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Psychotherapy in Ontario (in-person at my Huntsville office)
Psychotherapy in Ontario (in-person at my Huntsville office)
About Me
Hi! My name is Courtney.
I am an experienced social worker (BSW, MSW, RSW), relational therapist working in Muskoka. I grew up in this area and have been working in the mental health field for close to 20 years.
I have training and experience in a number of clinical modalities and use them to inform my work. My approach is relaxed and conversational with a focus on self-compassion and change. I often add humour in session and I really anchor to the reality that we are all having a very human experience, complete with pain, distress, messiness, and discomfort.
I'm passionate about supporting folks through challenging experiences, transitions, and seasons of life. No judgement, no advice giving, rather, creating space for connection and an openness for change. I don't stray away from existential questions and discussion.
It's a privilege for me to do this work and to be invited to be a part of your journey, whether that be a couple of sessions or more.
I deeply believe in the power of connection and community and feel that our current social climate often emphasizes individualism, leaving many of us feeling disconnected, lonely, and anxious.
I believe that the state of our communities and world impacts each of us. I continue to be commited, to learn, and to make mistakes practicing from an anti-oppressive and anti-colonial approach.
I enjoy music making, singing, poetry, being close to water, a good walk, and a good talk.
Services
Working Together
I work with folks from diverse backgrounds age 16 and over.
I am committed to inclusivity and anti-oppressive care.
* I am happy to wear a face mask during in-person sessions to reduce spread of viruses. Please ask, anytime.*
Types of Therapy
I offer individual, family, and group therapy.
**See Group Offerings Below**
Modalities & Lenses
My therapeutic approach is informed and/or directed by:
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Somatic Approaches
- Narrative Therapy
- Self-Compassion Practice
- Health at Every Size Care
- Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Anti-Colonial Practice
- Relational Psychotherapy
***Group Offerings: starting early 2025***
Ebb & Flow: A Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) & Trauma-Informed Group
This is a group for folks (18+) interested in exploring how our experiences shape our brain and impact our nervous system responses, along with how to care for our nervous systems in new ways, acknowledging our differing states of mind and how to tend to and balance our emotions. This is also a group to support connection and reduce the isolation that can so often be felt with our mental and emotional health experience.
Format: 15-week program offered in 5 week modules. 1.5 hour weekly group session, in-person in Huntsville.
This is a fee for service program that is covered by many extended benefit plans.
The group is co-facilitated by myself, Courtney Evans, and Jen Nicholson, MSW, RSW. We've had the pleasure of running several DBT-Informed groups together and we are always so humbled by the experience, the connection created, and the feedback from participants that they feel less isolated and alone in their experience.
If you're interested in more information, please reach out to Jen or Courtney and ask questions.
Specializations
Emotional Awareness & Balancing
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Emotional Awareness & Balancing
Emotion Awareness involves recognizing and understanding one’s emotional states and how they influence thoughts and behaviours. It is a crucial skill for emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to identify their feelings accurately, understand their triggers, and acknowledge their impact on well-being. Developing emotion awareness helps individuals respond to their emotions more constructively, enhancing self-regulation and improving relationships.
Balancing Emotions refers to the ability to manage and integrate a range of emotions effectively. It involves not suppressing feelings but rather allowing them to be experienced and expressed in healthy ways. Balancing emotions means recognizing when emotions are overwhelming and employing strategies to cope, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, or reframing thoughts. This balance fosters resilience, enhances decision-making, and contributes to overall mental health. Therapy can support individuals in developing both emotion awareness and balancing skills to lead more fulfilling lives.
"Burnout" & Systemic Fatigue
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Emotional Awareness & Balancing
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It typically results from feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities and demands, whether at work, in relationships, or even from personal challenges. While it's normal to feel tired or stressed from time to time, burnout is more than just occasional fatigue—it can impact every aspect of your life.
Burnout can show up in many different ways. Common signs to look out for include:
- Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, and low energy levels.
- Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of helplessness, frustration, irritability, and a sense of being emotionally drained or disconnected.
- Mental Symptoms: Difficulty focusing, memory problems, and a lack of motivation or interest in activities you used to enjoy.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Reduced productivity, withdrawing from others, avoiding responsibilities, and relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Anxiety is a common emotional response characterized by feelings of tension, apprehension, and worry about future events. It can manifest both mentally and physically, often leading to symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. While some anxiety is normal, excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life.
Worry refers to the thoughts and concerns that arise when we anticipate negative outcomes or potential problems. It often focuses on specific issues, such as health, relationships, or work. While worry can sometimes motivate problem-solving, chronic worry can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress.
Panic is an intense and sudden episode of overwhelming fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations, leading to avoidance behaviours and increased anxiety about experiencing future attacks.
Negative Self-Image/Self-Criticism
Anxiety, Worry, and Panic Experiences
Negative Self-Talk refers to the internal dialogue that often includes pessimistic, unkind, or self-defeating thoughts. This pattern can manifest as doubting one’s abilities, feeling inadequate, or berating oneself for perceived failures. Negative self-talk can significantly impact mental well-being, reinforcing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Self-Criticism is a form of negative self-talk where individuals judge themselves harshly for their mistakes or shortcomings. It involves setting excessively high standards and berating oneself when these standards are not met. While some self-reflection can be beneficial, chronic self-criticism can lead to a cycle of low self-worth and emotional distress, making it important to address and transform these thought patterns through therapy.
Body Image Issues & Disordered Eating
Body Image Issues involve a person’s perception and feelings about their physical appearance. This can include dissatisfaction with one's body shape, size, or features, often leading to negative self-esteem and self-worth. Body image issues can be influenced by societal standards, media portrayals, and personal experiences, significantly impacting mental health and overall well-being.
Disordered Eating refers to a range of unhealthy eating behaviours that may not meet the criteria for an eating disorder but still reflect problematic relationships with food. This can include frequent dieting, emotional eating, or irregular eating patterns. These behaviors often stem from body image concerns or emotional distress and can impact physical health and emotional well-being. Addressing disordered eating through therapeutic support can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
Existential Fears, Frustrations, & Anger
Existential Fear refers to the anxiety and uncertainty that arise from contemplating fundamental aspects of existence, such as death, meaning, and isolation. In today's world, this fear is often amplified by concerns about global issues like climate change, political instability, and social inequality. These factors can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair as individuals grapple with the uncertain future of the planet and humanity. This fear prompts deeper reflection on life's meaning and can be both unsettling and transformative.
Existential Anger is a response to the frustration and helplessness that accompany existential fear. It can manifest as anger directed inward, resulting in self-criticism or despair, or outward, impacting relationships and social interactions. This anger often arises from a sense of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming global challenges and a perceived lack of control over one’s circumstances. Addressing existential fear and anger in therapy can help individuals explore these feelings, find purpose amidst uncertainty, and develop constructive coping strategies to engage with the world positively.