MSW, RSW

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard the term ‘coping mechanism’.  When we find ourselves feeling stuck in a difficult season of life or challenging circumstances, we turn to patterns or habits of behaviour that alleviate stress and provide some emotional relief or comfort.  These coping mechanisms run the spectrum from constructive (like exercising or journaling), to concerning or even dangerous (like drinking excessively every night). Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where our usual coping mechanisms aren’t providing relief or comfort (or are themselves compounding the problem). That’s where I can help.

Good mental health is not just the absence of sadness and negative thoughts or behaviours, but the degree of energy, joy and satisfaction you experience in your day-to-day life!  I work with clients to help them set and attain goals that are meaningful to them, so that they can find and create joy in the everyday.  Through our work together, my clients are able to expand their capacity to cope with multiple stressors and conflicts, while developing their capacity to feel and nurture happiness in all aspects of their life.  Every person is different, so I take an integrative approach, using evidence-based models such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to tailor our approach to your unique history, situation, and needs.  I also provide life coaching to individuals who are feeling dissatisfied in their lives and jobs or experiencing a general lack of fulfillment in their life.

I believe that we all possess the resilience and strength we need to overcome life’s challenges, and I’m passionate about finding and nurturing those abilities in others.  I provide a compassionate, judgment-free (and sometimes humorous!) zone where we can build a trusting, empathetic relationship that will give you the support you need to reach your goals!

Contact Irina – irina@soulfulbalance.ca