Catriona Johnson (They | Them)

As an immigrant who has lived in multiple countries, I understand the anxiety, loneliness, and invalidation of moving into a new culture. It's a frustrated mix of whether we should or should not assimilate, a feeling of dread with separation, seeking integration, or managing being marginalized. It's helpful to speak to someone who understands the fear of immigration laws, paperwork, and the pressure of 'winning the American Dream.' If this sounds like you, reach out.

That awful feeling of dread, pounding heart, overthinking, 'what ifs,' unknown fear, headaches, stomachaches, and sometimes even our chest still hurts after coming home from the doctor with a clean bill of health. Anxiety is rough. We have things we want to do, but that anxiety keeps getting in the way. Would you like to learn how to manage the emotions and let go of the unhealthy thoughts? We can use ACT and CBT to manage the anxiety, release our physical symptoms, and embrace our lives.

Sexual problems. Is it 'problems'? Sometimes, but let's look deeper. What do you enjoy? Is intimacy difficult? Or are you seeking sex only? We can use Motivational Interviewing to find out what you want, need, hide, or feel. When working with me, you are in a safe, non-judgmental space.

In short - Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to empower clients, using respectful and curious methods to guide communication with clients. It's like digging up what is behind the simple explanations we use when describing an emotion, situation, thought, etc.

Have you ever seen the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) triangle? Behavior is connected to our thoughts, which are connected to our emotions. Or! The other way around - Emotions are connected to our behaviors, connecting straight to our thoughts. It's so easy it's hard. Sometimes. Let's mix some Wise Mind, emotional vocabulary, habits, or stuck points that they are sometimes called. How can we identify the connection between our actions and mind? Let's practice some CBT.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a simple, evidence-based therapy method that takes practice, and by practice, we mean using the same skills repeatedly so we can reset our actions, values, mindset, and goals. The six core processes around ACT are being present, defusion, acceptance, the observing self, and commitment. I learned a lot when attending ACT training, and it's affected my life in the best way. Reach out if you are interested.