Vancouver Counselling Services
Accelerate Experiential Dynamic Processing (AEDP) Counselling
At Path Forward Counselling we believe in an approach called accelerated experiential dynamic processing or AEDP for short. We wrote a blog post about it which you can find here https://pathforwardcounselling.com/f/aedp-accelerated-experiential-dynamic-processing. In short AEDP is a four state, non-linear model, that works through what is called experiential counselling. This means that we believe in curiously and empathetically exploring the emotions linked to your experience. Through the exploration of this within a therapeutic relationship we tap into your minds potential, unlocking neuroplasticity to start to reshape certain neuropathways. When this process emerges we tap into your natural adaptive tendency to foster a transformance to a more authentic version of self. This can feel both freeing, peaceful, liberating and terrifying all at once. We believe that a part of you is emerging that is seeking transformance, hence why you are taking the time to read this website and are courageously considering beginning a counselling journey. It's not an easy path, however, it is a fulfilling path to be able to connect with a very lost and buried sense of self. Through your bravery of working together through the triangle of experience and the four state model, you begin to experience the transformation and connection you have long been seeking. Below are images of the AEDP 4 state model and the triangle of experience, the source is the https://aedpinstitute.org/
Trauma & PTSD
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Counselling can help you understand the impacts of trauma. Through application and explanation of neuroscience, you can gain a more profound understanding of your brain and trauma. Through this understanding we shift the focus on what happened, to what is currently happening in the present moment with traumatic memory. This can begin the forming of a new skill set and an ability regulate your nervous system. Regulation of our nervous system gives us the clarity to safely begin to process traumatic events. This regulation is always the first step to counselling when dealing with trauma. If we can calm our minds and realize that the hippocampus (the brain's memory centre) has coded danger due to past dangerous events we begin to take hold of the process. When we are wired to survive our amygdala (the brain's fear centre) can quickly move us into a fight, flight, freeze or feign response. This can manifest in so many ways including bodily sensations, explosiveness, constantly feeling numb, dissociation, always feeling on edge, people pleasing, masking, high sensitivity and pushing people away. These are only some of the plethora of manifestations of trauma. Through grounding and resourcing we can begin to train new neuropathways to change those old automatic responses. The brain is resilient and has the ability to retrain itself through a process called neuroplasticity.
That is a lot of jargon to say traumatic events occur and you can change how you react to them in the present moment. Through the creation of a safe therapeutic relationship in a space that also begins to feel safe you can begin to slowly, at a comfortable pace, dip your toes in the water of training your brain to react in different ways. Humans are wired to survive and that survival brought you to this very moment, this survival as painful as it may have been can be celebrated. There comes a time where we may want, and/or for the first time can, move past that survival mode toward something more. Breaking traumatic patterns entails sitting with pain for the eventual joy of owning your trauma narrative. Post traumatic growth can be liberating, however we have to make space to grieve the loss of the person that once was. All of this we can do together as we forge a new path forward.
Anxiety & Depression
Stress, anxiety, fear and depression are some of the most common and uncomfortable states that we can experience at any point in our lives. Anxiety is a very human process that was designed to keep us alive. Unfortunately when we see danger in places where danger may not exist, the fire alarm of survival is malfunctioning and anxiety becomes problematic. If we are constantly in a state of fight or flight this can be draining and eventually contribute to fatigue and a loss of motivation. States of long-term activation and stress can eventually lead to depression along with a variety of other symptoms. We at Path Forward Counselling Vancouver like to look at the meaning behind the behavior or what we like to call process based counselling. Of course, we can provide you with grounding exercises and methods to regulate your system, however, if it was that easy then a simple google search of grounding exercises may have helped. This pattern is one that you may have been experiencing for a long time, so exploring the meaning behind the behaviour becomes an important piece.
Uncertainty is one of the main fuel sources of anxiety, the problem is that life is uncertain. Learning to tolerate uncertainty becomes a very important skill set in regulating anxiety. The mind loves certainty so much that we can create all-or-nothing thoughts and fall into black and white thinking distortions just to find relief. This rigidity long-term does not help and there is another way. Through an artfully blended approach to therapy, we can work to discover the meaning behind the behaviour and build resources to move away from all-or-nothing thinking to a more balanced flexible approach that helps us tackle all the shades of grey of life. The paradox is that the only certainty of life is change and so learning to navigate the uncertainties of life's changes becomes a skillset worth it's weight in gold. Process based counselling can be the start of grasping the skillset of tolerating uncertainty.
Autism & ADHD
Neurodevelopmental "Disorders" such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity "Disorder" and Autism Spectrum "Disorder" can signify a different way of thinking and being in the world. Note that I put the word "disorders" in parentheses because I practice from a neurodiversity affirming framework. Instead of viewing neurodiversity as a disordered way of being, my view is that they are simply different ways of being. Neurodiversity like diversity in general is something that is good for this world, as diversity brings a plethora of different ways of being that can be wonderful teachers toward growth as a species. Being "neurotypical" if that actually exists also comes with many strengths and weaknesses. The struggle normally comes from the world being built for the "neurotypical" mind and pushing conformity on those that sway from the myth of "normal".
The pressure to conform can really harm many individuals and families of those with ADHD and autism. It is important to build a support network that understands neurodiversity and can make accommodations as needed. Again beginning to understand how different minds work can be a powerful tool.
At Path Forward Counselling we do not diagnose. If you are seeking a diagnoses I encourage you to check in with a family doctor, walk in clinic or if private pay is an option book an assessment with a psychologist. Outside of diagnosing, if you have a diagnoses or self-identify then counselling can be helpful.
For those ADHDer's in the world life can feel very overwhelming. The irony is that it is called attention deficit when many experience it as an attention overload. Everything can catch your attention and all of a sudden you may have jumped around 6 different tasks. This at times has been described as a flow state and one which leads to focused attention and creativity. At other times this can lead to an immense desire to not engage with certain material, burnout, exhaustion, hopelessness and overwhelm. In those moments it is important to understand that assistance in grounding and executive function may be necessary, along with some time to recharge. Conformity and productivity culture may not reward the rest, however, not resting can lead to tremendous lows. This high level of stimulation can bypass the frontal lobe and the executive functioning that comes with it. This is why working with a therapist can help to provide one extra safe where you might be able to recharge.
For the autistics out there I want to say that I commend you as I can only imagine how much energy being in this world with so many people and social demands can require. Understanding the needs of others and the expectation placed on you can seem like a giant mountain. Some may try to mask and please those around them, while others may avoid completely. The spectrum is broad and there are so many different manifestations. Working with a clinical counsellor can help with practicing social interactions with a safe person. It can also be an assistance in decoding the social world and all of the thoughts, and thoughts about thoughts, that you may be struggling with. Living in a world that is not designed for the autistic mind, I'd imagine at bare minimum is tiring and at other moments can be completely overwhelming. Finding spaces where you can just be and share becomes important. Clinical counselling can be a step in creating space where you can recharge your battery and begin to create a community of people that might be able to get it just a little better.
For those who have a formal diagnoses, my services may be covered by autism funding under individual counselling or family counselling. You would have to submit a request form to autism funding to determine eligibility.
CVAP
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides benefits to Victims of violent crime in accordance with the Crime Victim Assistance Act and its regulations. The program may also provide benefits to Immediate Family Members of an injured or deceased victim of crime, as well as Witnesses to the crime with a close personal relationship to the victim.
CVAP is funded by the BC Government and covers the cost of counselling. Path Forward counselling is registered with CVAP and offers free counselling to those who qualify.
To see if you qualify for CVAP or if you require more information on whether you are eligible for this benefit please go to the CVAP website:
Online Services
In addition to in office sessions all services can also be provided through our online video platform. Online counselling is held on an encrypted platform which is compliant with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in BC. Before beginning you will be required to review an informed consent form outlining the risks and benefits of using technology for video counselling.