Therapy

Seeking therapy can be intimidating, yet hopeful. It takes courage to acknowledge the need for change, and to explore parts of one’s self that had felt or continue to feel confronting. As relational safety is the foundation for unpacking recurring cycles of pain, it is so important to take the time to research and find a therapist who can work with your values.

Vivien strives to be strengths-based, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming. This means that therapy begins by gently but truthfully reflecting on the question, “What happened to you?”, or its mirror counterpart, “What had not happened for you?”, and works towards supporting clients to be confident in 1) understanding themselves and 2) implementing person-centred evidence-based solutions that match how their nervous systems are uniquely wired. To commit to these therapy approaches into practice, Vivien undergoes regular professional development as a lifelong student of trauma and ND communities, and works collaboratively with clients to combine aspects of appropriate treatment modalities including ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR and ST.

Vivien’s clinical interests are:

  • Personal identity goals (e.g. values, interests, purpose)

  • Avoidance and Overcompensatory behavioural patterns (e.g. conflict, perfectionism, procrastination)

  • Mental health concerns resultant from person-environment mismatch (e.g. anxiety, depression, stress)

  • Adaptive functioning goals (e.g. studies, home, career, life)

  • Relationship goals (e.g. communication, self-advocacy, family of origin, partners, workplace)

Assessment

During the assessment process, each client’s circumstances, concerns and preferred learning and therapy styles will be carefully considered. This will also be an important opportunity for clients to determine if Vivien will be a therapeutic fit for current mental health concerns.

 

Session Agenda

At the start of each therapy session, clients are generally encouraged to check-in on what they would need out of the session. It is sometimes helpful to prepare a list in writing in advance so that both clients and Vivien can work on clear goals.

 
 

Process

Some clients prefer action-based strategies, while others prefer structured conversations or unstructured expressions. There is no right or wrong way to do therapy. What is important, however, is that raised concerns are addressed with evidence-based treatment that ultimately fosters insight and hope.

 
 
 

Review

Vivien is keen to work with clients within each therapy session to monitor progress and problem-solve any barriers towards change. Clients are encouraged to provide regular feedback as to their personal experience of therapy.

As part of ethical practice, Vivien currently offers therapy appointments only after a neurodiversity assessment or personality assessment has already been completed. This is to ensure that treatment is appropriate to any diagnostic formulations. We ask that prospective therapy clients who have previously been assessed by other clinicians to pass us a copy of their assessment reports for eligibility on a waitlist.