Trudy James, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (RMFT)
When people ask me what model of therapy I use, or how I do my work as a therapist, this is what I tell them: studies have shown that the fit or connection between a therapist and client is more important than any one model of therapy in helping people make lasting changes in their lives. People tell me I’m warm, funny and non-judgmental.
Having said that, I do draw upon my extensive academic and practical training and use what works best in each unique situation. Typically, that involves a blend of various types of therapy. I have a Ph.D. in Human Development and Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto, and an M.Sc. in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph. This is one of two unique programs in Canada that focus specifically on the study of relationships. I have had intensive training in Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also have extensive, post-graduate training in understanding the role of attachment in human relationships, and additional sex therapy training for my work with couples (for a complete list of additional clinical training, please click here)
I have been studying attachment, human development, and psychology for over 25 years. The beginning of my career in Psychology was spent in research labs, where I either played with children participating in studies to help us understand child development or spent time reading and writing about children’s development. I began my training as a therapist 11 years ago, expanding on my academic work in human development and psychology. A life-long learner, I attend workshops and training on a regular basis and stay on top of current research in relationships and attachment.
I routinely work with individuals (including children and adolescents), couples and families targeting such concerns as:
- Parenting support (understanding child development, especially in the context of multi-stressed, complex histories; understanding and working with psychological diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, etc.)
- Complex trauma and attachment difficulties (children and their parents; couples)
- Communication struggles or conflict (in family or couple relationships)
- Anxiety and emotion regulation
- Depression, grief, and coping
