Genie Sullivan
Breath.
Recognize.
Heal.
Genie
Sullivan
Counsellor MS, LPC
As a therapist my goal is to help clients empower themselves to live the most fulfilling, peaceful life possible. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is a safe, nonjudgmental relationship we will build together in the privacy of my office or your home. I will help you confront thoughts and behaviours that keep you from the life you want. Whether you are interested in personal growth or improving your relationship as a couple or family, I will encourage you, support you and challenge you to practice new ways of thinking and relating.
What To Expect
During our first session we will go over your personal history and therapeutic goals. Therapy is self-paced, and we can work as quickly or as slowly as you choose. Often, clients feel better after our first session together. If you are utilizing mental health benefits, you will receive a diagnosis for filing purposes during our first session. Some clients prefer the self-pay option, which will allow you to be in treatment without receiving a diagnosis. We can discuss your preferences over the phone prior to your first session and determine which option will best suit your needs.
The Progress & How It Works
Taking the first step to getting help isn't always easy. I want to make sure that your steps toward healing are thorough and easy to understand. Every therapeutic journey is unique which means that your progress will occur in a unique way as well. Depending on your personality and experiences, you might move through the phases in a different order or speed than the one we present below.
Orientation
During orientation, you and I will get a sense of your history, your goals, and how therapy works. Often, orientation moves quickly once we have established your basic history and you begin to feel more comfortable. Orientation is also the phase of treatment where you and I will build our relationship. Our therapeutic relationship is similar to any relationship in a lot of ways, but also fundamentally different. In all relationships, it is important to take your time establishing trust. This is a personal process for everyone, and often is the first significant step forward in treatment. The bedrock of our counseling relationship is trust, and it is important that we build trust in a way that is comfortable to you. One of the most important things in treatment is to believe that I understand your experience in life. I often say to clients “perception is reality”, which is absolutely true in the therapy room. We all have our own personal experience of life. Nobody else gets to live your life, and nobody else has to live your life. Embracing your individual experience is key to healing
Identification
Identification is the phase of treatment where we start to pin down what stands in the way of the life you want and the connections you desire. We also start to identify more clearly what you have tried in the past, what feels impossible, and what has not worked. Identification is an important part of helping me as your therapist understand how you view the world and your situation. Once we have established what you want, and what stands in the way, the roadmap for how to get there emerges.
Exploration/
Working Phase
Exploration or the “working phase” is what people typically imagine when they think of therapy. In this phase we will look at your core beliefs, where they come from, and whether or not these beliefs are still true to you. Often, our core beliefs stem from childhood experiences. As we grow into adulthood we often discover these beliefs become painful, limiting, or problematic in some way. Sometimes we outgrow them, or sometimes we discover these “truths” were never really true. During our work together we can identify and explore these beliefs, where they come from, how they are impacting you now, and how to update these in a meaningful, healthy and authentic way. We also will practice new ways of thinking, and work to challenge old patterns of thinking. Once you are able to identify your thoughts and how they impact your life, you have a powerful tool to shape your future.
Resolution
Resolution is the final stage of treatment. Resolution is the therapeutic version of “closure” and is largely defined by you. During the resolution phase, we will continue to reinforce new thought patterns and beliefs, and how your life is changing for the better. Often, clients reduce frequency of our sessions during resolution, and some switch to a “maintenance schedule” of calling as needed. Resolution is your new beginning.
