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    • About Me
    • Your Journey
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    • My Approach
    • What To Expect
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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Your Journey
  • Types of Therapy
  • My Approach
  • What To Expect
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Video Resources
  • Video Resources

Peace of Mind Counselling Services

Peace of Mind Counselling ServicesPeace of Mind Counselling ServicesPeace of Mind Counselling Services

Getting to know Different types of therapy

The information shared here is meant for general support and education. It’s not a substitute for therapy or medical care. If something you read here resonates deeply or brings up difficult feelings, I encourage you to reach out for support—whether with me or another trusted professional.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Explore how recognizing and connecting with your “inner parts” can lead to greater self-compassion and emotional balance. Have you ever noticed that sometimes you feel conflicted inside yourself—one part of you wants one thing, while another part seems to resist or worry? These “inner parts” are a natural part of being human and understanding them can be a powerful step toward self-compassion and emotional balance.

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a type of therapy that views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Some parts may carry pain, fear, or shame, while others act as protectors, trying to keep you safe. None of these parts are “bad”—they all have positive intentions, even if their strategies feel unhelpful at times.

Why Understanding Your Parts Matters

Understanding Your Inner Parts: An Introduction to IFS

Why Understanding Your Parts Matters

Many of us are unaware of these internal dynamics, which can leave us feeling stuck, self-critical, or overwhelmed. IFS helps you notice and understand your parts, creating space for dialogue, healing, and self-compassion. By learning to listen and care for each part, you can reduce inner conflict, feel more grounded, and make choices that align with your true values.

How IFS Works in Therapy

How IFS Works in Therapy

Why Understanding Your Parts Matters

In sessions, I guide you to:

  1. Identify and connect with your different parts.
  2. Understand the positive intention behind each part’s actions.
  3. Learn to communicate with and care for your parts in a safe, non-judgmental way.
  4. Support your “core self” to lead your internal system with curiosity, calm, and compassion.

Small Steps You Can Try

How IFS Works in Therapy

Small Steps You Can Try

Even outside of therapy, you can start noticing your parts:

  • Pay attention to inner voices or conflicting feelings throughout your day.
  • Name each part that emerges (e.g., “The Worrier,” “The Protector,” “The Critic”).
  • Acknowledge what each part is trying to do for you.


A Gentle Invitation

How IFS Works in Therapy

Small Steps You Can Try

IFS is a gentle, insightful way to understand yourself more deeply. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about connecting with all the pieces of you with kindness and respect. Working with a trained therapist can help you navigate this process safely and effectively. If you’re curious about exploring your inner parts and how they influence your life, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you in therapy. 


Richard Schwartz

https://ifs-institute.com 


Derek Scott

https://ifs.ca  

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

A practical guide on noticing patterns in thinking and taking manageable steps toward healthier habits. Life can feel overwhelming when our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours seem out of sync. Sometimes we get stuck in patterns that leave us stressed, anxious, or self-critical. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical approach that helps you notice these patterns and make small, meaningful changes that lead to lasting improvement.



What is CBT?

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By understanding how they influence each other, we can learn to respond differently to challenges, rather than feeling trapped in unhelpful patterns.

Why Small Steps Matter

Small Steps, Big Change: How CBT Helps Shift Thoughts and Behaviours

How CBT Works in Therapy

Change doesn’t happen overnight. In CBT, we focus on small, manageable steps—like noticing a negative thought, challenging it gently, or trying a new coping strategy. These small changes gradually build momentum, leading to noticeable improvements in mood, confidence, and overall well-being.

How CBT Works in Therapy

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

How CBT Works in Therapy

During sessions, we might:

  1. Identify patterns in your thoughts and behaviours that contribute to stress or anxiety.
  2. Explore the evidence for and against unhelpful beliefs.
  3. Practice new ways of thinking or acting in real-life situations.
  4. Build coping tools that you can use outside of sessions.

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

Even before therapy, you can start noticing your patterns:

  • Keep a thought diary: Write down moments when you feel stressed or upset, noting the thought that came up.
  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts: Ask yourself, “Is this thought fully true? Is there another way to view this situation?”
  • Take small actions: Identify one small behaviour that aligns with a goal you have, and try it—no pressure, no perfection.


A Gentle Invitation

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

Practical Tips You Can Try Today

CBT is about building awareness, understanding yourself better, and creating practical strategies for change. It’s not about judgment or forcing change—it’s about empowering you to take small steps toward the life you want. If you’re ready to explore CBT and discover how small shifts can make a big difference, I’d be honoured to support you in therapy. 


Aaron T. Beck

Beck Institute

https://bechinstitute.org  

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Easy techniques to incorporate mindfulness throughout your day, even when life feels busy or overwhelming.  In our busy lives, it’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions. Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful practice that helps us slow down, notice the present moment, and respond with calm rather than reaction.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Mindfulness is paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It’s not about “emptying your mind”—it’s about noticing what’s happening, moment by moment.

Why It Matters

Mindfulness Made Simple: Finding Calm in Everyday Life

Simple Practices You Can Try

Practising mindfulness can help reduce stress, regulate emotions, and increase focus. It allows you to respond to life with awareness instead of automatic reaction.

Simple Practices You Can Try

Simple Practices You Can Try

Simple Practices You Can Try


  • 5-Minute Check-In: Sit quietly and notice your breath, body sensations, or sounds around you.
  • Mindful Walking: Pay attention to each step, the feel of your feet on the ground, and the rhythm of your movement.
  • Observe Your Thoughts: When a thought arises, notice it, label it (“thinking,” “planning,” “worrying”), and let it pass without judgment.


Gentle Invitation

Simple Practices You Can Try

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Mindfulness is about creating space for yourself. Even a few minutes each day can bring clarity and calm. Working with a therapist can help you integrate these practices into your life in a way that feels safe and supportive.   


How to Practice Mindfulness

https://www.mindful.org 

 

What is Mindfulness

https://youtu.be/7-1Y6IbAxdM 


Practical Applications of Mindfulness

https://youtu.be/7-1Y6IbAxdM 


Mindfulness Techniques

https://youtu.be/7-1Y6IbAxdM 


Benefits of Mindfulness 

https://youtu.be/7-1Y6IbAxdM 


Loch Kelly 

Shifting from Head to Heart  


Kristen Neff 

Self Compassion 


 

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Simple Practices You Can Try

Gentle Invitation (Cont)


  

Tara Brach

https://www.tarabrach.com   

How to Practice Mindfulness

https://www.mindful.org  

 

Brene Brown 

Vulnerability 


Brene Brown 

Braving the Wilderness 


Eckhart Tolle

https://eckharttolle.com  


Pema Chodron

The Pema Chodron Foundation

https://pemachodronfoundation.org  


Pema Chodron

Changing Your Heart Towards Pain

https://youtu.be/OB_dPW2RJ94 


Pema Chodron 

Strategy to Be Happy in Life

https://youtu.be/n2ozReJHcFo 


 

SENSORIMOTOR PSYCHOTHERAPY

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

An approachable introduction to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and body-based healing for trauma.


Trauma doesn’t only affect the mind—it can live in the body too. Physical sensations, tension, and even posture can hold memories of stress or difficult experiences. Understanding this connection is the first step toward healing.

What is Body-Based Trauma?

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

Trauma can create patterns in your nervous system, influencing how you react to stress. You might notice tightness, racing heartbeat, or shallow breathing—even when there’s no immediate danger.


How Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Helps

How Trauma Lives in the Body (And What You Can Do About It)

How Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Helps

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy focuses on the body as well as the mind. By noticing sensations, movement, and posture, you can:

  • Release stored tension safely
  • Process traumatic experiences without becoming overwhelmed
  • Reconnect with your body in a gentle, healing way

Small Steps You Can Try

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

How Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Helps

  • Grounding Exercise: Feel your feet on the floor, notice your weight, and breathe deeply.
  • Body Scan: Take a few minutes to notice tension or sensations in each part of your body.
  • Gentle Movement: Stretch, sway, or walk mindfully to help release tension.

Gentle Invitation

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Healing trauma is a gradual, supported process. Working with a trained therapist can provide guidance, safety, and tools to help your body and mind feel more integrated and at ease. 


Pat Ogden

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org 


Stephen Porges

Polyvagal Theory

https://www.stephenportges.com 


Deb Dana

Rhythm of Regulation

https://www.rythmofregulation.com 


Polyvagal Institute

https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/about-deb

 

Bessel Van der Kolk

https://www.besselvanderkolk.com 



Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Gentle Invitation (Cont)

Gentle Invitation (Cont)


Loch Kelly

https://lochkelly.org


Brene Brown

https://brenebrown.com 


Gabor Mate

https://drgabormate.com 


Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Mate on Trauma & How to Heal

https://youtu.be/O8WUZQzqEio 


How your Trauma Actually HEALS https://youtu.be/-64oZ-Kyhc4 


Copyright © 2025 M. Tomac Psychotherapy Professional Corporation- All Rights Reserved.

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