Vivienne Morris
Many come to therapy seeking relief from stress, family pressures or personal pain. Others are ready for a new approach to a relationship or a situation where distress has become a "live in". Some seek to identify a path to personal growth, meaning or a sense of purpose. I believe that therapy is meant to address these genuine struggles -- that at the core, we all have a self that is meant to be seen, heard and developed. Our challenges may stem from past experiences, trauma, personal tendencies and patterns or environment, often leading to depleted energy. Therapy, in my view, is there to support self - direction, leading towards increased energy, satisfaction, empowerment. My approach is based on a perspective that a client thrives with support. I see support as encouragement in gaining mental clarity and strengthening the capacity to hold and accept a range of emotions. And I have seen that this clarity and emotional strength fosters, and forges, direction. It brings the ability to connect to self and others and to become "unstuck". I aim to provide a space and support for expression, reflection, curiosity, acceptance and compassion. I hope to contribute to client's ability to know themselves better, like themselves more and have a sense of where they want to be headed, as well as a plan to get there. I work with couples, families and individuals, collaborating to improve relationships, to find strength after trauma and loss, and to meet parenting challenges. Most importantly, I assist clients in accessing and anchoring the self.
First session
I focus on meeting you where you are. My goal is to create space to clarify what’s most important to you and start moving towards a better understanding of yourself. Most important in early sessions, is creating a rapport, built on feeling safe, respected, heard and supported. I see this as the first step toward creating a path toward your chosen goal.
Strengths
Through my own life experiences, personal and professional, I have developed an approach which involves listening with compassion, taking note of what underlies clients' fears and aspirations. I believe that the job of therapist is to provide a mirror, where client can more clearly see their own strengths and build on them. I believe in a balance between listening, encouraging reflection and providing just enough feedback that challenges client to expand their horizon.
Ideal clients
I work with a wide range of ages, from adolescents to older adults. Most important is the motivation for therapy -- the desire of the client to change, grow and improve relationships, whether as parents, partners, family or friends. Most important is the realization of the satisfaction and joy that growth and change can bring. I see great potential, particularly when a client cares deeply about someone or something, even as they struggle with significant challenges.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I find cognitive behavioral therapy to be a useful and powerful tool in helping clients to see themselves and their situation through a new lens, challenging assumptions or thought patterns that have not been working.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT offers a highly effective structure and practical applications for thought and behavior to tackle challenges, disappointment, frustration and self discipline.
Psychodynamic
The psychodynamic approach directs clients to a deeper and broader understanding of themselves and their experiences. I find it to be game changing in navigating rather than avoiding emotions and life challenges.
Location
Virtual sessions