Therapeutic Approach
Therapy that looks at the whole picture
An integrative approach to therapy
Every person is multi-faceted, so our approach to therapy should be as well.
My integrative approach draws on the contributions of Family Systems Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Internal Family Systems .
While this might seem like a long list, it means that that my work with you doesn’t hinge on a single approach, but a range of well regarded modalities that help bring insight on multiple levels.
Whether you come with a specific concern or simply know that something isn’t working, we’ll start where you are, look at the whole picture, and work together towards understanding and meaningful ways forward.
Approaches
My integrative approach incorporates several therapeutic methods:
Family Systems Therapy
We’re all part of a larger system, whether it be a couple, a family, an organization or a society. As a family systems trained therapist, I consider the bigger picture of the larger systems you are in and how they’re impacting you so we can untangle your role in a system and where you can create change within it.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy helps explore the cycles we get stuck in during conflict and how we can begin to access underlying emotions and needs safely in order to foster connection and get unstuck. As an EFT trained therapist, I use the power of emotions to help us know where to move towards growth.
Solution Focused Therapy
In Solution Focused therapy, we highlight strengths and look for even the smallest solutions to problems that can begin to create positive change.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Most people have heard of CBT because it’s the bread and butter of therapy, especially therapy to treat anxiety. I integrate CBT into all the work I do as we explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviors and how they’re connected to each other. In CBT, we look for ways to challenge your automatic thoughts and evaluate their truthfulness. If you can begin to change your thoughts and engage in more productive behaviors, this can bring relief to your emotions.
Trauma Informed Therapy
As a trauma-informed therapist, I’m aware of the ways trauma shapes people mentally, emotionally, and relationally. The main work of trauma healing is helping people feel safe in the here and now. Unhealed trauma can keep people stuck - feeling unsafe, threatened and anxious. Together, we’ll explore your trauma history, notice ways in which some of your current challenges are connected to past trauma and begin to rediscover or discover for the first time what safety feels and looks like.
Internal Family Systems
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Maria Stuart, BA, MDiv, RP
Maria is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. She graduated Tyndale University with a Masters of Divinity in Clinical Counseling. Prior to her work as a therapist, she has provided leadership in various charitable organizations that focused on helping families and individuals flourish.
CRPO Registration Number: 13614