THE PATTERNS THAT KEEP YOU STUCK AND INTERVENTIONS TO INTERRUPT THEM
Psychological distress persists when the strategies used to manage symptoms actually maintain underlying patterns. Anxiety increases through avoidance behaviors that prevent new learning. Depression deepens when behavioral withdrawal reduces access to reinforcing activities. Trauma responses continue when fragmented memory networks remain unprocessed.
Effective therapy targets these maintaining mechanisms through evidence-based frameworks: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy builds psychological flexibility rather than suppressing symptoms; Solution-Focused Brief Therapy identifies existing competencies and scales measurable progress; mindfulness interventions reduce autonomic dysregulation through attention training; narrative therapy separates person from problem; family systems work addresses intergenerational patterns.
Sean Lewis, CCC, MCP, MDiv, DPC
Canadian Certified Counsellor | CCPA Member #11252849
Master's in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville, 2025) | Master's in Divinity (Carey, 2022)
9 years counselling experience serving adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship patterns, and existential concerns. Extended health insurance billing available.
Clinical training provides theoretical knowledge; lived experience provides cultural fluency. Background includes Canadian Armed Forces infantry service (2001-2005), small business ownership (plumbing), and 8 years pastoral ministry including 6 years leading The Mustard Seed Street Church. This combination creates credibility with veterans, trades professionals, and faith community members who typically find traditional therapy culturally disconnected from their reality.
Primary service areas include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, grief, intrusive thoughts, relationship patterns (individual work only), family of origin work, and spiritual/existential exploration.
