PSYCHOLOGY OF US

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a principal component of my practice. Whereas CBT focuses on cognition and behaviour, IFS focuses on emotional reactions and relating. Because our individual needs vary and one may need different approaches at different times, I also incorporate CBT and Brainspotting, working flexibly and collaboratively to find the best healing path […]

Shame hides. It’s as if it is ashamed of itself. Often we have lived with shame for so long, we are unaware that it is there, driving our beliefs, actions, and emotions. Shame maintains itself. When we feel ashamed, we are less likely to try to repair the damage, reconnect with the hurt party, or learn […]

Guilt feelings are common, healthy, and useful in short durations. However, when they linger passed their usefulness, guilt feelings can cause emotional distress and lead to more serious psychological issues. Monkey therapy combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, as well as neuroprocessing interventions that address all the aspects of overactive guilt: cognitions, emotional reactions, […]

Stress is our brain’s way of protecting us. While stress overload is harmful, hindering us in the face of difficult life events, other forms of stress invigorate us to rise to the challenge. This positive version of stress is known as eustress. Whether we find a situation distressing or eustress-ing has less to do with […]

The term ‘stuckness’ is not listed in clinical psychology books but it is very much a real part of our psychological experience.  At some point in our lives, we have all felt like we just can’t make progress. We know that there is something that we can do to change our current situation. It’s just […]

All self-criticism has its own function, which can range from compassionate self-improvement to shame-based punishment. Perhaps surprisingly, our inner critics are guides that are trying to serve us in some way. Albeit misguided, they may be trying to motivate us, protect us, guide us, or punish us.   Monkey therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, […]