The Framework applies not just to people who have already been in contact with the mental health system, but to all of us in understanding distress.

It summarizes and integrates a great deal of evidence about the role of various kinds of power in people’s lives, the kinds of threat that misuse of power pose to us and the ways we have learnt to respond to those threats.

Dr Lucy Johnstone, one of the lead authors of the Power Threat Meaning Framework, said:

“The Power Threat Meaning Framework can be used as a way of helping people to create more hopeful narratives or stories about their lives and the difficulties they have faced or are still facing, instead of seeing themselves as blameworthy, weak, deficient or ‘mentally ill’.

It highlights and clarifies the links between wider social factors such as poverty, discrimination and inequality, along with traumas such as abuse and violence, and the resulting emotional distress or troubled behavior, whether it is confusion, fear, despair, troubled, or troubling behavior.

It also shows why those of us who do not have an obvious history of trauma or adversity can still struggle to find a sense of self-worth, meaning and identity. “

​In traditional mental health practice, threat responses are sometimes called ‘symptoms’.

The Framework instead looks at how we make sense of these experiences and how messages from wider society can increase our feelings of shame, self-blame, isolation, fear and guilt.

I find for many people I work with, biofeedback is helpful to objectively see the interconnectedness of our emotional and physical well-being.

Using HeartMath© to monitor and improve our heart rate variability (HRV) has shown in over 300 research studies to help individuals improve stress management, sleep, emotional regulation, mind-body connection, cardiovascular health, restore our autonomic balance within of our bodies fight/flight/freeze, and fawn system with our rest and digest system to help us become more resilient and adaptable to life’s changes and challenges.

This program is designed for adults to explore how their neurological system processes sensory input and the resulting impact on daily life.

The sensory system encompasses the traditional five senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision, along with the less recognized vestibular system, proprioception, and interoception senses.

I am here to guide you in understanding your distinct sensory profile and its profound influence on your perception of the world and communication. By delving into your unique sensory experiences, we’ll uncover strategies tailored to bring balance.

These strategies not only contribute to a nuanced understanding of the world around you but also foster emotional and behavioral well-being. Our journey together aims to introduce tailored methods and support that promote a sense of calm, recognizing and building on your strengths, ultimately contributing to your overall health and well-being.

A structured program that helps individuals overcome sleep difficulties addressing thoughts, behaviors, and environmental factors that contribute to lack of sleep. It is the number one recommended sleep approach by the New England Journal of Medicine, National Institute of Health, Consumer Reports, American Psychological Association, and the American College of Physicians when considering both pharmacological and non- pharmacological methodology.

Insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans. Studies show CBT-I is the most effective non-pharmacological treatment for chronic insomnia. Upon completion of the 6-8 week week program, CBT-I also shows a significant reduction in many mental health symptoms or experiences. A study on depression stated there was a reduction of 50%. If you are having trouble sleeping and would like more information of what I offer, please let me know.

A non-pathologizing approach for understanding and releasing the physical and emotional distress that impacts our thoughts, feelings, lives, relationships, experiences, and meanings.

Recommended for families with youth or young adults living in the home or just out of the nest. The first place we learn to navigate relationships.

When one person in the family is experiencing challenges, it impacts the entire family unit. No one person in a family is an island.

When young members are having a hard time, the entire family reaps benefits from offering support to parents and siblings.

Engaging in family-oriented interventions is a crucial and valuable part of the overall process of healing. The goal is to promote increased well-being of all family members that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family unit. The actions and emotions of family members influence each other as the family is both dynamic and interconnected.

(note this is not couples therapy)

An occupational therapy consultant is a professional in the field of occupational therapy who provides specialized expertise, guidance, and advice to individuals, organizations, or institutions.

This role involves offering consultancy services related to occupational therapy principles and practices. I help clients integrate mental health occupational therapy principles into specific settings.

This role involves program development, training, and education, quality improvement, policy development, research, and collaboration with multi and trans-disciplinary teams. The consultant aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of occupational therapy services, contributing to improved outcomes for individuals and communities.

Sustained support for your long-term career development in mental health. Guidance through the unique challenges and opportunities within the mental health field for occupational therapists wanting to move into private practice or work with a new or established agency.

Focus will be to enhance current skills, expand knowledge, and promote an integrative understanding to empower therapists to thrive in their profession and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals in a variety of mental health settings.

Structured and collaborative process to ensure quality of client care, professional development, and adherence to ethical and clinical standards. Involves regular meetings, case discussions, skills development and feedback to support growth and competence in the field of mental health occupational therapy.