​We promise to be real with you!  You need to be able to trust us.  So, how does being a genuine therapist help in therapy?
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Psychology has evolved.  Research over many years has confirmed that the relationship with the therapist is more important the tools or techniques they use.  Therapists need to be education and have a current and broad range of knowledge about mental health and its treatment, but equally important – they need to have what we call “Safe and Effective Use of Self”. 

​This is becoming a requirement of licensing yet is not taught well in schools.  What is it?  It is a kind of maturity and truthfulness.  It’s a willingness to self reflect, to know the self and be real in an ethical and purposeful way. 

It’s a skill that allows us to tap into feelings and learning but not to get lost in that.  Therapists need to be deeply empathic but balance that with clear and consistent understanding and accepting of differences.  Boundaries must include an understanding of when and what to share, and to ensure it serves clients needs.  Therapists also have to know when their reactions or limits of knowledge are not going to help the client and get Supervision or refer.

A good therapist approaches clients with a balanced desire to “relate” and find common threads of humanity - with the ability to see and hear what is unique or not familiar.  They need to be truthful about when they are not a good fit for a client needs and not be reactive or defensive about it.

This is our commitment to you.  We have a keen awareness of the need for people to feel seen, heard, understood and respected.   We check in to ensure we are collaborating with client views and goals, and that the methods are helpful.  We want you to get the best possible care.  Reach out to be matched with the right fit.  We are a small team and we know one another well. 

Some of the therapists on our team and heavily influenced by theories in ‘Relational Therapies’ where both the therapy relationship and those in your life are an important focus of the work.  They may explore what you learned in your earliest and most significant relationships or the ones you are living in now.  They may help you notice patterns of beliefs, feelings and behavior in relationships that need attention.  If that is your jam, have a chat with Elissa, Ella, Audette or Christy to start.

Some of the therapists are trained in helping people cope with and manage symptoms of stress more practically or directly, in the here and now and with new coping skills. This can be helpful for anyone The therapists on the team that take more of that approach are Chantel, Victoria, Maria and Shirley.  

It all starts with good fit, and some of that is based on personality preferences.  We are not shy about this so please do not hesitate to speak up about what you want at intake.  Give us a call to discuss your needs.
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Choosing the Right Therapist

Gone are the days when we believed some “expert” had an opinion or view of us that could cure our distress without knowing who we are. If that worked, we could access information and be healed.  
- Shirley Katz, Ph.D., RP, Clinic Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology