Psychological Therapy
The Kinds of Problems I Deal With
My Approach
There are many ways to define psychological therapy, and there
may be as many types of therapy as there are therapists.
Since human beings are complex, I believe that it makes sense to
address issues on a number of levels.
I use a theoretically integrated approach that combines humanist,
cognitive-behavioural, narrative, gestalt, and psychodynamic techniques. I
also pay attention to the whole person - intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual.
I use a supportive but challenging, reality based approach that focuses on processing
the emotional after-effects of challenging or traumatic experiences and moving
towards a lifestyle that emphasizes the role of honesty, personal responsibility,
and active decision-making in relationships and life
circumstances. My goal is to provide a safe environment in
which to explore personal beliefs, decide whether they are
accurate (and sometimes they are merely habits rather than
truths), and then adopt and practice new beliefs and behaviours.
Who I Work With
As a counsellor, I have facilitated individual, group and couples therapy with adults and adolescents. I currently only do ongoing therapy with adults and older adolescents (although I see some younger adolescents in exceptional circumstances). I do not do therapy with children. I also provide consultation and support to parents, spouses, and family members of people with ADHD, NLD, and Asperger's Disorder.
The Kinds of Problems I Deal With
Adults with ADHD
Recovery from childhood abuse ( sexual, physical, emotional, neglect)
Vocational/Career counselling
Depression, anxiety
Stress, burn-out, compassion fatigue
General unhappiness or lack of fulfillment
Adults and older adolescents with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Adult women with personality disorders
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an ethical concept and is an obligation on the part of the psychologist. It basically means that what is said between me and the client stays there. There are some exceptions to this rule:
- If the client is a minor and there is any evidence that the minor may be at risk, in accordance with the Child Welfare Act, a psychologist is legally required to report that risk.
- If we believe that the client is at risk of hurting someone else, or hurting themselves, we are legally required to report that to the appropriate authorities.
- If we are ordered by the court to release our file information, we are obligated to do so.
- If a client makes a complaint against us, that client's file will most likely be examined as part of the investigation.
In the case of minors, there is some discretion on the part of the psychologist, and the legal guardian has the right to impose a limit on confidentiality.
There are times when there is an obligation to report to third-parties, such as insurance companies. A psychologist will not communicate with those parties without the consent of the client, but you, as a client, would need to understand that without such reporting, the third party may refuse to pay for the therapy session. If you have concerns about this, you should talk about it before you book a session.
Choosing a Psychologist
So, you have decided to seek the assistance of a psychologist. The next question is, how do you decide who to see? Here are some steps to take:
1. Talk to friends and family that you trust. Some of them may have seen a psychologist and be able to offer some suggestions.
2. Ask your family physician, paediatrician, psychiatrist, or other medical professional. They often have had interactions with psychologists in the past and can offer some names.
3. Check with the referral service for the Psychologists' Association of Alberta for people who work in the area in which you are interested. Note that this is a voluntary service, and having your name listed under one of the areas does not guarantee expertise in the area.
4. Call and ask to speak with the psychologist for 5 minutes. Most of us are willing to take a couple of minutes to speak with you as part of your process of deciding who to see. Research into therapy outcomes suggests that regardless of the type of therapy used, the strength of the professional relationship between the therapist and client is one of the most important factors in predicting success in therapy - if you do not feel good about the person you talk to on the phone, do some more research.
Contact me at 780-702-8905 or email linda@tilleypsych.com