Are you looking for someone to listen to you?
Honour your story? See how your problem is connected to others? Are you seeking creative change in your life? You just might be in the right place.
My name is Carl. I am a
psychotherapist.
And how do I help? Well, that depends. I have a lot of training and experience: systems theory, strategic therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, psychodynamic theory, object relations, etc.
It’s not the type of therapy that is important, although you might have heard of the latest and greatest and be looking for that (like “internal family systems” or “EMDR”). Although if you believe that a certain type of therapy will help you, you are more likely to be helped by it! (Jerome Frank and Scott Miller have written about this). Most importantly it’s the therapeutic relationship that heals, and that depends on how well the therapist listens and whether s/he brings to bear the appropriate tools to help you.
Looking for a therapist who specializes in a certain type of therapy is like looking for a mechanic who specializes in the use a hammer. That’s great, if you’re a nail.
But if you’re a nut, you might need a wrench. Better to look for a mechanic who will listen to you, and who has an assortment of tools to help you.
I do have a preferred style. It’s a mix of family systems (for individuals, couples, and families), strategic therapy (I like to play, and humour fosters creative change), solution-focused therapy (staying in the here-and-now and doing what works in your life), and hypnosis (to help you access your own unconscious resources).
But listening to you comes first. And finding the right tools to help you. I have an impressive toolkit. It’s likely that I have what you need. And if I don’t, I will help you find someone who does.
I have a background in science (physiology) and religion. I am trained and certified as a marriage and family therapist and clinical supervisor. I use a variety of techniques to help you, depending on what you need, including clinical hypnosis.
I work with individuals, couples and families. I help people with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and other issues.
Experienced
I have been in practice for over 30 years.
I am a regulated healthcare professional, member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
I am a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I also belong to the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy and The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
And I'm learning something new! This year I am delving into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and have become a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
Doing What Works
People are courageous and strong, and usually already have the resources that they need to solve their difficulties. I help you find what you already have. I do that by listening to you. And I will share with you things that may help.
If you haven't had psychotherapy before, you may be surprised by how much just being listened to can help. And I hope that you will also be surprised by how much you are doing right, and how much you already know.
Did you know that most psychotherapy is brief? Average length of stay, over all forms of therapy, is about 8 sessions. Many people come for one session, or a few, and find sufficient help.
Individuals, Couples, Families...
As a family psychotherapist I actually see a lot of individuals. Many come to see me for "individual" problems: anxiety, depression, anger, etc. Many come to see me for family or couple problems: they come alone because they can't get or don't want the other parties to attend with them. That's fine. Come alone, if you like. We can put our heads together and see what we can do.
You can also bring a friend. Bring your partner. Bring your family.
Online Counselling is Safe and Effective
(But I have a couch if you need it)
First COVID and now measles! We have become more conscious of germs and how not to spread them.
Also we have learned how to work virtually.
I'm vaccinated and I won't come to the office if I'm feeling ill.
I won't ask about your vaccination status. I will ask you not to visit me if you are feeling ill.
Apart from not coming when you are sick, you have options: you can see me in person, by video, or by phone.
Want to Know More? Call, Text, or Contact Me
The blog is back! Read about me, and maybe learn something that can help you.
Maybe start with Load Rage...