Ocean Sky Counselling
Ocean Sky Counselling
Resolve past traumas; learn to enjoy the present moment;
and feel competent about the future
What types of problems or issues do you work with?
What types of problems or issues do you work with?
Abuse Recovery
Addictions
Anger Management
Anxiety and Depression
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Pain
Parenting
Relationship Problems/ Challenges
Self esteem
Stress
Trauma
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral unless you are covered by an EAP plan or other third party payment plan. In this case contact your employee plan and they will contact me and then I will contact you. For all other counselling sessions you just need to contact me and we can discuss your needs or answer your questions either on the phone or at the first session.
What can I expect the counselling process to be like?
My approach is client- centered and we will work together to decide what your needs are, how many sessions you will attend, and what the exact process will be like. For most people counselling can be challenging and emotional. You may have resisted dealing with the trauma or problem for many years and feeling overwhelmed or have many negative thoughts that influence how you think and feel about yourself or others. Although the sessions may be difficult counselling, especially EMDR therapy, can help you think differently about yourself in relation to the trauma and generally about your life situations.
I will talk to you about yourself in an effort to understand the history of your difficulties and how they are affecting your current life. This may take one or two sessions. If EMDR is recommended, I will explain the procedure and we will together decide if you want to go ahead with this therapy. It is hard to predict how long EMDR treatment will take. You may experience relief from your symptoms in as few as one session or if the trauma is complicated or several problems or issuesly recommended that you be prepared to follow through with the full course of treatment.
d to be resolved it may take as many as six sessions or longer. You are always in control of the process and can decide for yourself how many sessions you would like to attend.
What is trauma?
Trauma can be defined as experience that overwhelms an individual's capacity to cope. It may be experienced early in life as a result of child abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence or as a result of a specific event such as a natural disaster, war, sudden loss, or other (usually negative) life events that are out of one's control. These experiences can interfere with a sense of safety, self or self-system, the ability to regulate emotions and develop healthy relationships. Trauma can leave one with feelings of terror or intense fear, shame or guilt, helplessness and powerlessness. PTSD is a one type of disorder that can result from experiencing trauma. Substance abuse is another common occurrence and may become a coping strategy. Other adaptations and mental health problems may arise as the individual tries to cope and survive.
Trauma- informed services such as agencies specifically dealing with substance abuse place priority on establishing physical and emotional safety, choice and control in treatment. Trauma- specific services directly address the need for healing and recovery through counselling and other clinical interventions. The emphasis is on safety, and importance of boundaries for both the therapist and clients. In a climate of safety and acceptance choices as to treatment preference and collaboration with clients are provided. The emphasis is on helping the client identify and develop their strengths, resiliency, and coping skills including relaxation and mindfulness skills.
How can I change?
The difference between wanting a change and being able to sustain it comes down to how motivated, or maybe is some cases, how desperate we are for change. Being motivated is however not enough for change to occur- movement or action is what is required for change to occur. Most people think that if they wait to be motivated, change will occur. In actuality, once movement or action is initiated, the body releases dopamine, the feel good chemical and this often provides the encouragement we need to continue to be motivated.
We can often be our own worst enemy. If you are feeling depressed or anxious wanting a change may not be enough. We often take over the critical parent (or sibling) role and these negative thought patterns can immobilize us and zap our motivation. Surrounding yourself with supportive fans so if you can get one or more people supporting you which may include an empathic counsellor you can begin to replace the negative self talk with positive, motivating statements. Visualization is a technique that is useful, not only for motivating you, but also helping you reach your peak performance.