, lead to more frustration and disappointment. A more sustainable and fulfilling approach is to view happiness as one of many emotions we will experience in our lives. Our goal is not to be happy all the time but to build a life that is rich, meaningful, and authentic, with the capacity to navigate all of life's emotional weather.
Finally, woven through all of these principles is a final, empowering truth: You cannot change someone else's thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. The only person you have control over is yourself. While this can sometimes be a difficult reality to accept, it is also incredibly liberating. It allows you to release the burden of trying to manage others and focus your energy where it matters most: on your path, your own choices, and your well-being.
These are the principles that will anchor our therapeutic relationship. They are our shared compass, pointing us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and a more intentional way of living. I am honoured to be a part of your journey.
Stay Curious
The content in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before trying new healthcare protocols.
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