The first psychotherapy appointment is primarily introductory and aims to answer any questions or concerns the person or couple may have about therapy; and the person’s or couple’s goals or hopes for change as a result of therapy; and to determine whether I can meet these needs.
The first session also indicates the fit between therapist and client – a very important factor in healing. It is hoped that clients would feel heard and understood; gain a sense of my style and approach to therapy; and get my opinion about his or her goals and how they would be achieved.
Subsequent sessions unfold collaboratively according to the uniqueness of the person and his or her personal goals and point along life’s journey. While the person does the actual work – introducing concerns, self-challenges, goals, and personal explorations - I create a safe, respectful, and empathic environment to facilitate such work. I believe we all have an innate wisdom that, with help, can be accessed so that a person can move toward integration and wholeness.
Individual Therapy
I provide individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents. I use an experiential, Emotion-Focused approach to therapy. I treat people with compassion, strive to listen deeply, and to create a genuine and trusting environment, so that people can fully explore and confront their toughest concerns and difficulties, discover the possible, and invest in themselves with confidence.
Every client is unique and so is the connection between the therapist and the client. Your needs will drive the therapy and the relationship, while I will guide you through your process in order to help you experience, articulate, and clarify your own emotions. We'll explore choices where there seem to be none so that you move toward the change you desire.
I also work with people who simply seek to understand themselves better, to discover their passion, grow to their potential, and live a meaningful and compelling life.
Online Psychotherapy and Counselling
If you're outside the Toronto area, or if you just prefer to meet from the comfort of your own home, I'm always happy to offer online psychotherapy as an option. I have engaged in online counselling and therapy with many of my clients, and we achieve the same levels of trust and immediacy as we do during in-person sessions. We can use Zoom or other encrypted communication tools to ensure that your privacy is completely protected.
Email me at info (at) svetlanalilova.com to arrange an online therapy session.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy addresses challenges with connection, closeness, distancing, sharing of responsibility, negotiation, and compromise. The goal is to help people achieve genuine intimacy. As a result of couples therapy, people grow and deepen their relationships, learn to communicate effectively and really hear one another, attain support, and discover how the relationship is a vehicle for growth and challenge in achieving the meaningful life they want. All couples are welcome – married, common-law, couples in same-sex relationships, and those either living together or separately.
The Emotion-Focused approach to couples therapy is based on the recognition for the need for close, secure and safe intimate relationships throughout one’s life. The belief is that the problem in a relationship is the negative “dance” the couple gets stuck in, and there is no blaming of either partner. Understanding the negative cycle allows the couple to choose more effective and profound patterns of connection, to create safety and build trust between them, and thus to deepen their bond and their intimacy.