my approach
It is my belief that many presenting issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, self-injury, personality disorders, addictions, relationship challenges) are better understood as symptoms of underlying emotional wounds and difficult life experiences.
Given this, it is my belief that therapy that focuses on symptom reduction is generally less effective than therapy that targets the underlying wounds. For this reason, I have made EMDR Therapy my specialty.
However, many clients prefer talk therapy instead of, or in addition to EMDR Therapy. Rest assured that if you are seeking a listening ear, strategies and tools, or input from an objective outsider, your preferences will be honored. Therapy is for YOU and it is always my desire to meet you where you are at and provide support that meets YOUR wants and needs.
ABOUT EMDR
My specialty is EMDR Therapy, an approach that facilitates healing of mental health symptoms by revisiting unresolved disturbing life experiences (a.k.a. traumas). These traumas may be the “big T” variety, such as abuse, assault, neglect, disasters, and accidents, or “small t” traumas (a.k.a. "adverse life experiences" and "developmental traumas"), such as bullying, academic challenges, divorce, and adoption.
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
― Laurell K. Hamilton
When choosing an EMDR therapist, it is important to know that there are currently five levels of training/expertise for EMDR therapists.
Level One: Basic Training. This allows the therapist to work as an EMDR therapist. Most EMDR therapists in Canada are at this level. However, because there are additional requirements beyond Basic Training, the knowledge/skills of these therapists is highly variable and largely dependent on how much additional professional development they complete.
Level Two: EMDR Certified Therapist. This requires significantly more training, and ongoing professional development.
Level Three: Consultant-in-Training. This therapist is working towards level four.
Level Four: EMDR Consultant. Consultants have advanced training that allows them to consult to other EMDR Therapists to support them in their skill development and to assist with difficult cases.
Level Five: EMDR Trainer. Able to offer EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Trainings (i.e., teaching those new to EMDR).
Susan Rochow
Registered Psychologist
#358, 4838 Richard Road SW, Calgary, Alberta
In-person support in Calgary and virtual support throughout Alberta
