Talk-based Therapy
History
The Austrian neurologist and founder of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud, went on to develop psychoanalysis in response to his work with “hysterical” patients. In Freud’s study and treatment of this condition, he found that these individuals’ body-based symptoms and impairments with social and emotional functioning were not physiological in origin, but rather psychological. Freud also came to discover that the vast majority of these individuals had been survivors of profound trauma such as physical or sexual abuse. This realization led Freud to create the “talking cure”, in which he gave these individuals the space to share and reflect on their experiences without having to censor themselves. Freud believed that this helped these individuals to achieve “catharsis” and he often observed a marked reduction in their symptomology and improvements in their coping as a result.
While there have been many advancements in the field since its origins, the foundational belief in the healing potential of traditional talk-based approaches in therapy endures to this day. When clients are given the opportunity to be witnessed by a safe and supportive counselling professional, the connections that are made and the insights that are gained can be truly transformational.
Counselling vs. Psychoanalysis
The therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client is vastly different than psychoanalyst and patient. The psychoanalytical approach positioned its practitioners as being experts and their patients as being passive recipients of treatment whereas the counselling approach is centred around a collaborative process in which counsellors help empower clients to access their own inner resources. The patients of psychoanalysis had reclined on couches while their practitioners had been seated behind them in an upright chair, out of their view. The patients’ sleep-like placement reminiscent of when they were dreaming was intended to help them in accessing insights into their unconscious drives. Patients were instructed to engage in “free association”, in which they shared at length about anything that came into their minds. The practitioners typically interpreted these patients’ revelations as indicating repressed memories, feelings, or impulses. The practitioners believed that the patients needed to fully integrate these inner conflicts into their conscious awareness in order to resolve them and to subsequently achieve wellness.
While counsellors often do share some clinical observations and offer some suggested coping strategies with clients based on their training and experience, they ultimately defer to their clients as being the experts of themselves, their own story, and what they need. Even the typical office layout wherein the client and counsellor sit across from each other serves as an intentional means to reduce the inherent power differential between them and to emphasize the joint effort involved in making therapy effective. Through the counsellor's gentle presence, thoughtful reflections, and acknowledgement of the client's identity and experiences, the client can gain the clarity and confidence necessary to tune into their own inner knowledge and intrinsic strengths, which can present opportunities for personal growth and healing.
To learn more about my counselling approach and treatment planning process, please refer to the info below...
Talk-based Therapy
Counselling Process and Treatment Planning
In a nutshell, counselling is a collaborative endeavour between a client and their counsellor which is designed to help the client address concerns, cope with difficulties, and work toward their goals through the process of therapeutic dialogue. I ensure to tailor my clinical approach to each individual client's needs. Counselling requires active effort on the client's part (both during and outside of the sessions) to ensure for the greatest likelihood of treatment success. My first few sessions with a client involve evaluating their needs and concerns while supporting them through what comes up for them. By the end of these initial connections, I offer clients some preliminary impressions and a proposed treatment plan based on their goals. Throughout counselling, my clients and I periodically review the progress of treatment and, if necessary, revise the approach to better suit their needs. The length of therapy depends on the client's specific needs and goals. Some clients need only a few sessions to resolve specific issues, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy to address more complex patterns or to achieve more substantial personal growth. I will routinely discuss a client's progress with them and together we will determine whether continued counselling is necessary or appropriate. In most cases where a client and I decide to end counselling together, I encourage them to have at least one final session with me to honour their sacred healing journey and to achieve some sense of closure or completion.
Clinic Policies
Payment Policy
Payment is due either right before or immediately after a scheduled appointment. Accepted payment methods include interac e-transfer to info@pawsandpalettescounselling.ca or credit card through Jane Ap.
If payment is not received by interac e-transfer after 24 hours of a counselling service being rendered, the credit card on the client's file will automatically be charged through Jane Ap. Unfortunately, I am unable to allow for unpaid sessions to accumulate.
Please note: Clinical counsellor fees are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) for British Columbia (BC), but may be completely or partially covered by a client's extended health benefits plan or possibly deductible as a medical expense on income taxes. It is the client's full responsibility to determine their own level of coverage. I do not provide direct billing to insurance companies, but I do provide invoices that clients can submit to their insurance for reimbursement if approved.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in my day that could have been filled by another client. As such, 24 hours notice is required for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. 48 hours notice is preferred and much appreciated. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged the full session fee to the credit card on file.