Our Approach

 

We are aware that no one treatment fits all. Consequently, our counsellors are trained and experienced in various counselling approaches to meet the varying needs of our client base. During therapy, we use an eclectic, multi-dimensional framework, relying on a range of knowledge base and integrating them into our practice to meet each client’s unique needs.  

At the Sounding Board Consulting, we make every effort to create a safe and non- judgmental atmosphere where you are heard. We position ourselves as learners, allowing you to be the expert in your story.   Our hope for you is that your needs are met, your potential is developed, and control over your life is fostered. 

Below is a list of some of the scientific, evidence-based psychological treatments that are available to clients who work with us.

 

 

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Many of the challenges that we experience are based on irrational and unhelpful thought patterns that impact our feelings and behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one of the most known, researched, and practiced forms of therapy,  is a time-sensitive, structured, and present-oriented form of counselling.  It focuses on problem solving and teaches individuals how to modify these distorted patterns of thinking in order to get well. 

PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY

Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Unhealthy and poorly managed conflict create a negative impact for individuals and families. Individuals who master essential conflict resolution skills reduce the occurrence of these negative results which lead to healthier, happier relationships and work environments.  During our therapy session, we explore the various dynamics of conflict, including its sources and how it often escalates into predictable patterns.  We also help clients learn skills for responding confidently and effectively to conflict.

NARRATIVE THERAPY

We are all influenced by stories. In some of these stories, we are active players while in others we are passive. When problems occur (as they inevitably do), they create “problem stories”.  Problem stories have a tendency to overshadow and ultimately impact us more deeply than others.  Narrative Therapy is used to explore these stories and is centred on the client as the experts in their own lives.  We apply Narrative Therapy during addiction, trauma and mental health counselling.

TASK-CENTRED THERAPY

Task-centred practice, commonly known as brief therapy, is one of the best approaches to work collaboratively and discover options for coping.  This framework recognizes that the person with the problems also has the means to resolve them, and that the counsellor is a partner in this process.   Task-centred therapy involves focused work assigments which are time bound and requires clients to follow through on specific tasks for this to be effective.  During Task-centred therapy, the focus is on small, concrete goal construction and the role of the counsellor is to help the client take small steps to achieve those goals.  Overall, it offers an optimistic approach which moves the focus away from the person as the problem.

 

CRISIS

Crises become crises because individuals lack the knoweldge and tools required to deal with certain situations.  When in a crisis, one is faced with an obstacle that is perceived as insurmountable, exceeding his/her coping mechanisms. If left unattended, the crisis has the potential to cause severe affective, behavioral and cognitive malfunctioning. Using a compassionate approach, Sounding Board counsellors meet with individuals experiencing a crisis and collaborate with them to establish a supportive, anxiety-reducing rapport. We listen and assist these clients to re-gain perspective and find solutions.

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

We strongly believe that a person’s inner world (thoughts and feelings) and outer world (social, structural, spiritual, and cultural) play an important role in their presenting issue(s). Consequently, frameworks that only assess behaviours, thoughts, and feelings place individuals at the center of the issue(s) and are not wholistic.  As a result, we adhere to a multi-dimensional assessment process which allows us to explore how both internal and external circumstances contribute to one’s adversities.  This not only gives us a more wholistic perspective and understanding but it also helps us to identify specific treatment goals more effectively.

WHAT TO EXPECT

 

 

 

TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED COUNSELLORS

Our counsellors are trained and experienced to address the perceptual, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, interpersonal and socio-cultural dimensions of your concerns. We also offer various short and long-term evidence-based treatment options to address your mental health concerns.

 

THERAPY SESSIONS TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

Below is a list of what to expect as you prepare for each counselling session.

  • BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION

Prior to your first session, you will need to complete the Intake Form.  This provides your counsellor with important baseline information that will help to determine your treatment.  You will also need to review and sign our Confidentiality Agreement.  

 

  • FIRST SESSION

In your first session, you’ll have an opportunity to share your concerns, and talk about the thoughts, emotional reactions, behaviours or relationship issues that are of greatest concern to you.

During this exploratory session, your counsellor will ask you questions to further understand the nature of your adversities, and work with you to begin to identify your treatment goals.  He or she will also provide you, as needed, with strategies to address any symptoms that are distressing for you.  Click here to book your first session.

 

  • AFTER YOUR FIRST SESSION

Following your initial session, a comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment will be conducted so that we can identify the factors that have contributed to your adversities. During our therapy session that follow, we’ll provide you with feedback based on the result of our assessment.  We will continue to gather more information about the origin of your adversities with the objective of identifying your treatment goal.

 

MENTAL HEALTH

There is much debate about whether there are more people suffering from mental illness today than before.  However, the statistics unequivocally indicate that more people are diagnosed with conditions such as anxiety and depression nowadays than in the past.

In looking at mental health, it is important to make the distinction between mental health and mental illness.

A person’s mental health is affected by numerous day to day activities.  These include the stress of balancing work demands or stress resulting from not being able to pay the bills at the end of the month. Sadness can also affect someone’s mental health. A sad mood can set in when a loved one dies or due to the loss of a job.  These negative feelings affect someone’s mental health and they are considered normal when they are short-term. 

Mental illness, on the other hand, occurs when someone suffers sustained, significant distress or impairment as a result of their symptoms. Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, to name a few. These conditions can be challenging and require professional help.

At The Sounding Board Consulting, we offer various short and long-term evidence-based treatment options to address your mental health concerns. Our counsellors are ready to help.  Contact us today.