Question 1

What can I expect from your approach?

Accepted Answer

I utilize an integrative model in my work, meaning I blend various therapeutic styles based on the needs of the person receiving counselling support. Trauma-informed care is at the core of what I do, and I actively work to reflect on my biases so that I may more effectively approach counselling from a non-pathologizing lens.

Please visit my individual bio here (sacredowl.ca/aboutryan)for more information.

Question 2

What do you mean when you refer to a non-pathologizing approach?

Accepted Answer

A pathologizing framework tends to view certain patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that fall outside the societal “norm” as abnormal, requiring specific treatment to address and reduce symptoms. In opposition to this, a non-pathologizing approach recognizes that many common life issues have been reduced down to a mental disorder, or in other words have been “pathologized.” A non-pathologizing approach aims to not reduce symptoms to a label, and recognizes that the symptoms we experience, or challenges we face are less about individual infirmities and more about normal, human adaptations to significant societal, systemic influences. My approach puts less of a focus on treating and reducing symptoms as the overall goal, as compared to some conventional approaches. I aim for less of a deficit-based approach and more of a strengths-focused approach.

Question 3

What does “transpersonal” mean?

Accepted Answer

Some describe transpersonal as beyond the personal. Cortwright, B. (1997) states “transpersonal psychology can be understood as the melding of the wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions with the learning of modern psychology.” In other words, transpersonal is the space where psychology and spirit meet. A transpersonal experience is the transcendence of what is considered the “norm” in typical everyday reality.

Some of the basic assumptions of transpersonal theory as outlined by Cortwright, B. (1997) include: 
 • Our essential nature is spiritual
 • Consciousness is multidimensional
 • Human beings have valid urges toward spiritual seeking, expressed as a search for wholeness through deepening individual, social and transcendent awareness. 
 • Contacting a deeper source of wisdom and guidance within is both possible and helpful to growth. 
 • Altered states of consciousness are one way of accessing transpersonal experiences and can be an aid to healing and growth. 
 • Our life and actions are meaningful. 
 • The transpersonal context shapes how the person/client is viewed.

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