A little bit about Therapy
Therapy is a collaborative and dynamic process between the client and therapist. Therapy sessions are a designated space and time to reflect, process and work on psychological, emotional and behavioural changes that you wish to make.
All sessions are slightly unique from one another. Some sessions may involve you sharing about a "hot topic" going on in your life at the time and the therapist providing feedback and observation. Some may involve learning skills to take into your everyday life. Many sessions will involve reflecting on the progress you are making and celebrate the wins in your life.
Common Therapeutic Goals
Managing anxiety symptoms Learning how to cope with stress Becoming more aware of emotions and learning to express them Digging deeper into core memories and trauma to move forward in a healthier way Decreasing stress and anxiety Recovering from or preventing work-related burnout Improving interpersonal skills with partners and/or friends Working through past traumas Unpacking difficult family dynamics Vocational goals Increasing self-awareness Learning emotional regulation skills Improving self-compassion and building confidence
Benefits of Therapy
The possible benefits of therapy are vast. Here are just some examples: A safe space to share confidential information and gain an objective perspective from your therapist Skills and strategies to manage mental health symptoms Insight and self-awareness to guide you through your life in a healthier way Interpersonal skills related to intimate relationships, friendships and family relationships Increase self-compassion and kindness A space to work through past traumas in a safe and manageable way A designated space and time to focus on your own self-work Increased ability to self-reflect Skills to improve your work/vocational goals
Therapy Focuses
Intergenerational and Developmental Trauma
What is Trauma? There are various types of trauma including developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, acute trauma Past Trauma can profoundly impact the way we perceive ourselves, our worlds and our present day lives. How might therapy help? Treatment may help to gain insight on the origins of trauma, processing traumatic pasts and learning strategies to feel safer and more peaceful in your present life.
Anxiety, Stress, Burnout
What is Anxiety, stress and burnout? Anxiety, stress and burnout may manifest in physical, mental or emotional ways that can deeply impact your wellbeing and ability to sustain a healthy approach to life. These may include persistent worrying, rumination, being easily overwhelmed, physiological symptoms, difficulties regulating mood and emotions. How might therapy help? Treatment may involve getting to the root of these symptoms, learning to identify trigger and signs and learning healthier ways to cope and communicate about your experiences.
How can therapy help me with motivation and life transitions? Therapy can help clarify your goals, determine specific and manageable steps to take to build up motivation and helps tolerate the emotional, physical and mental discomfort that are inevitable when making changes in your life. Life transitions, especially abrupt ones, can be overwhelming. Therapy can support with regulating your emotions and stress during these periods of change.
Motivation & Life Transitions
Autism/ Neurodivergence
How can individuals with Autism/ Neurodivergence get the most out of psychotherapy? Therapy can be an important part of self-care for individuals with Autism and Neurodivergence. In some cases, it may require specific therapeutic approaches and strategies to be effective. With an extensive background in working with individuals with Autism, I utilize various approaches to practice psychotherapy specifically with people with Autism and Neurodivergence.
Julia's Therapeutic Approach
Julia utilizes an integrative approach of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Julia strongly believes that there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to therapy. This means that after getting to know you and your needs, Julia will work with clients to customize therapeutic strategies according to your individual needs, interests and goals. Some modalities Julia pulls from are:
​
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
-
Trauma-informed Therapy
-
Schema Therapy
-
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
-
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Education & Credentials
-
Masters of Social Work (MSW)
-
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
-
OCSWSSW #851590 & ASCW #19299
-
Masters of Applied Disability Studies
