Ben Bass
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) #2873
About Ben
WHAT I DO
Help you develop key skills and awarenesses in your thinking, feeling and sensing that powerfully support you to heal and grow.
With integrated counselling and somatic therapy I create a fusion of multiple modalities from both cognitive (talk) and somatic (body-centred) therapies that help you obtain a greater sense of safety, clarity and resilience. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we all experience thoughts, feelings and impulses on a physical level: a muscle relaxes or tightens; our breathing deepens or gets shallower; we might feel pleasant or unpleasant sensations such as tingling or numbness. These physical events inside us, including changes in our neurochemistry (the result of certain life experiences or interactions with other human beings), influence how we navigate our lives moment to moment. I help you understand and utilize both your psychology AND your physiology.
For you to experience authentic healing and empowerment, we bring both your mind and physical being into the process. Together we develop the resources you need (many of which you’ll discover are already built into your physiology) to support you to move safely through your struggle and take your life in a desired direction.
COUNSELLING
I counsel using a combination of different methods that include Bowen Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems, Person-Centred, Gestalt, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Buddhist & Zen philosophy and Transpersonal orientations. Family Systems theory is based on who you became in the family you grew up in. Therefore, during counselling, I may ask you questions about your family history and look at how it might relate to your current situation. We will examine patterns in your life that you feel are not effective, look at the beliefs that drive them, and explore new options.
SOMATIC THERAPY
One of the most unique aspects of somatic psychotherapy, that sets it apart from other approaches, is its ability to process and heal both shock and developmental trauma using the body and neurophysiology as the vehicle for curative change.
As we live our lives - and life happens - we have thoughts, feelings and sensations. All events, "positive", "negative" and everything in between, are felt immediately, physically. We all have a "yes" and a "no" in our bodies. Every event creates a response in our nervous system which we sense, often unconsciously. I help you learn how to become aware of and understand your physical and emotional sensations so that we can utilize your nervous system's ability to heal from traumatic events or patterns that don't serve you. This enables you to make new choices, create new resources, acheive desired goals and manifest healthier boundaries and relationships.