Coaching in Somatic
Developmental Psychology

My practice integrates elements of both coaching and traditional therapy. I employ a resource skills-based approach centered on psycho-somatic principles. To clients, this often feels akin to a coaching session, emphasizing the active acquisition of new sense-based psychological skills.

However, the approach leans towards traditional therapy when clients encounter challenging emotions. This happens through a process of resonating and mirroring. Regardless of our awareness, emotions are the driving force behind our actions. By enhancing our emotional capacity, we can lead a more vibrant and empowered daily life. The primary strategy used in the session hinges on the specific issue you wish to address at any given moment.

Many believe that therapy involves sharing personal stories, expressing vulnerable emotions, and perhaps venting, with the therapist offering alternative viewpoints and potential solutions. Indeed, this is the format of most traditional therapy.

However, this approach diverges significantly. Here, the narrative holds minimal weight. Instead, the emphasis is on tapping into the body as a valuable resource and cultivating new psychological skills through specific exercises. These exercises address gaps from our childhood where essential developmental skills were missed in the relational dynamic. Often, these gaps remain outside our conscious awareness, yet they harbor immense potential for transformative change.

Usually not. While the developmental story guides our approach, the majority of our work centers on the present moment, drawing from examples and situations in one’s current life. Addressing past experiences is occasionally vital, but it’s a focus only a fraction of the time.

Vulnerability comes in two forms: weak vulnerability, where you might feel exposed or broken, and strong vulnerability, characterized by dignity and integrity. Experiencing weak vulnerability doesn’t benefit the therapeutic process. The ideal therapy journey should feel empowering and uphold your dignity throughout.

If the mere thought of confronting emotions is daunting, there’s no need to dive deep immediately. You’re not expected or obligated to feel a certain way. The aim is to operate within your zone of proximal development, gently stretching its limits without overstepping them.

To maintain professional boundaries, it’s not advisable to mix roles. However, one approach could be to engage in personal sessions for a set period, followed by a break, and then transition to professional sessions.

Please be aware that I do not handle interventions restricted by the province of Alberta, including major or severe mental health conditions such as severe depression, disabling anxiety, substance-induced psychosis, acute withdrawal, schizophrenia or major personality disorders such as borderline. Additionally, I do not provide immediate crisis intervention. I appreciate your understanding.