OUR APPROACH

Welcome to Bodymind Counselling

At Bodymind Counselling, we believe that change is always possible, even when it feels out of reach. Humans truly are wired to heal, when supported with the right conditions! Our team of compassionate counsellors, interns, and students is here to support you on your path to healing and growth.

Our Approach to Change and Transformation

Lasting change isn’t fast or magical, but with the right conditions, people can heal and transformation happens. This can look like becoming more comfortable with yourself, being more present, making better choices, and understanding your own needs. Even when we weren’t taught these skills as children, it’s never too late to replace old survival strategies with healthier ways of relating.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Our therapists are diverse, and each therapist-client relationship is unique. However, you’ll find our team is warm, friendly, and nonjudgmental. We aim to make sure you feel safe and understood. While our sessions focus on you, your counsellor will also actively participate to help create a collaborative space. 

Recognizing Resilience

Our approach centers on recognizing each person’s resilience, and looking for what is new and emergent and GOOD, rather than only focusing on what’s “broken.” Our therapists are trauma-informed and committed to staying current in this evolving field. We acknowledge that life can be particularly challenging for those facing marginalization and injustice, and we respect and affirm your lived experiences.

Body-Centered and Experiential Therapy

In addition to talking, our sessions are “body-centered” and experiential, meaning we may guide you to notice what’s happening within your body. Though this may feel unfamiliar at first, the body can reveal deep insights and help anchor you in the present moment, offering a path to healing beyond simply talking about thoughts and feelings.

We’ll work with you to build a positive connection to your body, using skills like grounding, breathing, and practicing being present – working within your limits and comfort. This can help you come to know your body as a valuable resource for self-awareness and healing.

Integrating Mind, Body, and Context

Alongside body-centered work, we also attend to your emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and the larger context of your life. We bring our training and experience to each session, but your wisdom and insights are central to the process.

Types of Therapy at Bodymind Counselling

Sarah Pullman, the founder and clinical director, brings 12 years of training and experience in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) to Bodymind Counselling. AEDP emphasizes building a trusting, present-focused relationship and is rooted in attachment theory and neuroscience. Sarah’s AEDP background informs her supervision of student therapists, many of whom stay on at the practice after graduating. 

Additionally, our counsellors bring a range of therapeutic approaches from their respective backgrounds and educations. Check out the team bios for more details, and always feel free to ask your therapist about their training and approach.