Personal Thoughts of Shaylyn Carr, Registered Psychologist

Through my training and early career experiences, my theoretical orientation has been developing along side my learning.  Through this learning process it became clear to that my practice was guided largely by the tenets of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as it parallels my own belief that individuals' thoughts and behaviors serve as the vehicle for change. There is an intimate relationship in the way a person thinks about an interprets events and his or her emtional states, which in turn determines what the person chooses to do about the circumstances.

I adhere to the the principle of collaboration and the idea that the client is the expert on him or herself, while the counsellor has the experience in techniques.  My role is to help clients identify dysfunctional beliefs, while the clients take on the role of a neutral observer collecting facts and evidence to test the accuracy of their beliefs.  In collaboration, we arrive at a more realistic, objective interpretation of their situations.

A combination of cognitive strategies and behavioral strategies are useful helping the clients identify, challenge and replace maladaptive thoughts and behaviors with more positive and productive ones.  In accordance with this philosophy, my approach is structured, goal-oriented, and evidence-based, and I assign clients appropriate homework excercises to facilitate change.  Overall, I believe that when you change the attitude you have about yourself and begin to think in a more positive constructive way, you will begin to change your inner thought pattern that in turn changes how you feel and behave.

You do have the ability to make your life the way you want it to be, but only if you believe it is possible.

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