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Treatment

Therapy with Children:

Due to children’s developmental and cognitive levels of language, it can be very challenging for a child to put their feelings into words. Children who are experiencing any distress will have even more complications when trying to talk about their thoughts and feelings. Andrea utilizes a wide range of non-verbal therapies for children, including music, play and art. These non-verbal therapies provide a non-threatening, fun atmosphere which allows a child to explore their emotional reactions to various situations, without feeling pressure to talk or explain their experiences.

Therapy with Adolescents:

Many adolescents feel very apprehensive about seeing a counsellor or therapist. Andrea utilizes a wide variety of music and art in the therapy process which helps to provide a non-threatening, relaxed atmosphere. Andrea believes that it is very important to work with adolescents from their perspective and at their pace. Andrea has successfully used lyric analysis and songwriting with many adolescents who have experienced grief, divorce and behavioural issues at home or school.

Therapy with Adults:

When working with adults, Andrea mainly uses the Solution Focused model of therapy. Andrea believes that all people reach a point in their lives where they feel turmoil and confusion. During that time, it becomes very challenging to make decisions, focus on daily tasks and maintain ways to reduce stress. Andrea uses the Solution Focused model because it can help people to figure out the root of the problem, determine the best solution for that problem and then assist in implementing the solution while identifying any “roadblocks” along the way.

Family Therapy:

During the development of psychotherapy, most clinicians only worked with an individual. During the past three decades, researchers and therapists have discovered the value of working with families as a whole. The use of Family Therapy is a very distinct and specialized form of therapy, which requires specific training. Andrea has received graduate level training as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is an Associate member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Marriage and Couple Therapy:

As with family therapy, the use of couple therapy is a relatively new process, which also requires specialized training. Andrea assists couples with a variety of issues, including ineffective communication, recovery from affairs and grief or loss. She has worked extensively with couples regarding divorce or separation and the various parenting issues people will encounter. Couple therapy during a divorce can assist in developing effective parenting plans, explore helpful ways to talk to children about divorce, and provide various coping skills for both children and parents.