What can therapy do for me?
Therapy should be used as a tool, it is something to engage with in order to gain skills and perspective, to build capacity to manage everyday life, stressors, responsibilities and relationships. In therapy you have the time and space to share personal experiences, concerns, and challenges in a judgement-free environment.
Therapy is for anyone and everyone, regardless of whether you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition or psychosocial disability. If you've ever wanted to improve your communication skills, learn more about your emotions and behaviours, or are in a difficult or transitional moment in your life where you'd like additional support, therapy can be part of that support.
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Therapy is not an easy process, it often brings up complex emotions and should be embarked upon with a practitioner whose expertise and modalities are effective for you. Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of areas where Therapy with Rene can help you:
BOUNDARIES
Boundaries are limitations we place on our own behaviour in order to feel safe, autonomous, and engaged with our lives and relationships. Boundaries can be too flexible, perhaps aren't present at all, or are too rigid. When struggling with boundaries we often feel that relationships are one-sided, that our needs come in second (or even third) to others, we struggle to talk about our own wants and needs, or that we are struggling to form and/or maintain relationships. Exploring and developing appropriate boundaries can create a stronger sense of self and stronger relationships.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
ASD and ADHD are two separate neurodevelopmental conditions which have a high chance of occurring together. They overlap in many ways but have their own distinct characteristics, effects, and presentation. ASD and ADHD both impact relationships, social interactions, cognition, and increase the chances of secondary mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or addiction. If you or someone close to you has ASD and/or ADHD, psychoeducation and skills development to manage these conditions can be life changing.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Interpersonal communication skills refers to strategies and psychoeducation focusing on improving and maintaining relationships (or ending them effectively). There are a number of reasons communication can be difficult or breakdown. Effective communication requires work even in cherished long-term relationships. When communication breaks down or needs improvement, therapy can assistance so that you can experience improved relationships, express your needs more effectively, and better navigate conflict.
SLEEP HYGIENE
Sleep, like exercise, drinking in moderation, and a healthy diet, is a pillar of physical and mental health. Sleep, or lack thereof, massively impacts on cognition, emotional states, the ability to work, study, be present in relationships, and cope with distress. If you're struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or are waking feeling un-rested, therapy may help identify some new strategies and behaviours to improve this very important aspect of your health.
DISTRESS TOLERANCE AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Emotions are complex internal experiences which are often misunderstood or invalidated (either by others, or by ourself). It can be difficult to tolerate and regulate painful emotions. When people struggle with regulation and distress tolerance they're likely to suppress and numb their emotions, or express them in overwhelming outbursts. Unregulated or invalidated emotions often feel rapidly overwhelming while taking a long time to dissipate. This can harm our mental and emotional health as well as relationships. Learning distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills lets you respond intentionally rather than simply reacting.
ANXIETY
Anxiety takes many forms and is often debilitating. Anxiety can present as acute or chronic, and impacts relationships, sleep, work, identity, and other critical areas of life. Therapy can assist in understanding, managing and mitigating anxiety allowing you to engage more freely and joyfully in your life.
QUEER EXPERIENCE AND IDENTITY
Being a member of a marginalized community such as the LGBTQ+ community means you're likely to have experiences of harm, confusion, and isolation which are not typically experienced by non-marginalized people. Queer people are more likely to experience homelessness, mental health disorders, substance abuse, bullying, and suicide. We're also less likely to seek support out of fear of judgment, shame, or having our queer identity disclosed against our will. Therapy with Rene offers a validating and safe environment to explore queer identity and lived experiences without fear.
TRAUMA
Whether or not something becomes a trauma can depend heavily on how the individual processes and responds to the event. Trauma can occur after a single incident, or it can be more complex, stemming from repeated harmful experiences. The effects of trauma are intense and pervasive often feeling inescapable. ​Being able to process trauma in a supportive and safe environment prevents future deterioration of mental and emotional health, improves day to day life, relationships, and functional capacity.