Our approach to therapy
What do we mean by trauma-informed?
This means our work together honors your readiness, allowing you to ask questions, pause, or shift direction at any point. We’ll work collaboratively to find what feels supportive and to adjust whenever necessary, ensuring that therapy remains a place of respect and care for your experiences.
And what about mindfulness-based?
Mindfulness allows us to gently notice what’s present within you—whether thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations—without judgment. Through this lens, we can create space to observe these experiences, connect with your internal world, and respond with greater clarity, patience, and self-compassion. Mindfulness also helps us explore how different parts of you relate to each other and the world around you.
What does mindfulness actually look like in therapy?
In therapy, mindfulness becomes a gentle way to notice the “parts” of yourself—whether those are thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations. This awareness can help you understand the different aspects of your experience, from difficult emotions to ingrained behaviors. Here’s what mindfulness might look like in our sessions:
Noticing your inner experiences: We might pause to notice a specific feeling or thought and observe it without trying to change it. This helps create space from overwhelming emotions or urges, allowing you to see them with more clarity.
Connecting with different parts of yourself: Through mindfulness, we may recognize the various “parts” of you—like the part that feels anxious, the part that self-criticizes, or the part that wants to people-please. Bringing awareness to these parts allows us to explore their role in your life and develop more self-compassion.
Exploring interconnection: Mindfulness can help you observe how your experiences connect with the world around you—whether in your relationships, your environment, or your sense of self. This perspective can foster a sense of grounding and belonging.
What does a trauma-informed approach look like in therapy?
A trauma-informed approach means we move at a pace that feels right for you, creating a safe, understanding space where you’re fully supported. This approach recognizes that you may be carrying past experiences that feel difficult to face alone. Here’s what a trauma-informed approach might look like in our sessions:
Starting right where you are: We’ll begin by getting to know what feels manageable for you. You’re free to ask questions, pause, or change your mind about what we talk about. Our work will always respect your comfort level, allowing you to ease in gradually.
Taking things slowly, together: We’ll take time to focus on small steps before exploring anything deeply painful. This might mean finding ways to manage stress or anxiety so that you feel grounded and in control. My goal is to help you build tools to feel safer and more secure, one step at a time.
Listening to every part of you: You may have parts of yourself that feel different things—like a part that feels anxious or a part that’s trying to protect you. We’ll pay attention to these parts, understanding them with kindness, so you feel supported and whole.
Gently building your resilience: Healing can feel like a lot to take on, so we’ll move gently. By taking things slowly and celebrating even small steps forward, I hope you’ll start to feel stronger and more at ease. You’ll always have the space to be exactly where you are, without pressure.
Finding the strength and self-compassion you deserve: A trauma-informed approach also means we’ll notice and celebrate your strengths, no matter how small they might seem. By honoring what you’ve already overcome, we’ll build a path toward healing that feels steady and supported.
In this safe, compassionate space, you’ll have the freedom to explore, understand, and find relief from what feels difficult, all at a pace that feels right for you.
Where do these approaches come from?
Both mindfulness-based and trauma-informed approaches bring together time-tested wisdom and modern therapy practices to support deep healing. While mindfulness has become a foundational tool in many therapies today—such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and some forms of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—it actually has deep roots in spiritual traditions worldwide. Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh describes mindfulness as “interbeing”—a way of seeing our connection with all beings, which brings a broader sense of compassion and understanding.
Similarly, the trauma-informed approach also pulls from a long history of insights about human resilience and healing. It recognizes that trauma affects every part of us: mind, body, and spirit. This approach focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment where all parts of you feel respected and empowered.
By weaving together mindfulness and trauma-informed care, we work to build a healing space that’s both grounded and compassionate. This combination allows us to explore your experiences gently and mindfully, helping you build trust, find relief, and reconnect with your inner strength at a pace that feels just right for you.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to get started?
The first step to starting therapy with us is to book a 15-minute, no-cost introductory virtual consultation. This call will briefly go over what brings you to therapy as well as any questions you have in getting started.