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Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

for Adults, Teens and Children
 

We are honoured to work alongside adults, teens, and children who may be dealing with a variety of mental health challenges. Our therapists will offer you support in a nurturing environment and work towards your goals using a variety of traditional talk-based interventions.

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Areas of Expertise

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Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Self-harm

ADD/ ADHD

Suicidal ideation

Palliative/ End-of-Life Care

Life transitions

Trauma

Loss and the grieving process

Pregnancy/ Postpartum

Infant Loss/ Miscarriage

Self-esteem and confidence

Relationship problems

 Family breakdown
Difficulties in parenthood

... and more.
 

Use our dropdown menu to read more about each concern/ diagnosis.

Common Therapy Goals

Therapy goals are personalized and dependent on each client.

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Common goals include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • increasing self-awareness

  • decreasing anxiety and depression

  • facilitating emotional regulation and processing

  • alleviating emotional pain or confusion 

  • identifying helpful coping strategies

  • assisting in self-development and discovery
    ... and so on.

Our Approach

Our work is inspired by a collective approach; one that draws from the following modalities:
 

Persons-Centered

Solutions-Focused

Trauma-Informed

Psychodynamic

Narrative

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Exposure Therapy

*Note on insurance: While Psychotherapy services are not currently covered by O.H.I.P, Psychotherapy services are in fact covered by most private insurance companies. Please verify eligibility with your provider.

More about the Psychotherapy Modalities used at Shine...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective and evidence-based psychotherapy approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, aiming to identify and change negative patterns that contribute to emotional distress.
 

By engaging in CBT, you can:

  • Gain Self-Awareness: Recognize unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that contribute to emotional challenges.

  • Challenge Negative Thinking: Learn to replace negative or distorted thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.

  • Develop Coping Strategies: Acquire practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

  • Promote Positive Behaviour Change: Cultivate healthier behaviours and habits that align with your goals and values.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective psychotherapy approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. DBT is particularly useful for individuals facing emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, self-destructive behaviours, and mood disorders.


Through DBT, you may learn to:

  • Regulate Emotions: Develop techniques to manage intense emotions and reduce emotional vulnerability.

  • Improve Interpersonal Relationships: Enhance communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills to build healthier connections.

  • Cultivate Mindfulness: Practice present-moment awareness to foster self-acceptance and non-judgmental observation of thoughts and feelings.

  • Build Distress Tolerance: Develop strategies to cope with distressing situations effectively.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma-informed approaches in psychology recognize the profound impact of trauma on an individual's well-being. We approach therapy with sensitivity and compassion, understanding that healing requires creating a safe and empowering environment. Our therapists are trained to address the unique needs and experiences of individuals who have faced trauma.
 

The Benefits of Trauma-Informed Approaches:

  • Empowerment: We empower you to regain a sense of control over your life, fostering a renewed belief in your own strength and resilience.

  • Safety and Trust: We prioritize your safety and build a foundation of trust, providing a secure space for you to explore and heal at your own pace.

  • Holistic Healing: Our approach integrates various therapeutic modalities, including music therapy, to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your well-being.

  • Collaborative Care: We believe in the power of collaboration and we work with you as partners in your healing process, honouring your unique experiences and goals.

Psychodynamic Therapy

The Psychodynamic approach delves into the depths of the unconscious mind, exploring how past experiences and relationships shape your present thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Our therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and gain insights into the underlying causes of your challenges.

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Benefits of the Psychodynamic Approach:

  • Self-Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of your unconscious patterns, facilitating self-awareness and personal growth.

  • Uncovering Root Causes: Explore unresolved conflicts and past experiences that may contribute to your current struggles.

  • Healing Relationships: Discover how past relationships impact your current connections, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

  • Empowerment: Develop new insights and coping strategies to overcome challenges, promoting lasting positive change.

Persons-Centered Therapy

Persons-Centered Therapies focus on your unique needs, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore the underlying causes of your personal challenges. Through empathetic listening, reflective dialogue, and genuine acceptance, we provide a supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

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Benefits of Persons-Centered Therapy:

  • Self-Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of your unconscious patterns, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.

  • Uncovering Root Causes: Explore unresolved conflicts and past experiences that may be contributing to your current struggles.

  • Healing Relationships: Discover how past relationships are impacting your current connections, ultimately allowing you to foster healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

  • Empowerment: Develop new insights and coping strategies to overcome current/future challenges, promoting lasting positive change.

Solutions-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused approaches focus on practical solutions that empower and equip you to create positive change in your life. Through collaborative conversations, goal setting, scaling questions, and solution-building exercises, we help you uncover your strengths and discover innovative approaches to tackle your personal obstacles.

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Benefits of Solutions-Focused Therapy Approach:

  • Goal-oriented: We work together to identify and focus on your goals, wants and desired outcomes, helping you move towards a more fulfilling life.

  • Building on Strengths: By exploring your strengths, resources, and past successes, we harness your innate abilities to overcome challenges.

  • Creating Change: Solutions-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, achievable steps that lead to meaningful and lasting change.

  • Empowerment: You become an active participant in the therapeutic process, gaining tools and strategies to navigate your journey towards health and well-being.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative approaches recognize the power of storytelling and helps you rewrite the narratives that shape your life. Through compassionate listening, guided storytelling, and collaborative exploration, we help you gain clarity, find new perspectives, and discover the strengths within you that will help shape your life story.

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Benefits of the Narrative Approach:

  • Personal Empowerment: Gain a deeper understanding of your own life stories and take an active role in reshaping your narrative.

  • Meaning-Making: Explore the meaning behind your experiences and uncover new insights that can lead to exponential personal growth and transformation.

  • Externalizing Challenges: Separate yourself from the problems you face, allowing you to see them in a new light, change your perspectives and find creative solutions.

  • Creating New Possibilities: Rewrite your story with a focus on personal strengths, values, and aspirations, opening doors to new possibilities.

Music-Centered Psychotherapy

Music-Centered Psychotherapy harnesses the transformative power of music to support your well-being and facilitate therapeutic change. Through active music-making, listening exercises, improvisation, songwriting, and guided imagery, we help you tap into the power of music to explore emotions, foster creativity, and facilitate healing.

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Benefits of Music-Centered Therapy Approach:

  • Expressive Outlet: Music serves as a powerful means of self-expression, allowing you to communicate and process emotions in a unique and non-verbal way.

  • Emotional Regulation: Engaging with music can help regulate your emotions, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, fostering a sense of calm and well-being within.

  • Enhanced Self-Awareness: The therapeutic use of music can deepen self-awareness, enabling insights and personal growth.

  • Connection and Engagement: Music promotes connection and engagement, creating a supportive environment for interpersonal interaction and exploration.

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