Jonathan is the senior therapist at Sojourn having provided over 12,000 hours of therapy with more than 15 years' experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been delivering Neurofeeback Therapy since 2007.
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Welcome to Therapy
I believe that everyone has inherent value and deserves respect. In our sessions, I’m interested in getting to know you and your unique story. I want to understand what your life has been like, including your relationships with family and friends, and your experiences, both joyful and painful.
Understanding Your Past
We all go through events in life that we can't control, such as where we were born, our family, the environment in which we were raised, teachers we’ve had, and situations we have witnessed or things that have happened to us. These experiences, especially those that were threatening or stressful, shape who we are and how we react. Together, we'll explore these past events to understand how they have influenced your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This exploration is not about blaming yourself but rather about gaining insight and acceptance that many things were beyond your control.
Awareness and Change
As we work together, we'll look at how your thoughts and emotions affect your actions and how these, in turn, influence your relationships. Becoming aware of these patterns can help you respond differently, rather than reacting automatically. For instance, if you notice you're withdrawing or becoming aggressive due to painful emotions, recognizing this and more deeply examining these events can give you the chance to experience a different response.
Similarly, noticing and understanding your positive emotions can help you foster more of those experiences without becoming overly attached to them. This awareness helps you navigate your life more effectively, using an internal sense of direction toward growth and positive change.
Taking Responsibility and Building Relationships
While much of what happens to us is out of our control, it's important to acknowledge how our actions affect others. If something you've done has hurt someone, recognizing and addressing this can help repair and improve relationships.
Desensitizing Triggers
Sometimes, past negative experiences cause our nervous system to react strongly to certain events, leading to fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. Part of our work might involve helping your nervous system become less sensitive to these triggers, so you can handle situations more calmly and have healing, positive experiences.
Therapeutic Models
My approach to therapy is informed by several contemporary therapeutic models, including person-centered therapy, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and unconditional positive regard. I also draw from attachment theory, which looks at how early relationships shape our current interactions, and trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of trauma on the nervous system. Additionally, I incorporate elements from couples and family systems models to address relational dynamics and improve communication and connection within relationships.
Comprehensive Toolset
To support our work together, I use a comprehensive toolset that includes advanced techniques like neurofeedback and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Neurofeedback helps regulate brain activity, promoting better emotional balance and cognitive functioning. EMDR is particularly effective for processing and healing from trauma. Alongside these, I also integrate approaches such as mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and emotionally focused therapy to provide a well-rounded and effective therapeutic experience.
Types of Problems This Approach Helps
This approach is particularly effective for a wide range of issues, including trauma and anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and stress-related problems. It can also be beneficial for those dealing with grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. By addressing both past experiences and current thought patterns, this method helps clients develop healthier ways of coping and fosters emotional resilience.
Client Experience
As a client, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where your experiences and feelings are valued. Sessions will involve deep, meaningful conversations about your life, emotions, and relationships. You will be encouraged to explore your thoughts and feelings, becoming more aware of how they influence your behavior. This process is collaborative, with no pressure to agree with me; your perspective is always respected. Together, we will explore possible new ways of interacting with the world, and you will have the opportunity to experience growth and positive change in a safe and supportive space.
A Collaborative Journey
Therapy with me is a collaborative and nonlinear process. I will ask questions guided by my intuition and training, aiming to explore your thoughts and emotions deeply. I won't tell you what to do but may share insights and perspectives for you to consider. I value your viewpoint and encourage you to share it, even if it differs from mine.
Together, we’ll process emotions and explore new ways of interacting with the world, helping you harness your natural capacity for growth and positive change.
[Learn more about Jonathan](https://www.sojourncounselling.com/jonathan-wieser)
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