Mindsight Therapy

Therapy with me is active and collaborative.
We work to change the patterns driving them.

Real Lasting Change

The focus is not just understanding these issues- but changing how they are maintained

Customer Testimonials

General questions

• How can therapy help?

  Wherever you are at, there is a solution for real, consistent change with your anxiety or eating disorder- if you are ready to update your thinking and create lasting joy in your life. In my clinical practice, I deliver what many if my clients desire- the ability to live a full and happy life without the long term dependence on a therapist.  

  At Anxiety, Stress and Eating Disorder counselling Vancouver, I understand that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and and Schema Therapy are the evidence based therapies of choice for anxiety and eating disorders as both cognitive and emotional areas of healing can be facilitated congruently. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy being a goal oriented, hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving, has shown to be the gold seal when it comes to managing stress, anxiety and depression and provides an opportunity for real transformational change in a relatively short time. Schema Therapy is an evidence based integrative approach which might look at unconscious self defeating patterns if needed, using subconcsious techniques including: imagery, dialogue, visualization and clinical hypnosis as needed, to rewire subconscious thoughts and beliefs.  

  Using both the top bottom and bottom up treatment approaches mentioned above, a person seeking treatment for anxiety, stress, depression and eating disorders will see a shift very quickly in both the conscious behaviours that come with the disorders and the unconscious patterning and belief systems that continue to keep them stuck.  

  Aside from offering anxiety and eating disorder counselling help, I have extensive experience in working with stress, trauma PTSD, addiction, ADHD and relational issues as well. I work with holistically with clients who are ready to really change their thinking to alleviate what is underneath the anxiety, stress, depression or eating disorder once and for all. 
   
  My approach includes more advanced techniques as well such as needed such as:, EMDR, Dialogue communication, Ego state therapy, EFT, Internal Family Systems, clinical hypnosis, Schema Therapy, and Behavioural strategy and Imago Couples Therapy for longterm change. 

  Shelley Ugyan, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice offering Eating Disorder and Anxiety Counselling Vancouver, and is registered with The British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors (#17210). She is also a member of the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BC), the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISSC) and the BC College of teachers. 

• What approach do you use?

  My approach is focused on integrating an interpersonal approach to a wide variety of evidence-based treatments. Psychological symptoms occur within an interpersonal context. The way we interact with others around us maintains and reinforces stress,, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, panic OCD, chronic pain, and other conditions. And just as our relationships impact our moods, our moods also impact our relationships. You can find a solution focused path through interpersonal relationships and your individual challenges by developing healthier and more effective ways of relating—not only to others but to yourself as well.
  
  Evidence based analytical CBT is a focus in my office as one must learn to change their thinking for long term, consistent, real change in life to take place. I combine this approach with behavioural and emotional modalities such as the Internal Family Systems approach, and techniques such as behavioural experiments, EMDR, Attachment Repair and Clinical Hypnosis. You will often be asked to practice skills and complete homework in between sessions so that you are able to learn ways to relate to difficult feelings and behaviours in a positive and life-changing way. I feel privileged in my role to guide clients through a journey towards a mastery in all areas of their lives.  
   
  Coming from a compassionate, non-judge mental framework, I strive to meet clients where they are at and empower them to navigate towards where they want to be based on their individual values and goals.

• What is CBT?

  The cognitive therapy (CBT) model states that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and influence one another. 

  We all have these thinking ‘models’ in our minds of how the world works. Our models are a unique result of our history, experiences, beliefs, and assumptions. The models are a sort of ‘mental short-cut’: one advantage of having them is that they help us to go about our lives without having to think in detail about every single thing that happens to us. One disadvantage is that once our models have formed they are reluctant to change, so they will: pay more attention to information that fits with them, pay less attention to information that contradicts them, ‘squish’ or ‘twist’ information to make it fit. The result is that we do not perceive the world as it really is. This can cause pain and suffering.  

  How a person processes and relates to the world affects how they behave and therefore when the thinking changes the behaviour does as well. This is the power of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Model. 

  One practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) is to examine our beliefs and assumptions, and put them to the test. Many people hold beliefs that are not supported by evidence, and allow these beliefs to dictate how they live their lives. It can be extremely liberating to let go of beliefs and assumptions that have been holding us back. 

   Cognitive interventions include: identifying distorted beliefs and distorted thinking, testing and modifying beliefs, and developing skills to distance from one’s thoughts. 

  CBT is used with: eating disorders, stress, sleeping difficulties, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Its success in treating these states lay in its ability to change the outcomes by altering their beginnings as thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes.  

  The emotional level of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is called Schema therapy ( ST) and it focuses on dismantling the dysfunctional core beliefs and stories that we have developed about ourselves in childhood which continue to impact our current relationships and behaviors. The unique beliefs we hold are like the lens of a  pair of glasses that we wear through which we make assumptions about ourselves, others and the world around us. This lens can become maladaptive in our lives and can distort our perceptions and experiences with others leading to self-fulfilling prophecies in relationships and in our behavioral patterns.  

  Cognitive interventions help individuals understand how their conditioning from early childhood is impacting their current relationships and influencing their behaviors. The goal is to help individuals recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to create behavioral flexibility. 

• What is Clinical Hypnosis?

  As Michael Yapko exclaims, ” The spirit of hypnosis is reflected in the belief that people are more resourceful than they realize and through hypnosis can create meaningful possibilities for improvement”.

  When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, focusing only on the challenges right in front of you. Hypnosis is not about controlling or manipulating the mind; it’s about fostering awareness, empowering choice, and building skills to respond to life’s challenges more effectively. Hypnosis in counseling helps you take a step back, shifting your perspective to see beyond the immediate struggles and uncover new paths forward.

  Through guided focus and suggestion, hypnosis creates a space where you can connect with your inner resources, explore fresh possibilities, and build resilience. It’s a process that helps untangle the details, allowing clarity and direction to emerge.

Make an appointment with Shelley