shedding the stigma of mental illness - the truth about therapy - myths vs. realityThe Truth About Therapy. Shedding the Stigma and Stereotypes.

What Therapy Really Is, and How it Can Help You Find Truth and Happiness.

Shedding the stigma of therapy is important.  Good mental health helps you to be resilient and powerful.

The word Psychotherapy has a beautiful etymology.  Derived from the Ancient Greek word psyche (ψυχή meaning “breath; spirit; soul”) and therapeia ( θεραπεία “healing; medical treatment”) – these words harmonize the intention and scope of the work I strive to do.  What’s called for in therapy, is perhaps a rebirth in our thinking of it’s importance.  There can be single moments or a prolonged stressful period in which we may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope.  Therapy for a specific length of time or indefinitely – helps to rewrite the present and to offer support – by approaching the present with a different perspective.  It’s akin to re-examining how we were taught to think and believe and to be given a new set of tools and principles for examining how we will live life.  

therapymyth#oo1 Therapy is for People with Mental Illness

The truth about therapy: Therapy is most helpful as a preventive measure and before a mental health concern becomes a mental illness (e.g. when ongoing stress and other symptoms affect your ability to function). 

60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labelled.*  The stigma surrounding mental illness often keeps People from seeking help that could truly benefit them and People living with mental health disorders often say that the stigma they encounter is worse than the illness itself. This is something that needs to change; shedding the stigma of mental illness starts with understanding what mental illness really is, only then can we begin shedding the stigma and the stereotypes. 

Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior.  Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.** 

What therapy really is and how it can help: In therapy you learn new life strategies to help you cope effectively, to alleviate stress and to talk through the inner dialogue that runs incessantly through your mind. The new thought paradigms and practical elements that you learn in therapy will become the reliable measures and life practices that sustain your healthy and resilient mind.

* source: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/stigma-and-discrimination

** source: Mayo Clinic  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968]

  • shedding the stigma of mental illness | therapy myth #1 - therapy is for people with mental illness. | The truth about therapy: Therapy is most helpful as a preventive measure and before a mental health concern becomes a mental illness 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labeled. The stigma surrounding mental illness often keeps People from seeking help that could truly benefit them.

Therapy Myths#001 The Truth about therapy

Therapy Myth#2 Therapy is about having someone tell me what to do

  • therapy myth #2 - therapy is about having someone tell me what to do. The truth about therapy is that Despite what perceptions there are regarding what therapy ‘is’ – most people are pleasantly surprised to learn that therapy is not advice giving. Clients will often ask that I share my perspective and intuitive guidance with them, but the real experience of therapy is to hear yourself as you share your current life situation and probe the understanding of it.

The truth about therapy: Therapy is an expression of your self – for yourself.  It is not and it never ought to be – a session of advice giving.  Despite what perceptions there are regarding what therapy ‘is’ – most people are pleasantly surprised to learn that therapy is not advice giving.  Clients will often ask that I share my perspective and intuitive guidance with them, but the real experience of therapy is to hear yourself as you share your current life situation and probe the understanding of it.

What therapy really is, and how it can help you find truth and happiness: Compassionate presence combined with thoughtful socratic questions* are designed to help you think differently about your situation, and in turn give rise to organic insight and your own, innate answers. Therapy is a healthy and productive means of alleviating what has been causing you discomfort and suffering. In this process you learn how to implement new strategies, ways of thinking, and daily life practices that will help you achieve your goals and to live your best self; making it possible for you to use these tools on your own (and for the rest of your life).

*[Socratic questioning is a form of disciplined questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes, including: to explore complex ideas, to get to the truth of things, to open up issues and problems, to uncover assumptions, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we do not know, and to follow logical consequences of thought.]  – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratic_questioning

Therapy Myth#2 Talking about my problems will make me feel worse

  • therapy myth#3 - talking about my problems will just make me feel worse. The truth about therapy: In therapy, I encourage you to reveal what you believe to be right and best for you as a solution – and a course of action. In answering socratic* questions, you experience new realizations and ‘aha’ moments that illuminate a path and a plan, and which remind you of your ability to be your own best source of knowledge and wisdom for directing the course of your life.

The truth about therapy:  In our work together I encourage you to reveal what you believe to be right and best for you as a solution – and a course of action.  The goal is for you to experience new realizations and ‘aha’ moments that illuminate a path and a plan, and which remind you of your ability to be your own best source of knowledge and wisdom for directing the course of your life.  The experiential work that you do outside of our sessions becomes a way of testing the new ideals and strategies that are introduced during the session.  This helps you to gain greater trust and belief in yourself and your ability for overcoming obstacles, accomplishing goals, and self healing.

Therapy Myth#4 I will feel judged

The truth about therapy:  In our work together, I will listen and offer a place for you to share as much as you are willing – in the absence of judgment.  Therapy is about finding solutions for your situation; for becoming empowered as you live true to who you are; and for realizing the opportunity to seek and be ‘more’.  I help you discover your unlimited potential by first creating a safe environment where you can feel at ease; and where you can reveal all of who you are – to yourself and to me.  This is how you feel validated in your experiences, whilst learning the tools and practices for trusting in your own infinite wisdom for right answers and truth.

shedding the stigma and the stereotypes of mental health - the truth about therapy: stigma prevents 40% of people from seeking help with anxiety or depression60% of people who have a mental health problem or illness do not seek help for fear of being judged or labeled – even while on any given week more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to work due to mental health concerns.* Shedding this stigma and overcoming the fear of being judged or labeled for your choices in seeking support – are part of your path to finding truth and happiness. Choosing therapy is an act of courage.

* https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/stigma-and-discrimination

  • therapy myth #004 - i will feel judged. The truth about therapy: In our work together, I will listen and offer a place for you to share as much as you are willing – in the absence of judgment. Therapy is about finding solutions for your situation; for becoming empowered as you live true to who you are; and for realizing the opportunity to seek and be ‘more’. Overcoming the stigma of mental health and taking steps to become empowered by your truth is always the goal.

Therapy Myth#5 Therapy is about re-living the past

  • therapy myth #5 - therapy is about reliving the past. The truth about therapy is that Any focus on the past is with the specific purpose to examine it with a different and more accurate lens so that you no longer hold the same emotional reaction to what has happened. This means that aspects of your past no longer affect you as they did. To understand a problematic situation or circumstance from a higher perspective allows you to re-frame it with new insight and understanding based on factual information and present moment awareness. This is both liberating and therapeutically healing.

The truth about therapy: Any focus on the past is with the specific purpose to examine it with a different and more accurate lens so that you no longer hold the same emotional reaction to what has happened.  This means that aspects of your past no longer affect you as they did.  To understand a problematic situation or circumstance from a higher perspective allows you to re-frame it with new insight and understanding based on factual information and present moment awareness.  This is both liberating and therapeutically healing.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (the most widely researched and practised model of psychotherapy in the world), the objectives include gaining clarity and a different understanding of the problem (or situation) so that you are able to best identify a solution and to receive what help and guidance will allow you to facilitate this – in your life.

Therapy Myth#6 Needing therapy means you are weak

  • therapy myth#006: needing therapy means you are weak. he truth about therapy:  Consider the fact that for nearly every other challenge in modern lives - we seek specialists for solutions - your sink stops working, you call a plumber. You injure your leg - you see a Physician.  According to the Mental Health Commission, on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problem - yet this often goes unsaid due to the fear of stigma or discrimination.* Shedding the stigma: Seeking support when you are struggling with difficult emotions does not denote weakness. People who seek therapy are in fact incredibly brave. It takes true strength and vulnerability to be willing to look at oneself, or to face difficult emotions - fear, anger, anxiety, grief -  to explore pain…to be willing to truly look at oneself, to take steps towards healing - is an act of courage. 

The truth about therapy: 

Consider the fact that for nearly every other challenge in modern lives – we seek specialists for solutions – your sink stops working, you call a plumber. You injure your leg – you see a Physician.  According to the Mental Health Commission, on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problem – yet this often goes unsaid due to the fear of stigma or discrimination.*

Shedding the stigma: Seeking support when you are struggling with difficult emotions does not denote weakness. People who seek therapy are in fact incredibly brave. It takes true strength and vulnerability to be willing to look at oneself, or to face difficult emotions – fear, anger, anxiety, grief –  to explore pain…to be willing to truly look at oneself, to take steps towards healing – is an act of courage. 

*https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/stigma-and-discrimination

Shedding the Stigma and the Stereotypes | Dorothy on her fundamental approach to Therapy Sessions: 

truth seeking?

What therapy really is – and how it can help you find truth: To guide, teach, challenge, excite, empower, embrace. Through a collaborative process we strive to bring clarity to the problem and reveal the right answers, even when those answers are buried deep within You. My first and foremost job – is to help you to acknowledge your answers – your inner wisdom – to unearth, identify, and reveal your truth.

adandoning preconceived notions...

There are many misconceptions about psychotherapy and what traditional ‘therapy sessions’ should look like. Shedding the stereotypes and the stigma that holds you back from true healing means allowing intuition, compassion and authentic human connection to guide the counselling process.

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holding space for truth...

Creating a safe space where you can open up and be vulnerable and honest – in this space the organic unfolding of your personal truth can reveal itself.  Honouring the goals, intentions and present moment needs – is what creates allows breakthroughs that lead to lasting happiness.

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cultivating a-ha moments

means allowing it to flow organically, a gentle yet deliberate process of facilitating a client’s journey with a method that honors each individual’s unique needs, buried emotions, questions and curiosities that arise while engaged in the therapy process.

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what makes for good therapy?

a path that is divinely guided, inspired and nurtured by presence, insight and supportive words of encouragement that empower the client to embody the belief that change is indeed finally possible and it is happening in the here and now…

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every session has its own perfect path

Each path is divinely guided, inspired and nurtured by presence, insight and supportive words of encouragement that empower a client to embody the belief that change is indeed finally possible and it is happening in the here and now…

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  • nurturing awareness self acceptance and love

follow your own path
Empowering Adults, Teens, Couples, Groups, Business Leaders and Professionals to hack their highest potential with expertly curated Personal Development and Mastery Tools, Mental Health and Wholistic Wellness Solutions. Personal Mastery, Embodied Spirituality, Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation and Life Path Mapping.

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pick my brain: askDorothy: #askD #AMA: about life, or love or for advice on living your best life – filled with love, joy and authentic power. #askD: If you have a question, a circumstance, an a-ha moment that you would like to share or a topic you need guidance on, please reach out; You could be featured on episodes of The Wisdom Podcast devoted to providing insight, guidance & life hacks.
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Built on a foundation of Certified Psychotherapy that blends the practical successes of Cognitive Therapy with the enlightened principles of Conscious Spirituality, my primary goal is to help remove the barriers that keep you from thriving.

What therapy really is: Each therapeutic journey is unique and approached with a holistic and integrative lens; incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, Coaching and Guided Meditation; curating a Personalized Wellness Plan  – that meets you right where you are. Whether you are questioning your life’s purpose, or struggling with depression or anxiety, if you are overcoming trauma, going through a break-up or you simply need a compassionate ear to support you on your journey to living your best life – let me help you answer the questions that keep you up at night.

  • personal growth and self actualization

  • defining and cultivating your most significant relationships

  • learning to be love, and find the right partner

  • the secret to defining and living your life’s purpose

  • a guided discovery of self awareness and honesty

  • igniting your innate ability to heal from and become empowered by your past

  • embodied spirituality, guided meditation and life path mapping

  • teaching you to navigate from your inner GPS