Counselling Services

Our Approach

The dominant therapeutic orientation at South Calgary Psychology is cognitive-behavioural which means that we focus first on how you think and then examine how this way of thinking impacts the way you feel and the things that you do.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is collaborative which means we work together to relieve distress. Far from being a passive experience, this kind of therapy requires an active effort on your part. In order to be successful, it is essential that you continue to work at things we discuss outside of your actual session time. Sometimes this may mean simply reviewing the sessions mentally but it may also include completing homework assignments, questionnaires and other "homework". There is much research supporting the assertion that if you prioritize the treatment by investing mental energy and time between sessions, you will more quickly achieve your goal of improved functioning.

Many studies support the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. CBT is considered the most effective treatment for most anxiety and mood disorders and CBT together with Interpersonal Therapy are considered the two most effective treatments for various depressive disorders.

While CBT is our primary focus, it is not our only treatment vehicle. We will also interlace Interpersonal Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness into our practice in an effort to accommodate client individuality and provide the best treatment possible.

In addition to the therapies listed above, we also regularly use relaxation training, hypnosis and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to assist in the therapeutic process.

As practical, compassionate therapists, we endeavour to provide support, collaboratively cultivate insight and provide feedback to help clients address both current challenges and long-standing concerns. With sensitivity, we help individuals and groups bring resolution to a wide range of life challenges and significant psychological issues. We work with clients to build on their strengths and achieve their life goals. We view the therapeutic process as not only targeting specific current issues but also providing a firm foundation of techniques so that when future difficulties arise, a client has the skills immediately available to resolve whatever they encounter.