While working on my Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at Adler University, I was influenced by the work of Alfred Adler, a psychiatrist, philosopher and educator.
I had already seen the positive effects of Adlerian Psychology in the teaching and parenting programs I had implemented over the years in my classroom and at home with my children. Adler believed that we are unique, social beings who need to belong and contribute to our families, schools and broader communities.
Adler further asserted that when our strengths are acknowledged, we are encouraged and feel confident and capable. When we feel capable, we are motivated to set goals and learn responsibility through cooperation. Moreover, Adler maintained that we view the world through our childhood experiences and act within this context throughout our lives.
Adlerian Therapy recognizes this inherent need to belong and the importance of contribution. Early experiences are used to identify not only strengths but also negative patterns of behaviours in order to bring about positive change.
Although Adlerian Psychology is always at the heart of my counselling practice, I also use EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Gottman Couples Therapy.
In 1987, psychologist and researcher Francine Shapiro developed the initial stages of a therapy for treating trauma which she named Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Since then, over 30 controlled studies have proven EMDR to be an extremely effective therapy for trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR has also been used to successfully treat millions of people with anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem and life crises such as divorce and grief.
Unresolved, painful memories related to these psychological issues are stored deep within the unconscious mind and negatively influence emotions, beliefs and feelings. Through an EMDR International (EMDRIA) approved training program, I have learned how to help my clients identify the triggers that activate these negative emotions and feelings and carefully reprocess their old, detrimental belief patterns.
In essence, EMDR brings disturbing memories out and resorts them. New information is uncovered and used to resolve old problems. This transforms the meaning of painful events to an emotional level and clients feel empowered by their new insights.
Studies have shown the effectiveness EMDR can occur within weeks whereas other therapies can take months or years. This is because the mind has the capacity to heal from psychological trauma as quickly as the body recovers from physical trauma once blockages are removed.
I have also been influenced by the work of psychologist, John Gottman. Gottman’s Couples Therapy Method is based on 40 years of scientific research. Its approach is positive, respectful and effective. According to Gottman, in order to make relationships work, couples need to be kind and compassionate to one another. To accomplish this, they need to learn how to improve their friendship, become skilled at dealing with conflict and honour each other’s dreams.
Gottman’s research on emotionally intelligent children also interests me. I use his findings to teach parents how to be coaches and raise children who are self-confident and able to regulate their emotions.
Credentials
- Master’s Degree (Counselling Psychology) – Adler University – Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Certified Adlerian Counsellor (CAC) – Adlerian Psychology Association of British Columbia
- Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
JOYCE STEEVES COUNSELLING 