It's all about safety and connection.
Our Approach
All Ripple Effect counselling is based in 3 primary approaches: Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Relational Care. These approaches are enhanced with additional therapeutic elements that are customized to each individual’s needs.
To learn more about how this approach might work for your child, contact us today.
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory offers new perspectives and insight into the functioning of our brain and nervous system, and the effects on our mental and physical health. Developing our own abilities to regulate our nervous system opens the door to feeling safe and connected, and optimizing our capacities.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS encourages us to recognize all the different parts of ourselves and their essential function and purpose. It is when we work toward integration of all our parts that we can experience our full, true Self.
Relational Care
The subtle nuances and dynamics of interpersonal interactions and relationships are critical to our sense of self and our perceptions of the world. By creating a therapeutic relationship that is based in de-pathologizing, humanist, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive principles, the counsellor and child co-create a mutually beneficial space in which new perspectives and personal growth can be explored.
Strength Based
Areas of success, coping skills, and resilience are emphasized and developed. All behaviour is a person’s attempt to achieve self regulation. Understanding what purposes it is serving allows for a “no shame, no blame” approach to changing behaviour.
Mindfulness
Fostering in-the-moment self-awareness helps reduce stress and promote emotional regulation. Mindfulness increases awareness of your internal system such that you can be more conscious of parts of self that are being activated. Being able to name it, means that you can tame it!
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Negative, self-defeating thought patterns are examined and replaced with more empowering thought patterns. We have ancient systems that focus on the negatives in life as way to protect us. Learning how to override this ancient negativity bias can create a more peaceful life.
Family Involvement
Family members are included as key supports in the change process. Program staff members work in collaboration with parents/guardians to develop individualized strategies to assist the children/youth.
While Ripple Effect Services is based in Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Relational Care,
our specialist team also integrates other modalities such as yoga, dance, movement, art therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Theory (DBT). We work in collaboration with parents/guardians to develop individualized strategies to assist children/youth.
