Katharine Heimbigner-Tenor

To support these interests, I provide individual and couples counselling, formal assessments and mental health workshops.

Approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is a collaborative and based on your goals.

Broadly speaking my clients are often looking for two things – symptom relief and support while they address long-term concerns. These concerns may come with a variety of labels which may include: PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociation, neurodivergence etc.

For many deeply rooted concerns I use an approach called Internal Family Systems (IFS), My interest in IFS goes back many years and I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to complete Level 2 training directly from the Internal Family Systems Institute. With IFS, I often incorporate somatic supports including listening therapies.

Based on the individual, I may also suggest mindfulness and meditation, neurodiversity affirming dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Additionally, with training in spirituality, I understand the supportive or traumatic role that spirituality and / or religion may play in your healing and can incorporate this understanding into therapy if desired.

Couples

Couples that I work with bring their individual challenges plus communication challenges and sometimes a history of infidelity. When working with couples I primarily uses the Gottman Couples Therapy approach as I have completed Level 2 training in this approach.

Formal Assessments

I continue to focus on trauma and neurodiversity with my formal assessments. Currently, I am trained to complete PTSD and other trauma related disorders, mood disorders (e.g. depression), anxiety disorders , personality concerns, psychoeducational assessments, ADHD & autism assessments and a variety of other assessments. With these assessments I may prepare a variety of reports.

A Lifetime of Experience

With 32 years of marriage, adult children, and aging parents, I also appreciate the influence that past and present families have on our wellbeing.

I consider it an honour and privilege to accompany clients through the therapy journey.