What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) emphasizes the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. As a practical, action-oriented approach, it highlights how underlying belief systems and patterns of thinking can contribute to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviours. CBT supports individuals in identifying and reshaping negative or limiting thought patterns, with the aim of fostering more constructive emotions and healthier responses. At its core, CBT empowers clients to develop new ways of thinking that promote well-being and resilience.

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) blends elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices rooted in Buddhist meditation. It was developed to help individuals build practical skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, coping with stress, and reducing impulsive behaviours such as addiction, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

At the heart of DBT is the practice of mindfulness—learning to be fully present in the moment, using all five senses as a foundation for personal awareness and skill-building. This emphasis on present-moment awareness supports the development of life-enhancing behaviours and emotional balance.

The term “dialectical” reflects the therapy’s focus on balancing two seemingly opposing ideas: change and acceptance. Clients are encouraged to make meaningful changes to reduce harmful behaviours, while also being supported in accepting themselves exactly as they are. Rather than being contradictory, DBT recognizes that lasting change is most effective when it occurs alongside radical self-acceptance.

DBT is taught through four core skills training modules:

• Core Mindfulness Skills

• Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

• Emotional Regulation Skills

• Distress Tolerance Skills

DBT is a highly structured approach that involves daily practice, homework, and a long-term commitment to growth and healing.

If you’re interested in learning more or exploring whether DBT is a good fit for you, please connect with Stacey.

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt Therapy focuses on cultivating awareness of what is happening in the present moment, encouraging individuals to fully experience their physical and emotional sensations as they arise. Even if the emotion is tied to a past event, it is explored and processed in the here and now, rather than being discussed as something that’s already occurred. Techniques such as Monodrama and Empty Chair work are often used to facilitate this direct experience.

At its core, Gestalt Therapy invites us to explore parts of ourselves that have not been fully acknowledged, encouraging openness to a broader range of experiences. The goal is to give voice to the full spectrum of emotions—such as love and hate—and through experimentation, integrate these polarities into a balanced whole. By experimenting with our sensations, we can uncover new solutions to old challenges.

Where some therapeutic approaches focus on "knowing why," Gestalt Therapy places emphasis on "feeling how," understanding that deep emotional awareness is key to lasting change. This approach values awareness, personal choice, and responsibility, empowering individuals to take an active role in shaping their experience.

What is Solution Focused Therapy?

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is exactly as the name suggests: it centers on identifying solutions to a person’s challenges rather than focusing on the challenges themselves. The process begins by exploring what the client truly wants to achieve, rather than dwelling on what they wish to avoid. From there, the therapist helps the client recognize what has worked for them in the past, encouraging them to build on those successes. It also involves trying new approaches when necessary.

SFT operates on the belief that each person has the ability to identify meaningful goals and possesses the inner resources needed to achieve them—it’s often just a matter of shifting one’s perspective. The therapy encourages collaboration between the client and therapist to reflect on times when problems were less intense or even absent, and to explore the strengths and resources that were used during those periods but might not currently be in use.

Ultimately, Solution-Focused Therapy helps clients envision how they’d like their lives to change and provides the support needed to turn those aspirations into reality.

Is my personal information kept confidential?

All information shared with Stacey either over the phone, in a voicemail, in person, or through email remains strictly confidential.  The only instances that confidentiality would be compromised are if:

• There is a risk of imminent danger to an identifiable third party or to self.

• There is suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

• A disclosure is ordered by a court.

• The client has agreed to share information with another person (e.g., physician, family member, etc).