About Us:
Ruth-Ann Stewart
Carol Swan
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Stewart and Associates Counselling and Consulting Services Inc. (SACCS)
About: Carola de Souza, BSW, MA
TREATMENT ORIENTATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
As a trained psychotherapist, I draw on multiple therapy orientations in my practice, including psycho-dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, mindfulness, narrative, and feminist approaches. For the past 20 years, I have worked in a variety of social services settings, including child protection, concurrent disorders, early childhood education, transition homes, and addictions services. I enjoy working with children, youth, and families of diverse developmental and ethnic backgrounds, including persons of First Nations ancestry, high risk youth and persons with persistent mental illnesses. My areas of special interest include concurrent disorders, depression and anxiety, trauma, parenting, and immigration.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the
Adler School of Professional Psychology, 2007
- Level II certificate in Emotional Freedom Technique
- Level I certificate in Clinical Hypnosis
- Bachelor of Social Work from University of Victoria 2000
- Social Services Worker Certificate from Langara College 1996
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education/Child Nursing 1982
Professional accountability and continued professional growth are strong values of mine, and I regularly participate in a variety of training opportunities, as well as clinical supervision. Post-graduate workshops attended include motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, substance abuse counseling, concurrent disorders assessment and counseling, dream interpretation, LGBT, parenting and yoga therapy.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
I am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counselors and eligible for registration with the BC Association of Social Workers.
TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY
As Virginia Satir pointed out, “growth comes from what fits, not from what should be”. As a trained and experienced helping professional, I may know therapeutic techniques and approaches helpful to you in relation to the specific issues that bring you into therapy. However, I believe that individuals, no matter how distressed or overwhelmed at the moment, remain the experts on their own lives. Thus, you are the only person who can discern what technique or approach “fits” for you, given your individual personality, your past life experiences and your specific current situation. Therapy, then, is a joint venture between therapist and client, a guided exploration into perhaps unknown territory of change, personal growth and transformation. Reconnecting with your unique strengths, your wisdom and your resources is part of this journey towards increased health and well-being in mind, body and spirit. I would feel honored and privileged to be your ally in this experience.
A WORD ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY
What is discussed during therapy is confidential, except in the following circumstances:
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The therapist is legally required to report to law enforcement agencies if there is a possibility of harm to self or others.
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The therapist is required to report to child protection authorities if suspecting that a child may be abused or neglected.
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The therapist is obliged to disclose client records if subpoenaed to do so by court.
STATEMENT ON THE LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
All counselling is strictly confidential. Records related to your psychotherapy or counselling; or even the fact that you are a client, are only to be released to others with your written permission, or by a court order. You are entitled to privacy and to expect that all communication and records related to your service are kept confidential. You may expect to be fully informed as to any written material sent out on your behalf.
There are exceptions to this contract of confidentiality; your therapist is required by law to report to the proper authorities in the case of child abuse (if a person who is a child is being hurt or is in danger), or if there is any possibility of a suicide or homicide, and if your reports are subpoenaed by a Court.
Our Clinical Staff participate in regular group supervision meetings. During Supervision, cases may be reviewed in a confidential and non-identifying manner. Review of cases helps to ensure that our clinicians are providing you with the most effective psychotherapy.
Updated: August 03, 2011