What problem do you strive to overcome?
Sometimes we get caught in cycles of behaviour that feel both necessary and constraining. It’s as if the very strategies learned to protect ourselves have, in the end, become a prison. Maybe you have seen this in yourself for some time and felt helpless to change it. After all, it has been happening for so long, happens so fast, and with such force.
A protective cycle contains a wealth of information about how it came into being. Answers can be found in the difficult emotions and vulnerabilities it guards against. Perhaps it guards against a fear of abandonment, shame about not being enough, or a deep grief for what should have been. By slowing the cycle down to a speed at which it can be safely explored, I will help you sit in these most difficult emotions, make sense of them, and tend to them with understanding and care.
You can think of it like learning to swim in the waters that you fear will drown you. First we look at the water, and just talk about swimming. Then I help you dip your toes in and eventually walk in up to your waist. Over time you’ll find yourself able to swim, even enjoying swimming. The result is greater emotional regulation, an evolving sense of self and agency, and the courage and capacity to own and share with others what is really happening at the most vulnerable level.
Experience:
Peter is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Tyndale University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Over the past two years, he has provided psychotherapy at the Tyndale Wellness Centre, and more recently with The Well Counselling and Recovery Services. Previous to this, Peter spent nine years as a direct support professional in group home and assisted living settings. He completed his undergraduate work in the history of philosophy and is ever interested in the historical roots of psychotherapy. As a therapist Peter has helped people navigate disorienting life transitions and difficult family dynamics; find their center amidst depression, anxiety, anger, shame, and grief; process childhood trauma; face existential fears; find courage in vulnerability; and make meaning out of suffering.
Client focus
Individuals, ages 16 and up.
Types of therapy
Peter tailors therapy to each client’s unique needs and goals. His grounding modality is EFT, and he draws on a range of other evidence-based modalities, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Transference-Focused Therapy (TFP).
Issues
(Standard) Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Life Stage Transition, Family of Origin
(Specialties) Stuck patterns of behaviour (such as addictions, relationship conflicts and infidelity), childhood trauma, loneliness, shame, anger, physical health struggles, spirituality
More Than Just My Work
A favourite quote: "The gates of love, they budged an inch. I can’t say much has happened since."
-Leonard Cohen
Within me, within all of us perhaps, there is a propensity to open the heart just enough.
Let’s, together, risk opening our hearts a little more.
Feeling accomplished: A couple of years ago I took a role in a comedic play with a local theatre company and fell in love with acting. I have always loved the arts. I have been a painter, a musician and a writer. But acting may be the long awaited favourite.
If you’re ready to begin experiencing life better, We’re here to help.
We’re here to help you better.
Reach out below for a free 15m consultation.