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Around 50 years ago therapy was viewed and treated very differently than it is today. It’s not that therapy was terrible, it’s just like any growing field of science there is always room for growth both educationally and in the areas of outcomes people are hoping to get when going to see a counsellor at Therapist Calgary.

A few areas that are also important to remember is that around 50 years ago many individuals with emotional and mental health challenges were sometimes institutionalized and just placed, left to be forgotten, in what was commonly known as the psyche ward. Today, hospitals have a better approach to dealing with those who need support immediately and who need longer-term care and support. Yes, this is an area that still needs much improvement; however, I would way rather have a mental breakdown and find myself in today’s health system than 50 years ago.   

50 years ago, the thought of going to see a psychotherapist, clinical counsellor, or counselling therapist was almost unheard of and even joked about in movies. Today, the stigma of mental health is still in existence, however, coverage for mental health is slowly increasing and sometimes it’s actually encouraged by some employers to go see a therapist to work out your challenges.

50 years ago, people who needed support with a therapist would often wait till the last moment before getting the help they needed and deserved. Yes, that can still happen today, however, there is an increased awareness of the importance of dealing with something before it gets worse. This ounce of prevention is a fantastic trend and can allow a client to occasionally see a therapist and do check-in’s rather than 20 plus years of therapy.

In the last 20 years, there have been significant increases and advances in the areas of treatment within counselling.  Two areas of treatment that have demonstrated tremendous positive outcomes are known as trauma therapy and relationship therapy. 

Relationship therapy has seen very positive outcomes in relationships utilizing tools and techniques from various relationship experts such as Dr. John and Julie Gottman and my personal favorite, Dr. Susan Johnson who developed a relationship modality called Emotionally Focused Therapy.

In the area of trauma, an area known as bi-lateral stimulation has been well documented to help individuals get over their therapy much more quickly than the traditional 5-10 years of therapy.

The 2 very popular trauma therapies that Therapist Calgary utilizes is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and, my favorite technique, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). These therapies, depending on the level of trauma, have been documented to support clients in a very positive way within 2 to 5 sessions. That’s just amazing compared to 50 years ago.

If you are in a place where you realize it may be time to seek out a qualified counselling therapist, clinical counsellor, or psychotherapist, New Life Counselling is here to support you and your loved ones. Call today for a free complimentary meet and greet and begin your journey to walk in New Life.