What techniques, methods and theoretical orientation do you follow?
Together we will be using the clinically proven techniques of cognitive behaviour, interpersonal and transpersonal Therapy. This includes our work individually, in groups (Gestalt), and bibilotherapy (guided readings and practice). In addition to these practices, which are used with more acute clinical issues, I often see clients for counseling and guidance about careers, education and life direction. In these situations we might be working more in a manner often called “coaching.” In addition to my therapy training I have additional training and certification in coaching itself. Together we will be looking at your life, the adversities you face, we will be developing plans, finding solutions and seeking meaning. It all depends on your needs and goals.
What is transpersonal Therapy?
Transpersonal Therapy is a gentle, humanistic and holistic therapeutic approach that focuses your efforts through an emphasis on growth rather than deficit. During your experience in therapy with a practitioner of transpersonal therapy you will focus on cultivating your own innate and personal capacities to overcome inner difficulties. Transpersonal Therapists believe that this ability to self-heal is found within you, and only needs to be discovered and explored. You will focus on a positive, forward looking process of self-transformation. You will learn how to understand and invoke your natural inner power to live your life fully and follow your own unique path through life. You might describe this as understanding your own story. A hallmark of the transpersonal approach is its broad acceptance and understanding of the many different and valid paths that each of us travel upon on our journey through life and towards greater wholeness. Many people call this understanding “spirituality.”
The transpersonal therapy process has been descried this way:
“Thus, this style of counselling work helps to cultivate change in emotion, thought, physical well-being, personal choice and action, and subtler psychic and spiritual energies.”
While you may initially come to therapy for help with an acute and immediate concern such as anxiety that interferes with your ability to work, by examining your past experiences, and exploring the meanings of your future path, you might find yourself learning to:
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survive a traumatic experience
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get your relationship needs met
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stand your ground in a difficult life situation
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find time to play with the kids and still have a life of your own
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make the best out of a serious health, work or life crisis
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deepen your spiritual awareness
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discover your real dreams in life
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search for some more meaningful way of living
It is the combined effect of putting effort into positive transformation at all these levels that can make the difference for you.
Is there a conflict between using transpersonal therapy and more traditional techniques like cogntive behaviour therapy that everyone seems to recommend?
The art and science of therapy has changed drastically over the past few decades. Psychoanalysis was overshadowed by behaviourism, and then behaviourism was overshadowed by the advances of cognitive therapies. Today cognitive therapy and our search for spiritual ground have come together. Even the biggest theorists and clinicians in the field, Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, now realize the importance of addressing not just the immediate and critical problems we often come to a therapist for, but moving forward from the moment of crisis to a place where we can look forward to continued growth, understanding and development as spiritual beings. There are many recent books, articles and workshops on the coming together of these two once separate ways of approaching health. In addition, California Institute of Integral Studies, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, and Naropa University offer Master and PhD degrees for Studies that relate to Transpersonal Therapy and Consciousness of Transformation.
What can I expect of you as my therapist?
As a transpersonal therapist, I see myself as a companion on the client’s therapeutic journey. Often a crisis in life precipitates the desire to begin such a journey. Sometimes a journey like this starts simply because of unhappiness and general dissatisfaction with life or relationships or work. As your therapist I will help make sure you have the time and skills to start this journey when you are ready.
Transpersonal therapists believe that everyone has a wiser, deeper self that knows what is required to unfold and develop. It is our task to shine the light of awareness and listen to what this deeper self wishes to manifest. To facilitate such awareness, a safe space needs to be created through the therapeutic relationship – and by using creativity and imagination the ‘essential self’ can be heard.
We might do this work through talking, writing, guided breathing or visualization. Through these techniques a new truer self emerges.
And why do you offer group work, can group work really make a difference?
Group work, including personal growth in group and group therapy , like individual therapy, is intended to help people who would like to improve their ability to cope with difficulties and problems in their lives. But, while in individual therapy the patient meets with only one person (the therapist), in group therapy the meeting is with a whole group and one or two therapists. Group work focuses on interpersonal interactions, so relationship problems are addressed well in groups. You will have other members to learn, process, and practice together. In other words, your learning to personal wellness will be well supported.
The aim of group work is to help with solving the emotional difficulties and to encourage the personal development of the participants in the group. Many of the spiritual issues we work on in transpersonal therapy are best supported in group.
Group Work is suitable for a large variety of problems and difficulties, beginning with people who would like to develop their interpersonal skills and ending with people with emotional problems like anxiety, depression, etc. The group is especially effective for people with interpersonal difficulties and problems in relations. Whether these difficulties are in social, working, couple or even sexual relations, the participant can benefit a lot in these areas.
Again, I offer group work throughout the year, and can place you on a waiting list for group work. I also provide training and educational workshops throughout the city, especially focused on issues of cultural identity and the cross over between psychology and spirituality(personal growth). I work closely with other mental health professionals and can assist you in obtaining appropriate referrals for assessments and other clinical issues you may have needs.
Please feel free to contact me at (604) 551-6621 for free phone consultation.
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