Family Services
Family Therapy
My journey in family therapy began with my advanced internship from 2014-2015 at the Calgary Family Therapy under Executive Director and renowned practitioner, Dr. Karl Tomm. This practical experience alongside of my academics offered me extensive knowledge, experience and supervision in narrative and structural approaches to family therapy.
To briefly summarize how I apply this in my practice today: a) I recognize how we organize and maintain our realities based on the stories we tell about these (including stories of problems, other people, etc.); b) we each exist in relation to others, both acting and reacting within a social context that includes our families; and c) families can be a vehicle for change, as we work together to reframe our narratives of one another and become a team against problematic patterns. This approach can be beneficial to a wide range of family systems and challenges, from family units with young children, to adult families (parent-child, siblings, in-laws, etc.) and everything in between.
Parent-Child Therapy
Many parent-child pairs can benefit from unique one-on-one time to help them resolve conflicts and enhance connection. While this can often look similar to a family therapy approach, many parent-child pairs also benefit from an approach that is less talk-dominant and more focused on strengthening attachment.
As an intern of Theraplay(R) Canada, I often engage Theraplay(R)-informed activities to help parent-child pairs to enhance their attachment security through structure, engagement, nurture and challenge. Given my personal interest and extensive professional development in arts-based interventions, I also often engage parent-child-dyad arts-based activities, which also show significant evidence of encouraging attachment health. These approaches are especially unique in their ability to address areas such as developmental delays, neurodivergence, attachment disruptions, communication issues, and other social, emotional and or behavioural challenges.
While these approaches are often endorsed for children ages up to and including 12, they can also be adapted to the unique stages and needs that may come with teens (or even adults) experiencing attachment challenges.
Theraplay(R)-informed practice is a unique approach requiring additional time commitments and materials on the part of both the therapist and the family. As a result, Theraplay(R)-informed sessions are charged under a different fee structure, which will be discussed in the intake and assessment stage of our work together.
Parenting
Parenting is easily the hardest job I have ever had! I know from experience that this journey is much easier to walk with support.
Parent support with eConnections can occur within the context of individual, couple, family and/or parent-child therapy. This said, if this is a service you are looking for, you can expect an approach that is similar to that described in the above-mentioned areas throughout this site: A relational approach to narrative and collaborative therapy. Reflecting upon parent-child interactions (as described by you as the parent, or observed in parent-child or family sessions). Working together to identify strengths and opportunities for growth in your parenting. Looking at your family’s social context (histories, privileges, challenges, relationships, etc.) to identify both resources and limitations that may impact your parenting and may be adapted towards improvement. Identifying possible gaps in knowledge associated with attachment, neuroscience, child development, etc., and addressing these with education and/or resources.
As always, you are the expert in your life, needs and goals. I am happy to help you to leverage this expertise to be the parent you and your child both deserve.
Supporting Parents
Attachment is a lifelong experience. Learn more with Circle of Security International
Playful Approaches
Learn more about Theraplay(R)-informed approaches and how you can practice these at home
Changing Patterns
Learn about problematic patterns and how to become a team in creating healthy new patterns!