People come to therapy for many reasons, usually because they are not happy with something in their lives. My role as a therapist is to help facilitate a process that results ultimately in positive change. It is you, the client, who does the actual work, but I help to create an environment where that work is possible. I believe that people will naturally move towards wholeness given the right conditions and that they have the resources available to deal with the challenges life brings them.
Therapy
Part of what I do is listen deeply to what you are telling me. That can be healing in itself. From that listening I reflect back to you what I hear in perhaps new ways – you might recognize something in what I say that you didn’t fully realize before. Or you might clarify what I’ve fed back to you and that will deepen both our understandings of your experience. I also encourage you to stay with and experience your feelings as you touch on them in our sessions. Sometimes that will feel hard, but you will also experience relief as you allow your truth to emerge. As they say, “The truth will set you free.” It is not only insight and self-awareness that is liberating – the actual experience of being connected to your authentic self expands your capacity to relate to your life and those around you with increased fulfillment and satisfaction.
The work we do together is about exploring and uncovering your feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Through that process, you will learn more about who you are and what your needs, fears, desires, and strengths are. With that knowledge you will be better able to act in your life in a way that brings about positive change.
I believe that the relationship we have as therapist and client is the most important ingredient in creating an environment where you feel safe enough to do the work. To that end, as well as bringing my empathy, caring, respect, and sensitivity, to our relationship, I work as a team with you, collaborating on how you want to proceed every step of the way.
About Susie Costello
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with a masters degree in counselling psychology and a bachelor degree in engineering. In addition to my private practice I’ve worked with clients in a rape crisis centre, an abortion clinic, a walk-in counselling clinic, a yoga community, and two post-secondary schools. With a background in yoga and meditation, I am interested in the intersection of eastern spirituality and western theories of psychological healing. Authors whose teachings reflect my working style include: Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron, Brene Brown, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Geneen Roth, Esther Perel, and Sue Johnson, to name a few.
People see me for
Some of the issues I’ve helped people work with include:
- relationship difficulties
- stress, anxiety
- depression,
- food issues
- life transitions
- addictions
- self-esteem
- sexual and physical abuse
- grief and bereavement
- illness
- spiritual growth
If you feel that any of what I’ve said resonates with you or intrigues you and you would like to explore further whether we would be a good fit, please contact me to set up a free consultation session. My office is in the east end of Toronto near Pape and Danforth.