Theoretical Framework

Anti-Oppressive Practice & Social Justice

To me personally social justice means providing services to everyone and treating everyone with dignity and respect regardless of their race, gender, age, addictions, socio-economic and housing status. It also means advocating for my clients who may not be considered as deserving of certain services. 

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Systems Theory

Everything is connected (family, culture, society, friendships, education, genetic make up, etc.). Everything affects our actions, emotional reactions, decisions and choices.

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Attachment Theory

Understanding the early child-parent relationships and their impact on the child's development are very important in therapy. This knowledge gives an understanding to where our behaviours, reactions, and coping mechanisms come from. Developing an insight to our behaviours and their histories can be very healing. 

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Mindfulness 

Paying attention to the present moment, thoughts and feelings non-judgmentally. For therapists, practicing mindfulness can develop a better compassion and can help us to become better listeners. It can also improve our self-reflection and insight. 

For clients/patients mindfulness practice can help with dealing with pain, depression and anxiety. It can contribute to a healthier physical and emotional living. 

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Narrative Therapy 

According to narrative therapy, our beliefs and opinions about ourselves and others are nothing more than constructed stories. These stories exist inside the social realms and have been influenced by our environments. Once a person realizes that their beliefs are stories, she or he can have power to change these stories by 'rewriting' them. 

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