My therapeutic approach
Therapy that adapts to you
I believe that therapy should be tailored to each person's unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. My collaborative, integrative approach draws on evidence-based therapeutic methods adapted to your experiences, strengths, values, pace, and goals to support emotional well-being, resilience, and meaningful change.
Four commitments
Integrative
I draw on several evidence-based approaches and combine them according to what you need, rather than applying a single method to everyone.
Person-centred
You are the expert on your own life. We move at your pace, toward goals that matter to you.
Trauma-informed
Safety, choice and trust come first. We never push past what feels manageable, and we build on your existing strengths.
Culturally responsive
Your culture, language, faith, identity and community shape how you experience the world. Therapy makes room for all of it.
Approaches I draw from
At Ditekemena Psychotherapy & Wellness, we use an integrative, person-centred approach, drawing on different therapeutic methods to respond to each client's unique needs, experiences, strengths, and goals.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Developing psychological flexibility, acceptance, and values-based living.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Strengthening emotional connections, attachment bonds, and relationships, particularly among couples.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS-informed)
- Exploring the different parts of oneself to promote self-understanding and emotional healing.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT-informed)
- Developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Exploring past experiences, unconscious patterns, and their influence on present emotions and relationships.
- Attachment-based therapy
- Understanding attachment patterns and strengthening emotional security and healthier relationships.
- Mindfulness-based approaches (MBCT-informed)
- Cultivating present-moment awareness, emotional balance, and self-compassion.
- Narrative therapy
- Exploring and reshaping the stories you tell about yourself and your experiences.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Identifying strengths, resources, and practical steps toward meaningful change.
- Systemic and family therapy
- Exploring family dynamics, communication patterns, and relationships within broader social and cultural contexts.
What a first session looks like
Before we meet
After booking, you receive a short intake form and the consent-to-treatment document to read at your own pace.
The first session
We talk about what brings you to therapy, your history and what you hope will change. There is no need to prepare anything.
Setting direction
Together we agree on initial goals, how often to meet, and how we will know things are moving.
Ongoing work
Most people meet weekly or every two weeks at first. We review progress regularly and adjust as needed.
Ready to begin?
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation.
Free 15-minute consultation · In person in Orléans (Ottawa) or virtual across Ontario · English & French