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Seagulls

 COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

I SPECIALIZE in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The CBT approach lies on the premise that your physiology, thoughts, beliefs (perceptions) and how you behave influences your emotions for better or worse.  We often have automatic ways of thinking and behaving, patterns we have developed over time, that can be counterproductive to the goals we want to achieve in life.  CBT highlights the role of positive, rational thinking in maintaining a sense of well-being and good mental health.  

 

Modifying behaviour can change the way we think and feel such as through assertiveness training, relaxation exercises, exercise, eating nutritionally, good sleep hygiene and connecting with others. 

Research has revealed that CBT has proven to be efficacious and effective in treating various complex issues and concerns. CBT empowers clients by demonstrating to them that they can help themselves feel better and make positive life changes by changing the way they think and behave.

 

CBT can be effective in that I determine to develop a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship between myself and  the client that is based on genuineness, unconditional positive regard (non-judgment) and empathy.  I believe we all have the right to feel and that healing can come by expressing emotions.  I believe we all have the right to be validated and heard.  I advocate on behalf of my clients.  

SCHEMA THERAPY
 

Schema-Focused Therapy has shown remarkable results in helping people to change negative ("maladaptive") patterns which they have lived with for a long time, even when other methods and efforts they have tried before have been largely unsuccessful. The schemas that are targeted in treatment are enduring and self-defeating patterns that typically begin early in life.  They are assessed by completing a schema questionnaire that provides you with a profile, percentage and report of your schemas.

 

These patterns consist of negative/dysfunctional thoughts and feelings, have been repeated and elaborated upon, and pose obstacles for accomplishing one's goals and getting one's needs met currently.  Often when we have an emotional response out of proportion to a current stressor our schemas have been activated.  It can be empowering in your life to gain insight as to what these triggers and schemas are and how they are activated in your life.  

 

Some examples of schema beliefs are: "I'm unlovable," "I'm a failure," "People don't care about me," "I'm not important," "Something bad is going to happen," "People will leave me," "I will never get my needs met," "I will never be good enough," and so on.  Clients will often say that rationally they know these statements are not true however that they "feel true".  Often if these schemas are not addressed clients will continue to repeat negative patterns and play them out in their current personal lives and relationships with others. 

 

In the past you may have found ways of surviving to get your needs met in dysfunctional ways and unhealthy ways.  These ways of surviving may have been necessary at the time.  However, currently they may be malaptive and no longer productive and healthy.  By identifying schemas we can then develop together healthier templates (ways of responding to triggers) with which to build healthier relationships and future. 

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

     '"I originally came to Teresa seeking support in regards to the loss of my mother and with medical related anxiety. I sought out Teresa who was experienced in EMDR and had other treatment tools in addition to talk therapy. Through a combination of the different therapies provided, I have significantly overcome the anxiety. I see Teresa for various topics related to parenting, relationships and overall mental health and wellbeing. I’m grateful for the support I received. I have and will continue to recommend Teresa to colleagues, friends and others for her compassion, professionalism, experience and various treatment techniques she employs."

​     "I first began seeing Teresa after experiencing career burnout.  Working with Teresa has been a life transforming experience for me.  Through our counselling sessions, I've gained invaluable insights into my emotional well-being and developed strategies to better navigate both personal and professional challenges.  Teresa's compassionate, non-judgmental and supportive approach made it easy to open up and heal past wounds.  Her guidance has helped me build healthier relationships, manage stress more effectively and create healthy boundaries with others.  I truly appreciate her authenticity, dedication and her availability.  I'm grateful for the positive impact therapy with her has had on my mental health."

     "I have been seeing therapists off and on for 35 years.  They have all helped me, in one way or the other.  But we could never crack the nut of my extreme self hatred.  I learned where it came from, and I learned how to deal with it. But I hated myself so much.

A little over a year ago I began seeing Teresa, and she has really got me feeling better about myself.  I ask myself why.

There is a good personal relationship, which is essential. What really separated her from my other therapists was how many diagnostic tools she used to get to know me.  She also had a big toolbox of treatment methods.  For example, EMDR seemed to be very helpful to me.

Teresa really cares, and her enthusiasm is infectious.  I would recommend her to people who need help."

​     "Going through a divorce was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but Teresa was there to help with my recovery. When everything felt chaotic and overwhelming, she provided the tools to help me process my emotions allowing me to heal at my own pace. With a lot of patience she helped me gain clarity, recognize patterns I hadn't noticed before, and learn healthy ways to recognize and cope with the grief and anger I was feeling. I’ve learned how to rebuild my self-esteem and embrace this new chapter of my life with hope and confidence. With her I’ve rediscovered my passions and learned to move forward in my life again."

     "Teresa Sawatzy is an amazing human.  She is a  top in class therapist that asks the right questions and works with her clients to achieve their desired results through a tailored plan.  Her guidance, resources and tools are outstanding.  I am navigating some difficult life events and doing the work; facing hard feelings like anger, fear and sadness.  Being given permission to sit in this and really feel them so that I can begin healing and move to a better place for myself has been tough and worth it.  The dividends are starting to really show as I regain my self love and true peace and happiness.  Teresa consistently teaches me about self-awareness, limiting beliefs and helps me grow my emotional intelligence.  I have valuable insights on the way I show up in all sorts of relationships and I am definitely clearer about what I want for my future."

 

Phone: 403-999-1975
 
Email: teresasawatzky@tscounsellingservices.com

Address: 127 Brander Ave, Langdon, Alberta

Office Hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

    ©2020 by Teresa Sawatzky Counselling Services. Proudly created with Wix.com

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