Dakota Forman

What It’s Like To Have Therapy Sessions With Me  

I’m an actively engaged therapist. I’m not the “stare at you in silence for an entire session” type.  

I’ll ask questions, toss out ideas, and I’m not afraid to try something new or challenge you if it might help. Basically you can expect that we’re going to work together to actually address your goals.  

Also, If you’re someone who’s hard on yourself or struggles with confidence, fair warning: I will point out the good stuff about you, and I will keep doing it until you start believing it too!  

Skeptical About Therapy? That’s Okay!  

Some of my most rewarding clients over the years walk in with their arms crossed, fully expecting therapy to be a waste of time. If that’s you, I invite you to bring the skepticism. I find it very rewarding when someone who doubted therapy discovers it actually can help.  

My Approach To Couples Therapy  

Also, when I say couples, I want to affirm that this is a blanket term for relationship therapy in general, so if you are in a nontraditional relationship model, I am happy to support and affirm you and your partner(s).  

Below are my two main approaches to relationship counselling:  

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): If you keep having the same fight about the dishes, it’s probably not really about the dishes. EFT helps us find what’s going on underneath, like wanting to feel close, appreciated or like you matter to one another, so you can reconnect.  

The Gottman Method: This one is very practical. It’s based on years of research into what helps couples go the distance, and it gives you real, usable tools for talking, fighting fair and feeling like a team again.  

How I Work in Individual Counselling  

Here I mix and match depending on what you need:  

• Client-Centred therapy: You’re the expert on your life. I’m here to listen and understand, not to tell you who to be.  

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): We look at the stories your brain tells you, the not-so-helpful ones especially, and work on changing them.  

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Practical skills for those moments when emotions feel bigger than you are.  

• Emotion-Focused Therapy: Instead of stuffing feelings down, we get curious about them and what they’re trying to tell you.  

I Go To Therapy Too (and I’m a Better Therapist Because I Do!)  

I love seeing a therapist of my own. It’s been such a good experience for me. It also reminds me how nerve-wracking it is to sit down and open up to a total stranger. So if you’re nervous, don’t worry, I’ve been there too.  

Thinking About Therapy?  

So you’re thinking about therapy. That’s why you’ve read my profile. Or maybe you’re thinking about thinking about it, which counts too! Here’s the thing, the risk in trying out therapy is pretty low. If you try a free consultation and don’t like it, you never have to see me again (I promise you won’t hurt my feelings). But if it feels helpful, it can be a pretty big catalyst for positive change in your life.  

Reach out if you’d like to book a free consultation. I’m accepting new clients and I look forward to hearing from you!