Bryan Grant, M.Sc.
CLinical Associate
Do you struggle with feeling overwhelmed constantly; that life is far too stressful and you are doing your best just to keep afloat. Whether these feelings come from your job, being a student, becoming a new parent or in your relationships; you just cannot seem to do what you feel like you should and that keeps you feeling drained. That everything you are trying to cope is not working or making things worse?
Dealing with these feelings can be exhausting and make life feel unfulfilling. As our world becomes more demanding, we all struggle at times to keep up. I personally know what this can feel like and it is why I spent my time in the clinical psychology program at Western University exploring the ways in which individuals effectively and ineffectively cope when experiencing multitude of concurrent stressors. Through this research and my own clinical experience, I have seen many effective strategies (taking some time for yourself) become ineffective over time (practicing avoidance). In our work together, we can explore what feelings, thoughts and demands are weighing on you and potentially keeping you in a cycle of discontent.
As we all differ in how we approach and respond to our world, I believe no one therapeutic style works best for everyone. For that reason, I have trained in several different therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness therapy, narrative therapy, emotion focused therapy (EFT), and motivational interviewing (MI). I believe that meeting you where you are at and deciding together which approach to take, allows you to take ownership and have the most autonomy in your own care. As you are the expert in your own life, I feel it only makes sense that you should help guide your own recovery.
As everything we do together requires collaboration and trust, it is important to make sure the fit between us is best. In my work, I strive to be non-judgemental, completely genuine, empathetic, and straightforward. When called for, I incorporate comical metaphors and humor into our conversations to provide levity and help make what we discuss memorable. Above all else, I just want you to feel connected, heard, and that you are not alone in this often-crazy existence.
Those who benefit the most from my style are often experiencing acute stressors in their lives, where there is some recognition that things just are not working anymore, and they need help. This can include an awareness that anxiety, relationship problems, alcohol or drug-use, or avoidance have reached levels where they are significantly negatively impacting their lives. For some this means a return to therapy and for others it may be the first-time considering therapy. Deciding to seek help is never easy and can feel daunting and difficult. It is always my aim that the first time we meet, it is a positive visit and you leave with hope.