Psychotherapy in Peterborough at Flow Spa
In partnership with Harnessing Change Psychotherapy
What is Psychotherapy and How Does It Work?
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a collaborative process designed to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. It involves a trained mental health professional helping individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to foster understanding and healing. Sessions may be structured or free-flowing, utilizing evidence-based techniques like cognitive restructuring or narrative therapy to achieve personalized goals.
At its core, psychotherapy is about empowerment. It equips individuals with the tools to manage life's complexities, enabling them to navigate stressors and cultivate resilience.
Why is Therapy Beneficial?
Problematic relationships happen across the lifespan and people often need someone to talk to so they can create changes that better fit their values or notice then accept the choices they have made.
Through therapy, a person can create the needed changes to gain the confidence, skills, strength, direction, and motivation to do something about their undesired situation.
We Specialize in Building Strong Relationships
We work with individuals who want to improve themselves or mourn a loved one (person or pet). We also work with any couple or groups who want to create changes in their relationship(s).
We would be happy to be there for you in your times of need.
Individual Therapy
We provide a safe place to discuss your thoughts, challenge your beliefs, and build your skills.
This a moment for personal growth. From a systemic perspective, individual internal changes have the ability to influence the people that are connected to you.
Who We Are
We are a husband and wife team with a combined 24 years worth of education in the field of Psychology. From the beginning of our education, it was clear to both of us that our purpose and goal was to help people struggling with life’s difficulties and the more serious symptoms of mental illness.
Our lived experiences and education guide the approach we use for each client. But therapy is a two-way street. We believe that we learn as much from our clients as they learn from us. This kind of shared experience is only possible by making the client the center of their therapeutic process.
Keeping this in mind, we provide an integrative approach to therapy where the therapist remains flexible with the skills they use so they can adjust to what clients want to accomplish in therapy.
Couple and Family Therapy
We create a fair space between the members of the family and we would speak on behalf of the relationship that you desire to save, to strengthen, or dissolve in an amicable fashion.
We can help each member better understand what their choices are and how to build relationships that they value.
Accepting New Clients
Christopher Brown
HBSc, MACP, RP(Qualifying)
Qualifications
I have a Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, an Addictions and Mental Health Counselling certificate from Durham College and graduated with Honours from Trent University with a Bachelor’s in Science for Psychology.
There is so much that can happen in life. The possibilities are truly infinite. The scary part is that we never know what might happen from the moment we wake up in the morning to the moment we go to sleep at night. For some, this may be a scary thought and I wouldn’t blame you. I believe that point of view is very accurate, it is scary. Helping people understand that they can live their lives without that fear controlling them or preventing them from happiness is what I strive to do.
When people communicate their problems to others they inevitably tell a story that includes specific details such as: their attitudes, opinions, experiences, beliefs and understandings. It has been my experience that an approach to therapy is guided by the details in a person’s story/problem and that various elements from several approaches become useful in helping someone understand themselves in relation to their problems. Although I prefer to use a Narrative Therapy approach to counselling, I am more than capable of adapting my approach to fit many of life’s problems.
Genevieve Brown
HBSc, MACP, RP
I am a Registered Psychotherapist. I have a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a certificate in Addictions and Mental Health Counselling from Durham College, and graduated with Honours from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
I believe that a meaningful life comes from living our lives in harmony with our unique set of values. Some of us may be aware of our values while others may not. And for some, the complications of life may have led us to live our lives in disharmony with our values. I provide my clients with the tools to discover their unique set of values and help them find a way to live in harmony with them.
Specialization
I have a special interest in working with those who want to enrich their relationships and with those who have unwanted thoughts and feelings.
Complicated relationship issues can begin to affect other aspects of our lives. Those relationships may be with friends, family or our partners and by improving the quality of those relationships clients often see other areas of their lives become less stressed and taxing.
I welcome those who have had trauma in their life and anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress. I recognize how some of these issues can prevent us from accomplishing even the simplest of things and work with you to bring a sense of acceptance toward the situation and increase your perceived choices in your life.
"Harnessing Change is about acceptance, understanding what was, and gaining new perspective on what will be."
Chris and Genevieve Brown
Common Issues Addressed Through Psychotherapy
Anxiety and Stress Management
Psychotherapy teaches techniques like relaxation training and mindfulness to combat anxiety and stress. It helps individuals identify triggers and develop practical strategies for maintaining calm.
Overcoming Depression and Mood Disorders
Therapists work with clients to reframe negative thinking patterns and address the root causes of depression. Evidence-based approaches like CBT provide a structured path to recovery.
Dealing with Trauma and PTSD
For trauma survivors, psychotherapy offers a lifeline. Techniques like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT help reprocess distressing memories and restore a sense of safety.
Managing Grief and Loss
Grief therapy provides solace during times of loss. Therapists help individuals navigate the stages of grief, offering tools to honor their emotions and find closure.
Support for Addiction Recovery
Addiction-focused psychotherapy addresses the psychological underpinnings of substance use. It fosters accountability, helps prevent relapse, and builds a foundation for long-term sobriety.
Specialized Psychotherapy Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing Negative Thought Patterns
CBT focuses on identifying and altering unhelpful beliefs that drive behavior. It’s highly effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Skills for Emotional Regulation
DBT equips clients with tools for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. It’s particularly useful for borderline personality disorder and chronic stress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Healing Trauma
EMDR uses guided eye movements to reprocess traumatic memories. This innovative approach helps clients desensitize their emotional responses to painful events.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Staying Present and Grounded
Mindfulness therapy combines meditation and cognitive techniques to enhance self-awareness. It’s ideal for reducing stress, improving focus, and fostering emotional balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy
How Long Does Psychotherapy Typically Last?
Therapy duration varies based on individual needs and goals. There’s no one set length of time to expect.
Is Psychotherapy Confidential?
Absolutely. Therapists adhere to strict confidentiality policies to protect client privacy.