Taylor Caissie

My Approach to Therapy

I believe you (my client or possible future client) to be the expert in your own life, and I am the passenger on your road to healing. As a passenger, it’s not my place to howl at you to turn left or slow down.  But I will keep you company, I will help you navigate, and I will point out stop signs and animals running into the road.

If you want hard advice delivered hard, you might prefer a different style of counselling.  However, if you are looking for a low-pressure therapist, you may find my approach to be just right.  If you feel life is spinning around so quickly that you can’t make choices in the way you want to, I can help you calm things down enough for you to make the best choices for you. Clients I’ve worked with like that I am welcoming, positive, and inviting, and that I understand their stories without judgement.  Many feel a greater sense of empowerment and freedom of choice.  I gear therapy and treatment based on your unique goals and realities.

A description of my approach for other therapists or people who prefer “therapyspeak” might go something like this: I apply different theoretical lenses to assist in understanding a client’s experience and provide them with the guidance of exploring their story at their own pace.

My current approach utilizes an eclectic style, where I view my client through a variety of different lenses to help make meaning of their challeneges and experiences. Specifically, I have developed a deep appreciation for person-centered approaches, I incorporate a holistic view of health, and I understand the therapeutic effects that come from narrative approaches in telling one’s story. Furthermore, I have experience and training in acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioural interventions, and motivational interviewing. In developing a supportive relationship with my clients, I encourage effective communication that enhances a person to shape their understanding of their sense of self and empower them to take action through transformative moments where vulnerability is encouraged through a safely balanced medium.

Education and Professional Background: In reflecting on my professional development, my interest in helping others began with my involvement in the not-for-profit sector in my early education. That experience allowed me to develop deep empathy for the experiences of others and was profoundly touched by the resilience I observed in many despite adversity. It was then I knew that helping others was not only a passion of mine, but also one where I was dedicated to helping make important changes for individuals and for the wider community at large. My professional experience has included working in front-line crisis and support through the shelter system in Hamilton for women and children, and being a part of numerous community initiatives specializing in public health and community education. These experiences have allowed me to enhance my experience in a trauma-informed approach to counselling and to understand the many intersections of health that affect individuals on a daily basis.

Personal Interests: I was born and raised in Guelph, and always seek for new adventures and opportunities. I spend the majority of my summer in Wasaga Beach and have developed a deep appreciation of life on the water. Whether it is with my partner, family or friends, I enjoy the time I get to spend with them. I am a fan of hosting late-night board game get-togethers; I can be quite competitive! I am an avid foodie and love to cook and challenge myself with different cuisines. Throughout the pandemic, I developed my sushi-making skills and often treat my family to a sushi night dinner. I enjoy the simple things of life, and actively practice self-reflection and self-care for my own wellbeing. In staying connected with my roots of not-for-profit work, I actively volunteer and give back to my community where I can.