Meet Alejandra - Our DBT and Narrative Therapist!
This interview originally published in our October 2021 newsletter.
What drew you to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)? How does it inform both your personal and professional life?
I stumbled on DBT by chance in my Abnormal Psychology class in third year of my undergrad, when we were discussing personality disorders. It was eye opening to learn that the thoughts that inform my behaviour do not need to be about absolute blacks and whites. I learned the skills of emotional regulation and distress tolerance that helped me figure out a way of soothing and accepting negative emotions. I was sold on the modality then.
I also found Masha Linehan inspiring, as this was around the time when she disclosed that she had suffered from borderline personality disorder earlier in life. As someone who struggles with low mood and high anxiety it was reassuring seeing that I could still work in my field of interest despite any challenges my mental health may throw at me.
I really live by the tenant that things many things can be true at the same time even when they may seem contradictory, which is central to DBT. This allows me to understand and validate my clients even when their values and goals are not in line with mine. It also has allowed me to question my own beliefs and thoughts in a way that helps me be more flexible and less judgmental. This has not only made me a better clinician but also a better mom and friend.
If you weren't in your current line of work as a therapist, what do you think you'd be doing?
I’ve always liked storytelling, so I would probably be a writer. I love exploring the intricacies and quirks of language and weaving interesting stories. I feel that writing is adjacent to psychotherapy, psychotherapy helps clients to explore their personal stories, become better storytellers of their own lives and to take control of their story.
Is there anything in particular that you are looking forward to doing/experiencing over the next 5 years? (personal or professional)
In my personal life, I am very excited to see who my small children will become in the next 5 years, and to help them become more independent. In my professional life, I am hoping to develop more clinical skills, perhaps pursuing further education. I currently have my eye in the Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family studies at Guelph University.
What is your favourite go-to summer activity?
I don’t do very well in the heat, so a refreshing swim in a cool lake is my favourite part of summer. I am hoping to explore Tobermory sometime in a neat future summer.
What areas of practice are you passionate about?
I love helping people to cultivate their self-worth and guide them to self-love, ugly bits and all. I also have found I work really well with young men and fathers who have historically been discouraged from exploring their emotional sides and rich inner lives. I also love working with people of colour and immigrants, as I see myself reflected in their experience. Lastly I am passionate about perinatal mental health and helping new parents transition into this role. I much enjoy working with families with adult children and young couples. I truly believe in addressing relational issues at early stages before differences create too much distance,
What's one thing you'd like to learn in the near future?
In my personal life, I would love to learn calligraphy and lettering. Also I would like to put the small green house in our backyard to use and learn to grow things in the winter. Professionally, I am intrigued by somatic therapies and would also like to learn more about them and integrate them into my practice.