Livia Djurdjevic Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
My Clients
My practice provides individual counselling and psychotherapy services for adults and youth, aged 16+.
Often, the people I serve are struggling with low mood and/or anxiety, as well as thought processes that may be overly negative, rigid, or limiting. Clients who access my services are typically seeking support to better manage their day-to-day roles, responsibilities and close relationships. Stress, overwhelm, anger, sadness and feelings of disconnection from self and the world are common experiences my clients might be dealing with. And sometimes, folks are simply looking for an objective listener or someone to bounce ideas off of - you do not have to be in extreme distress for therapy to be beneficial.
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I am highly experienced in a number of Psychotherapeutic modalities, used individually or in combination, to treat a wide range of concerns. My greatest expertise is in treating the following: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and associated Dissociative Disorders, Mood Disorders, Addiction, and Grief. I am also able to support, among other common concerns: general life transitions, stress management, and the development of improved feelings of authenticity and overall life satisfaction.
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I welcome clients of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, orientations, abilities, life stages and intersectionalities. I am intentional about doing whatever I can to offer a space that feels comfortable and safe. I look forward to meeting and learning about you!
Therapeutic Modalities
Here are some of the modalities I use most frequently with clients. Together, you and I will determine the best approach for your unique situation and presentation. We may use one approach at a time, or more than one simultaneously, as appropriate.
01.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT addresses problematic patterns of thinking that impact mood and behaviour. This approach has demonstrated effectiveness for a variety of concerns, including mood disorders and addiction.
02.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for trauma. With the support of the therapist, the client processes thoughts, images, memories, emotions and body sensations related to the traumatic event.
03.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a skills-based modality, focused on improving skills in the following areas: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder; anyone and everyone can benefit from learning the skills offered by DBT.
04.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The ACT approach supports the client to clearly identify their values, and to develop plans and strategies to live life in line with those values. This promotes feelings of authenticity, and in turn, higher life satisfaction.
05.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A collaborative approach, used to enhance the client's readiness for change and strengthen commitment to change. The therapist guides the patient as they explore pros, cons, options and opportunities.
06.
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
EFIT focuses on the important role of emotions in our everyday experiences and interactions. Strategies employed in this approach support the client to improve their emotional intelligence, and in turn, to communicate their emotional needs more effectively. EFIT fosters secure attachment within the client, as well as between the client and others.
07.
Polyvagal Theory
An understanding of the human nervous system that explains stress responses (fight, flight or freeze); polyvagal theory also offers insight on how we can intervene with strategies that reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).
08.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is an offshoot of CBT, designed specifically to treat trauma by addressing the thoughts and core beliefs that are keeping the client stuck.
Land Acknowledgement
I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Peoples of this Land. The land on which I live, learn and work includes the Traditional Territories of the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. As a settler within the health care field, I have a deep appreciation and respect for the traditional healing practices of Inuit, Métis and First Nations Peoples. In the work I do, and in daily life as well, I commit to working toward reconciliation by following the Calls to Action.
