As a therapist I am consistently reminded of my clients’ courage when they strive to pursue the goal of making positive changes in their lives. At times, we discover that how we see ourselves and how others see us are not always in sync. We may find that some areas we perceived as strengths can actually disable our growth and the growth of others. (ie: In caretaking others’ needs, we may lose sight of what we need to remain healthy, and in turn, end up enabling those we care about to become dependent on us to solve their issues.)
At other times, areas that we perceive as weakness can prove to be our greatest strengths for example, a life filled with hardship can create compassion and guidance to those whose life has also been filled with sorrow. We judge ourselves as strong or weak, good or bad, and lose sight of the fact that the human condition is imperfect.
It is OK to have flaws and it is perfectly natural to acknowledge our strengths. Self examination is a life long journey. We can close our eyes to our pain and never move beyond a life of self recrimination or of blaming others. On the contrary, we can see change as an exciting challenge to meet head on.
Clients may come in with disturbed relationships, anger, anxiety, depression or addiction struggles but find it difficult to articulate why they are experiencing various symptoms. It may be worthwhile to take an inventory of the questions below to see if any apply to your current situation.
Who Am I?
Have I grieved what needs to be grieved?
Have I ignored my good qualities and the fact I am resilient?
Where did I come from and where am I going?
How do I make peace with the past?
How do I forgive myself and others for past wrongs?
What are my strengths?
What is personally meaningful for me?
What are my beliefs?
What are my convictions, morals, and values?
What are my goals?
What are my boundaries or do I even know what they are?
Do I nurture myself and give to those around me?
Do I have a sense of faith or a belief in a higher power?
Do I engage in negative self talk or see the world through angry eyes?
Do I hate without knowing why I hate?
Do I abuse myself or others?
Do I believe I must always be right or perfect?
Do I believe the world owes me
Do I see myself as a victim, a survivor, or a thriver?
Once we are aware that any of these above issues have stalled our growth we can move towards making changes to benefit our life and, in turn, those around us. People who previously saw themselves as victims can become empowered once recognizing that despite victimization they are in fact survivors. As survivors we may develop the will to grow and expand our awareness of self and others.
The path to healing allows us to draw on our past experiences, appreciate the strengths and wisdom we have gained while also encouraging those who suffer to address their life challenges. It stands to reason that when you help yourself you inevitably become more empowered to give understanding, compassion and wisdom to those around you. One person can impact a multitude of people. We just want to make sure that our impact is enriching. Therapy is designed to assist individuals with many of the above issues. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above difficulties, please feel free to contact our office.
Maureen offers an environment in which rapport, safety, empathy and trust are instilled to assist her clients in addressing their personal life challenges. Her areas of interest include depression, anxiety, and communication breakdown, assertiveness skills, self-esteem, personal growth, family of origin issues, emotional dysregulation and the development of emotional awareness. She has a special interest in assisting individuals who are highly sensitive and introverted. She also works with individuals who have personally struggled with their own, or a loved one's behaviour, involving Narcissistic or Borderline traits. Maureen's therapeutic approach is eclectic and dependent on the clients situation and goals. Techniques may include Cognitive Behavioural, modified Dialectical Behavioural, Emotionally Focused, Systems and Adlerian therapy. Prior to obtaining her B.A. from SFU in Psychology and Criminology, and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Maureen was a research assistant with the U.B.C. Mood Disorders Clinic and a volunteer with the RCMP Victim Services. Maureen is married with 3 adult children and 3 grand children. Maureen is also a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association .
