Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger

From the start I aim to connect with folks where they are at. I believe that by doing this it creates a healthy therapeutic alliance which is key to successful outcome and healing.

To do this, I use an integrative approach; this might include therapeutic modalities such as: Sand Tray, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative, Acceptance Commitment, Art and Play. Many of these styles are effective with folks across the lifespan. With children under 5 years old and with their parents I use a Theraplay informed approach.

When I reflect on my own learning journey, my career, personal and academic path have all allowed me to develop and fine tune a skill set so that I can successfully support the people that I work with.

More than 25 years ago I started on my career path working with children 0–6 years and their families who faced various challenges. This included completing developmental assessments, working with learning centres to offer an environment conducive to the child's strengths and needs, and supporting parents with strategies that met their child's developmental needs at home. This solid understanding of human development and family systems led to opportunities where I was able to expand my skills to include working with teens and adults living with or who had experienced significant trauma or grief. For the last 15 years I have continued to support children, teens and adults with transitions, healing and learning new strategies either through individual or group therapy.

My own personal journey has also been supportive in my work with families, children and adults. As a person with lived experience in having an invisible disability, separation/divorce, single parenting, blending a family, touched by children with Auto-Immune Disease, Neuro-Divergence, Adoption and raising children into adulthood, I know that there is no easy way out! However, feeling supported along the way — whether by a professional, supportive friends and/or family or a partner — eases the load.

My aim is to help you, your child and your family tap into your inherent strengths and uncover your true healing potential.