5 Foundations for Effective Couples Therapy

 

Dr. Michael Dadson reviews the fondations for effective therapy with couples.

1. Develop and establish with both partners, a strong therapeutic alliance. A Registered Clinical Counsellor will work to establish a space that is safe and trusting, allowing both you and your partner to be comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings.

2. Focus on the present moment and the couple's current issues. Addressing the past is important for the purposes of improving the present and changing the trajectory of the future.  Understanding how the past effects the present may take time and iit is always for the purpose of understanding the present rather than just dwelling on past conflicts or events.

3. As a couple, entering into couples counselling helps you to identify and express your emotions in a healthy and constructive way. This includes helping and teaching couples to: 

• Experience what it is like to use effective communication skills
• How couples can effectivly address conflict
• Heal relationship ruptures
• Build emotional intimacy 
• Learn modelling skills for managing stress and difficult emotions, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

4. Explore the underlying emotional and psychological factors and addressing issues that are inhibiting intimacy and contributing to the couple's conflicts. A good couples counsellor should also identify and address individual issues, also be aware of any individual issues that may be impacting the relationship and work toward effectively addressing them in therapy.

5. Identify the negative patterns in the relationship. A good couples therapist will help couples to recognize their patterns of engagement, emotional themes and potential behaviors that are causing conflict or damaging the relationship. Counselling can woirk to modify or eliminate these behaviours and help a couple to work towards repairing past hurts. A therapist should help the couple to work through and repair any past hurts or traumas that may be impacting their current relationship.

In the video below, Dr.Dadson reviewes some of the important things couples discover once they enter into counselling.

Counselling Support and Information Videos:

·         Ask Dr. Mike Dadson

·         Michael Dadson Gentle Currents Therapy

Counselling Support and Information Videos:

·         Ask Dr. Mike Dadson

·         Michael Dadson Gentle Currents Therapy

 

Education

·         PhD. University of British Columbia: Thesis title “Stories of Fathers. Men’s

Recovery from Integral Wounds

·         Masters Thesis: Stories of Father Child Closeness

Licences, and Memberships

·         Canadian Certified Counsellor

·         Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

·         Certified Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

·         2016-2017 Board Member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), named fellow in 2017 in the ISSTD

·         Best Rated Marriage Counsellor in Langley, British Columbia

·         Academia Profile: Publications

·         Google Scholar: Publications

·         Licensed in the Province of BC

·         Ordained Minister/ Chaplain (retired)

Certifications

·         Certified Myers Briggs Personality Type Assessor

·         Certified Strong Interest Inventory Assessor

·         Certified Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI) Therapist and Trainer

·         Certified QPRT Suicide Risk Assessment and Management

·         Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level One and Level Two

·         Enactment Therapy Trainer Level One and Level Two

#couplescounslling #couplestherapy #Drmichaeldadson #Michaeldadson #Drmikedadson #Mikedadson #Drdadson

5 Critical Reasons to Seek Trauma Counselling

 

"IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY RESOLVE TRAUMA, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK A TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPIST”, EMPHASIZES MIKE DADSON.

Dr. Mike Dadson identifies when it is critical to seek counseling when you are affected by a traumatic incident, or you are suffering from PTSD:

1. If your daily life or your growth and development are affected by something traumatic that’s happened in your past, or even in the present. Or, if there’s a particularly invasive or difficult life circumstance and you are having difficulty being able to adjust or cope.

2. Engaging in a pattern of unhealthy coping behaviours.

3. A PTSD experience either past or present. An experience from the past that is still having a highly impactful stress on your life. Or it could be an overwhelming encounter with a life-threatening traumatic experience. When a person feels like their life or well-being is threatened, PTSD is common. Past events from childhood trauma such as abuse that is physical, sexual, or even verbal can trigger PTSD and exacerbate the issues above.

4. If you are overcome with anxiety, panic attacks, or depression.

5. When you are depressed for more than a few weeks, or you have been exposed to acute stress for more than a few weeks.

   

                                                       Unresolved Trauma with Dr. Mike Dadson

Dr. Mike Dadson indicates:

Post-traumatic stress disorder can result if untreated traumatic stress is not addressed. Long-term physical or mental health problems such as (PTSD can develop). To improve your mental and physical health, developing a plan to manage your symptoms along with coping strategies is a key piece in a treatment plan.

Symptoms of traumatic stress tress are individual and can vary. Seeking help from your doctor and a trauma informed counsellor It is important.  

 PTSD is common in first responders. In the video below, Dr. Dadson reviews the impact of trauma on first responders.

Over several decades, Dr. Michael Dadson was at the forefront of researching, development, competenciesand effective treatment programs for trauma. 

To read more on the proven research of PTSD treatment in veterans and first responders, visit me at Google Scholar. 

Neglect has been found to be extremely traumatic for children (Schore, 2003; van der Kolk, 1994), indicates Dr. Dadson. However, Dr. Dadson notes, when there is an absence of something necessary it can be difficult to put the experience of neglect into words compared to bruises that are visible sign of physical abuse.

For more information on trauma, visit Dr. Dadson’s blog on his trauma therapy clinic web site here. 

To understand the types of therapy used in trauma counselling visit Dr. Mike Dadson section on therapy modalities here.

Visit my counselling clinc at Gentle Currents Therapy in Langley, BC

#trauma #traumacounselling #traumarecovery #ptsd #counselling #Drmichaeldadson #Michaeldadson #Mikedadson #Drmikedadson #Drdadson 

What if My Partner Doesn't Want to Attend Couples Counselling

It can be challenging when a partner is hesitant about therapy. If this is a situation you are facing, having a clear concise, open, and honest conversation about their concerns and reservations is important. Even if you don't agree with your partner's point of view, it is important to validate their feelings. 

When your partner doesn't want to attend couples counselling there are a variety of steps you can consider taking:

Listen and be open to explore your partner’s thoughts and reasons for their hesitation or reluctance to go to counselling. Identify your partners concerns: If there a question about how effective therapy can be for a couple? Or is there a fear of being vulnerable or judged?  It can be important to relate the benefits of therapy and how it has been proven to show over decades of research, numerous improvement relationships. It can be extremely helpful to let your partner know their feelings are important to you and they are  comfortable with the therapist.

When you are looking for a qualified counsellor in British Columbia, using a web site that is a governing body for members, identifies and verifies credentials as well as areas of specialty and research is important. The British Columbia Clinical CounsellorsAssociation and counsellors who are certified members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association are great online resources to utilize.  Decades of research support the improvement of a relationship with counselling. If you and your partner are wanting a lifetime relationship, finding the right therapist, with the skills and experience to support you can truly help you achieve your goals.

With counselling, a couple can start with a few trail sessions to give your hesitant partner an idea of to expect in counselling. Both partners must be invested and feel comfortable with the counselling process. Being collaborative is key to a couple’s success.

Another option includes getting individual therapy for yourself. Working through your own emotions and relationship concerns with a therapist can provide and support you with various options and skills to improve your relationship. Men also work well in a group format.  Group counselling for men may be an option.

There is also the possibility your partner could attend therapy themselves to address issues or concerns they feel are affecting your relationship. Addressing these issues first can open the door for counselling as a couple.

Seeking other sources of support via credible online resources, support groups or self-help books may be an option to start.

Therapy isthe most effective when both partners are committed and work together. Being supportive of each others needs and concerns is a key piece in the counselling process.

When you have an effective counsellor, you can both grow in ways you had not anticipated but will be grateful for. Ultimately, therapy is a personal choice and it’s important to understand you cannot force your partner to attend.

It is important for you to prioritize your mental health and you can communicate or express your relationship concerns to your partner. Asking for help can make all the difference. Finding the person who is ready to be in the relationship and wants to achieve the same relationship goals, is committed to working together for that relationship takes maturity, insight and resilience. Finding the right kind of help through counselling can be life changing.

Visit Dr. Michael Dadson at www.langleycouplestherapy.com for more information on couples counselling.

Or if there has been trauma in either your past or your partner's past visit Dr. Dadson's trauma therapywebsite www.traumatherapyclinic.com 

Often it can be a difficult decision to see a counsellor or therapist for help. When a person opens their life to a person they don’t know, it can be unnerving. What Dr. Mike Dadson works for people to know he will accept them for who they are without conditions. Dr. Dadson will listen to where you are at in your life and where you want to be in the future with your goals and dreams. Dr. Dadson will do everything he can to help you achieve your goals in a way that is comfortable and relaxed and hopefully you will enjoy the process of learning new skills, growing and take pleasure in how new skills can help to transform your life.

#couplestherapy #traumarecovery #langleycounselling #Drmichaeldadson #Michaeldadson #Mikedadson #Drmikedadson #Drdadson

Free Counselling Sessions for BC Disaster Survivors (limits apply)

Dr. Michael Dadson (Mike Dadson), is offering two free counselling sessions (for the first 20 registrants) with Gentle Currents Therapy for families or individuals who have been affected by the recent disastrous flooding, or those who have experienced a traumatic loss due to Covid19. Follow this link for more details.

According to Dr. Michael Dadson:

"Right now, right here, in the Lower Mainland, we have twin acute stressors: we have the disastrous flooding, and we also have this long-term marathon of a pandemic, which has people tired of the constraints on their lives."

Mike Dadson recommends three mental health tips during times of crisis:

1. Be as kind and civil as possible to others in your community
2. Be willing to ask for help, especially if you have any suicidal thoughts
3. Remember that this, too, shall pass and there is a way forward for all of us

About Counselling with Gentle Currents Therapy

Dr. Dadson earned his Ph.D. in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia. Michael Dadson has been a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Clinical Counsellors Association since 2000.

4 Professional Links for Dr. Michael Dadson

1. Three Best Rated Counsellors in Langley, BC
2. University of British Columbia – Final PhD Defence (CNPS)
3. Psychology Today profile
4. Google Scholar Articles 

To learn more about Dr. Dadson's specialties follow this link.

#langleycounselling #Gentlecurrentstherapy #counsellor #Michaeldadson #Drmichaeldadson #counsellinglangley #Mikedadson #Drmikedadson #Drdadson #langleycounsellor #trauma #traumarecovery #traumasurvivor #Anxietycounselling #Stressmanagement #couplescounselling #familycounselling

How Negative Experience Influences the Brain

This comprehensive review summarizes and interprets the neurobiological correlates of nocebo hyperalgesia increased pain sensitivity resulting from negative experiences in health humans. 

Nocebo hyperalgesia is thought to be an important variable influencing the experience of pain in healthy and patient populations.

  https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.652552/full

Photo by Natasha Connell on Unsplash

#Gentlecurrentstherapy #Langley #counselling

Stories of "Self" and their Implications for Treatment | Gail Simon - Academia.edu

This is a great article and diagram offering insights to "the models of self"  and , which ideas that impact decisions around therapeutic models and the theories surrounding clients who seek help.

Stories of "Self" and their Implications for Treatment | Gail Simon - Academia.edu

#Gentlecurrentstherapy #Langley #counselling

How to Help a Loved One Increase Emotional Intelligence

How to Help a Loved One Who Lacks Emotional Intelligence

Three strategies help a partner re-establish a healthy connection from Psychology Today. #Langleycounselling #Drmichaeldadson #Mikedadson #counsellor 

Gentle Currents Therapy Couples Counselling with Dr. Michael Dadson

“Transformation”, is the word Dr. Michael Dadson (Mike Dadson) uses to sum up the counselling process at his clinic, Gentle Currents Therapy. As a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and the clinical director at Gentle Currents Therapy in Langley, British Columbia, Doctor Michael Dadson shares his beliefs, his approach to counselling and the importance of tailoring various therapy approaches to his client because a “one-size-fits-all” does not apply to mental health counselling. In this video, Dr Mike Dadson explains the "life-changing" benefits of counselling, especially for those dealing with issues such as depression, trauma, grief and other mental health issues that impair your ability to function in daily life.

"Research has shown that most of the change that occurs from any form of counselling is a direct result of the value and quality of the therapeutic relationship. That relationship is more important than any intervention that's used, and key in the ability to develop a working relationship with another person and explore what the issues are, from one individual to another," Dr. Dadson states. The video below provides insights into Dr Michael Dadson's counselling approach.

Dr Michael Dadson has been supporting individuals/providing counselling to, couples, families, veterans and first responders for more than 30 years.

Doctor Michael Dadson notes, "Approaching people with authenticity and genuineness, giving them the space to explore the issues they're facing inside without jumping to quick answers, solutions, or advice is important in the counselling process.”

For more counselling videos, follow this link to Dr. Michael Dadson's YouTube channel.

Doctor Michael Dadson has a variety of specialty areas that are also common in his clinical counselling practice: couples / marriage conflicts/issues, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, parent child relationships, and father son relationships.

Gentle Currents Therapy, is also a neurofeedback clinic. Neurofeedback has been proven to help a variety of conditions such as: children with autism, anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

Dr. Michael Dadson received his PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Mike Dadson also received his master’s degree in divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary.

8 Academic and Professional Links for Dr. Michael Dadson

1. Registered Clinical Counsellor(RCC), with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
2. Member Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
3. Psychology Today
4. Google Scholar
5. University of British Columbia –profile
6. Final PhD Defence (CNPS)
7. Three Best Rated (rated best in Langley for marriage counselling)
8. Press Releases

Visit Doctor Michael Dadson at his clinical counselling practice here to book an appointment.