Matthew O'Donnell, RCC, MACP, B.Ed
Comox Valley BC & Online
Approach & Services
I have trained in and offer various therapeutic methods including Compassionate Inquiry (CI), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Client-Centered Therapy. These approaches help clients process emotions, heal from trauma, and develop healthier relationships and coping mechanisms.
Compassionate Inquiry
I am in ongoing studies of Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry process. This approach gently reveals and releases deep layers of childhood trauma, constriction and suppressed emotion embedded within the body, that are at the root of mental and physical illness and addiction.
Emotionally Focussed Therapy
EFT emphasizes emotions' role in our mental health and the wellbeing of our relationships. Through empathetic exploration, clients develop emotional awareness of self and others which can lead to healthier coping strategies. I often default to EFT when working with couples as this approach can be so helpful in identifying and expressing our emotional needs. This awareness can also be foundational for learning to set healthy boundaries, which in turn helps to foster thriving relationships..
Client Centered
Client-centered therapy provides a nurturing space for clients to explore their experiences and build resilience. It fosters self-compassion and authenticity through empathy and unconditional positive regard. In my practice, Client-Centered Therapy empowers clients to navigate challenges and cultivate personal growth. I offer many approaches, but it is always the client who leads their reflective journey which I feel honoured to share with them.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Having taken several trainings I am an IFS informed therapist. IFS can be an effective way of identifying and understanding specific elements (parts) of our personalities. By isolating parts such as anger, jealousy, procrastination we can gently investigate how these parts serve to protect our tender selves. Through a process of curiosity rather than judgement, we can learn to more deeply love and accept ourselves and in the process effect positive change.
Relational
Relational psychology explores interpersonal dynamics and utilizes the therapeutic relationship with the counselor for healing and growth. In my practice, it offers insight and empathy to navigate relational challenges and cultivate healthier connections within oneself and with others.
Music & Creative Play Therapy
When we can connect to our creative impulses, we are ultimately attuning to our own essence. Within this essence is the power to comfort, support and inspire ourselves. I have decades of experience facilitating creative projects ranging from painting, sculpture, writing, and music. Focusing on process rather than product, we can explore an array of emotions (including blocks) and learn to better understand ourselves in a playful and engaging way.
Services
Matthew enjoys supporting individuals, families, and couples in learning to authentically relate through self compassion and vulnerability.
Individual Therapy
$145 hour
Always client centred, I allow sessions to be guided by the interests and needs of the individual. Having a wide variety of approaches to draw on creates opportunities for play, discovery, and connection with one's authentic self
Couples Therapy
$ 165 hour
Together, we can address communication challenges, strengthen emotional intimacy, and navigate conflicts to deepen your connection and create a more fulfilling, harmonious relationship.
Family Therapy/Play Therapy
$165 hour
Family can be an incredible source of strength a support, yet can also be responsible for deep pain and unhealthy behaviour patterns. Creating safe space where individual members emotional needs can be identified, shared, and explored has the power to transform the way groups of people communicate with one another.
"You have to face your emotional wounds if you want to make progress on the spiritual path. Mindfulness can be your best help. By mindfully observing your patterns, you'll know what needs to heal."
- Tara Brach
