Experiential Therapy in V9A
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, addictions, mental health crises, and/or suicidal ideation/self-harm, and you're looking for support navigating these challenges, but you're afraid of regular talk therapy or had negative experiences in the past, I can promise you, I take a unique, person centered approach and prioritize client needs and wants from therapy. I want you to feel in charge of your counselling! I work with both adults, and children and youth and can help the family work together to meet you or your child's needs!
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, addictions, mental health crises, and/or suicidal ideation/self-harm, and you're looking for support navigating these challenges, but you're afraid of regular talk therapy or had negative experiences in the past, I can promise you, I take a unique, person centered approach and prioritize client needs and wants from therapy. I want you to feel in charge of your counselling! I work with both adults, and children and youth and can help the family work together to meet you or your child's needs!
My areas of passion are working with 2SLGBTQIA clients, alternative sexual/romantic relationship identities & dynamics (ex. ethically non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, swinging, BDSM, open relationships, sex work, etc.), sex & intimacy, consent & boundaries, religious trauma, chronic pain/illness, neurodiversity, and life transitions. I draw from both education and lived experience to provide deeper insight into supporting you from an open-minded, trauma-informed, sex-positive, and affirming framework. The journey of healing and growth can be messy, challenging, and heart-breaking while also beautifully majestic and worth every effort.
My areas of passion are working with 2SLGBTQIA clients, alternative sexual/romantic relationship identities & dynamics (ex. ethically non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, swinging, BDSM, open relationships, sex work, etc.), sex & intimacy, consent & boundaries, religious trauma, chronic pain/illness, neurodiversity, and life transitions. I draw from both education and lived experience to provide deeper insight into supporting you from an open-minded, trauma-informed, sex-positive, and affirming framework. The journey of healing and growth can be messy, challenging, and heart-breaking while also beautifully majestic and worth every effort.
We all deserve peace, to feel connection with others, and to feel a sense of trust in ourselves and the world. Stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, depression, trauma, major life changes and family issues are among the challenges that can get in the way of us experiencing life the way we would like to. And we all have ways of coping with those stresses. But what happens when those strategies don’t seem to be working anymore? I bring a compassionate and patient approach to our work together. My approach is rooted in my sincere belief, in our ability to heal. No matter the struggle, there is always hope.
We all deserve peace, to feel connection with others, and to feel a sense of trust in ourselves and the world. Stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, depression, trauma, major life changes and family issues are among the challenges that can get in the way of us experiencing life the way we would like to. And we all have ways of coping with those stresses. But what happens when those strategies don’t seem to be working anymore? I bring a compassionate and patient approach to our work together. My approach is rooted in my sincere belief, in our ability to heal. No matter the struggle, there is always hope.
Robyn Dickson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V9A (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients as part of the “Money Mapping Group” (see below). Do you tell yourself “I’m bad with money"? Are you accumulating debt? Do you avoid looking at your finances? Do you undercharge and overspend? Does the word “bank” make you feel uneasy? Do you find yourself teetering between the feeling that money is evil but also, that you’re not worthy of money? These are common disordered financial behaviors; not only because we find ourselves in a capitalist society, but also because money can be both a source and a response to trauma.
Currently accepting new clients as part of the “Money Mapping Group” (see below). Do you tell yourself “I’m bad with money"? Are you accumulating debt? Do you avoid looking at your finances? Do you undercharge and overspend? Does the word “bank” make you feel uneasy? Do you find yourself teetering between the feeling that money is evil but also, that you’re not worthy of money? These are common disordered financial behaviors; not only because we find ourselves in a capitalist society, but also because money can be both a source and a response to trauma.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia and a certified Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with over 15 years of counselling experience. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and have a Bachelor in Child and Youth Care with extensive experience in children, youth and family counselling. Personal and professional experiences led me to complete a Master of Arts in Addiction Counselling at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation School of Addiction Studies. I have been mentored by, and worked alongside, the experts in addiction and mental health recovery. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, I can help.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia and a certified Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with over 15 years of counselling experience. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and have a Bachelor in Child and Youth Care with extensive experience in children, youth and family counselling. Personal and professional experiences led me to complete a Master of Arts in Addiction Counselling at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation School of Addiction Studies. I have been mentored by, and worked alongside, the experts in addiction and mental health recovery. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, I can help.
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Experiential Therapy Counsellors
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.