my Therapy Approach

I offer different therapies, such as DBT and DBT Informed Parent coaching. I am trained in other evidence-based therapies, such as Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Together we can determine which approach is right for you.

DBT
DBT - parent coaching
EFT

DBT

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines Cognitive Behavioural techniques with concepts of mindfulness and acceptance to address complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

  • DBT targets skills development in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This therapeutic model offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing complex emotional and behavioral challenges and empowers individuals to build lives worth living. Whether you're struggling with managing emotions, maintaining relationships, or navigating life's difficulties, DBT Informed Therapy provides a roadmap for personal growth and healing.

  • I am trained to deliver DBT and spent a year at Columbia University’s DBT Training and Lab internship program. In addition to my graduate training, I worked at two Toronto-based DBT clinics for over six years. I do not offer skills classes, but do offer individual skills training. In your initial assessment appointment, we can determine whether DBT-informed therapy is right for you.

DBT-informed Parent Coaching

DBT-Informed Parent Coaching offers a compassionate and effective approach to parenting support, empowering care givers with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of understanding and supporting sensitive children.

  • DBT-Informed Parent Coaching is a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates the principles and techniques of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into parenting practices. This coaching model recognizes the complex interplay between caregiver and child dynamics, emphasizing the importance of validating emotions, setting boundaries, and fostering a nurturing environment for growth and development.

    • Emotion Coaching: DBT-Informed Parent Coaching teaches parents how to effectively recognize, validate, and respond to their child's emotions. By learning to empathize with their child's experiences and providing a safe space for expression, parents can strengthen the parent-child bond and promote emotional regulation in their children.

    • Skill Building: Just as DBT emphasizes skill development in individuals, DBT-Informed Parent Coaching focuses on equipping parents with practical skills to manage challenging behaviors and communication breakdowns. These skills may include assertive communication, problem-solving, emotion regulation techniques, and effective discipline strategies tailored to the child's developmental stage.

    • Mindful Parenting: Mindfulness is a central component of DBT, and in DBT-Informed Parent Coaching, parents learn to cultivate mindfulness both for themselves and their children. With mindfulness and non-judgmental acceptance practice, parents can enhance their ability to respond to parenting challenges with patience, compassion, and clarity.

    • Validation and Acceptance: Validation is a cornerstone of DBT, and in the context of parent coaching, it involves acknowledging and accepting the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of both parents and children. DBT-Informed Parent Coaching teaches parents how to validate their child's emotions while also setting appropriate boundaries and expectations, fostering a sense of security and trust within the parent-child relationship.

  • I have specialized training to deliver DBT-informed parent coaching. I taught the DBT Care Giver skills class for a number of years at both the Centre for MindBody Health and at Broadview Psychology. I am also a parent of three children. I understand how lonely it can feel to want to do your best, but to also struggle without support and skills. Whether you're facing challenges with your child's behavior, struggling to communicate effectively, or simply seeking guidance on fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, DBT-Informed Parent Coaching can provide you with the tools and support you need to thrive as a parent. You are not alone and DBT-Informed Parent Coaching can support you and your family on your journey towards greater harmony and connection.

EFT

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based, experiential psychotherapy that focuses on emotions as a central component of human experience and healing. Grounded in attachment theory and humanistic principles, EFT emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness, expression, and regulation, and aims to empower individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience, authenticity, and connection.. Whether you're struggling with unresolved trauma, relationship difficulties, or overwhelming emotions, EFT provides a path towards deepening self-understanding and fostering meaningful connections with others.

    • Emotional Awareness: EFT begins with the cultivation of emotional awareness, encouraging individuals to explore and identify their feelings with curiosity and non-judgment. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to deepen their understanding of the underlying emotions driving their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.

    • Emotion Regulation: Central to EFT is the belief that emotions contain valuable information and serve adaptive functions. Through experiential techniques and skill-building exercises, individuals learn to regulate their emotions more effectively, thereby reducing distress and promoting emotional balance. By developing a greater capacity to tolerate and express emotions, clients can experience increased resilience and well-being.

    • Emotional Transformation: In EFT, emotional transformation involves processing and resolving unresolved emotional experiences, often stemming from past relationships or traumatic events. In a safe and supportive environment, clients explore and work through painful emotions, fostering greater self-compassion, self-awareness, and authenticity.

    • Relational Healing: EFT recognizes the profound impact of relational experiences on emotional well-being. In therapy, patterns of interaction help identify unmet emotional needs and, by fostering empathy, validation, and attunement, EFT promotes healthier ways of relating to the self and others.

  • I am trained in levels 1 and 2 of EFT and did my training at York University. I am happy to explore whether this type of therapy can support you on your journey towards emotional well-being and relational fulfillment.

Ready to Connect?

Email me directly at laurareznickmsw@gmail.com or fill out this form to get in touch.