Mark Russell

I believe the role of a psychologist is to facilitate the process of coping with and / or overcoming personal concerns. My approach / philosophy to assisting individuals and couples is a combination of empathy, support and respect, mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioural therapy. Cognitive-Behavioural therapy assists individuals in recognizing and learning to modify the interactions between their beliefs / thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physiological / body responses. This approach has been shown to be effective with a wide range of concerns but especially depression, anger management and anxiety disorders.

Couple therapy involves the above approaches, but also includes an emphasis on working with both individuals to determine a balance between individual and couple needs and goals. I work with all involved to increase respect and understanding within relationships. Specific strategies include communication, problem-solving and conflict management / resolution, but the emphasis remains on mutual respect and balancing relationship and individual needs.

I believe that effective therapy, like most other services, needs to be clear in its objectives and goals and I endeavor to work with all clients to determine the nature of their concerns, their desired outcome and a mutually agreed upon therapeutic process.