Louise Chivers Counselling
Sunshine Coast, BC
My Counselling Style
I am a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapist who will help you develop a life that is free from worry, chronic stress, and fear. I am direct, honest and respect all differences in my clients.
I work from the perspective that you can heal from anything, including chronic anxiety, depression, and other symptoms related to past difficult or traumatic events.
Further, I know that healing can occur faster in therapy than most people believe, and my goal is to help you resolve your problems as quickly as possible.
My therapy helps you think of terms of “shades of grey”. In other words, we work on helping you let go of the unrealistic high expectations you may place on yourself and your life, as well, of thoughts of low self worth.
Life is never perfect, but once you become stronger and more confident, you’ll be able to manage the challenging hurdles that life throws at you.
We’ll work together so that you develop goals that are realistic. I’ll then check in with you on a regular basis to make sure we’re making progress towards achieving these goals.
Counselling Approach and Methods
I offer a positive approach focusing on your strengths and then help you build upon them. I don’t pathologize or assign labels. Instead, I view my clients as being whole individuals who have had difficult life circumstances that have caused them problems.
I ascribe to a feminist and intersectional perspective – your problems are not only due to your individual life experiences but are also resulting from the interrelated oppressive institutions within our society, such as racism, ageism, sexism, and homophobia.
What this means on a practical level is that I help both men and women stand up for themselves and believe in their self-worth by not letting these powerful oppressive forces define them.
Counselling Methods
I have completed extensive training in some of the most evidenced-based treatment methods available today. Two of these, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR), are described below.
Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is one of the most commonly used and most researched techniques used by therapists today. It is often the go-to method for helping people resolve complex problems related to trauma, depression, anxiety, and ongoing relationship pain.
EMDR effectiveness is based on the latest research in neuroscience. It shows how people’s problems and their symptoms are the result of the incomplete processing of disturbing or traumatic experiences in the brain.
EMDR helps to release the traumatic responses in the nervous system. Hence, it helps to resolve any symptoms associated with troubling events from the past. EMDR works whether we meet in the office or online.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is also a proven and well-researched approach to therapy. It helps you become more aware of your negative thoughts and how they relate to your feelings of anxiety, depression, and angst.
Once you have a better understanding of these unhelpful thoughts and how they impact on your feelings of self-worth, you have more control over changing them. You will have greater courage to take the actions that will help you resolve your struggles and improve your life.
Format and Location of Therapy Sessions
My therapy sessions are 1 hour in length. We usually start by meeting weekly in order to build momentum and then gradually space out sessions until you reach your goals.
I offer counselling appointments in person, as well as via a secure video conferencing platform.
I see clients in person in my office in beautiful Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.