Forensic Treatment Services
I provide therapy to individuals who are in trouble with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved in the legal system because of their behaviour, mental health problems, or challenging thoughts and emotions. Generally, therapy involves focusing on the difficulties that are getting you into trouble. The goal is to reduce the risk of something like that happening again in the future. We will work together to help you handle your thoughts, feelings, and/or symptoms more effectively so that they do not continue to control you in ways that are unhelpful. Although that may be the focus of our sessions, treatment is always structured with the aim of helping you to build a meaningful life. Click here to learn more about my approach to therapy.
The following are some examples of challenges that are commonly addressed in forensic treatment:
Addiction (e.g., alcohol or drug use) that leads to problems at work, in your relationships, or with the legal system
Problems maintaining boundaries in relationships that lead to domestic violence or other types of problems with people
Overwhelming and intense emotions that lead to relationship problems, violence, or drug use
Ruminating about how other people have mistreated you, getting caught up in those thoughts, and allowing them to control your actions in ways that get you into trouble (e.g., hurting someone as a means of revenge; acting in unhelpful ways with people you feel have disrespected you)
Hearing a voice telling you to hurt someone, steal something, or commit other crimes and acting on that command
These are only examples. Together we will figure out what is keeping you stuck and develop a plan to help you move forward.
Psychotherapy is not only for those with current legal problems. If you have been in trouble with the law in the past and want to be proactive to ensure it does not happen again, treatment might also be of benefit to you.
