Dr. Friesen is trained in various evidence-based counselling models including common factors, EMDR, CBT, ACT, PE, EFT, EFFT, Schema therapy, and person-centered therapy. The following slides describe her main approaches with links to learn more.

In addition, Dr. Friesen has been trained in clinical psychological assessment. She has experience and training in therapeutic assessments, personality assessments, general mental health assessments, vocational assessments, VAC assessments, and psychoeducational assessments. Currently, she only provides VAC assessments and will update the website when other assessment options are also offered virtually.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a structured type of therapy that uses information we currently know or believe (based on scientific research) about the brain to process stuck areas in our lives. I often describe this as a therapy that helps if your logical brain and your gut do not align. It involves focus on memories or situations while having you engage in bilateral stimulation (activating both sides of your brain through tapping, eye-movements, or sounds). EMDR has been widely researched. It was originally found to be effective for many people with trauma but is now used for many other concerns. To learn more, you can look at the resources on: EMDRIA. A good video is: EMDRIA: What is EMDR?. EMDR is a specialized treatment and only therapists with special training can use it with their clients.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a specialized trauma treatment that has been found to help process trauma and reduce the symptoms of PTSD. It is a structured, exposure-based treatment. It has been extensively researched. To learn more about PE, here is a resource: Prolonged Exposure.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours impact each other. It focuses on how to change thoughts and behaviours to feel better. Here is a resource explaining CBT: APA: CBT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT – pronounced like the word “to act”) is an approach that recognizes that life can be hard and we may not be able to change all of our circumstances. Rather, ACT helps us focus on our values to live a life with meaning. Here is a link to learn more: ACT Mindfully

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) views emotions as a central part of human experience. EFT works by exploring emotional needs in experiential ways. Here is a link to learn more: Emotion-Focused Therapy

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a therapy for parents of children of all ages. This therapy does not require the involvement of children. It helps parents better understand and meet the needs of their children while also learning how to set limits and rebuild relationships. It is an approach that does not blame parents but rather empowers them with skills. To learn more about EFFT see: Dr. Adele LaFrance: EFFT

Schema therapy was originally developed for really long-term stuck issues. It is in intentionally integrative approach that considers thoughts, emotions, attachment, and parts work. It helps identify your patterns and your “blueprints” for how you view and respond to the world and relationships and helps to heal any unhelpful or hurting patterns. Here is a link to learn more: Schema Institute

Person-centered therapy (or client-centered therapy) is a relationship based therapy. It is a strength-based therapy that believes that clients have the ability to grow. During the conversation, the therapist is non-directive and really focuses on building the relationship and supporting you. Components of this therapy are necessary in all other types of therapy but it can stand alone as an approach. To learn more, see: Psychology Today: Person-Centered Therapy