Campbell Barnes Counselling Services
Healing occurs in the warmth of a caring other. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey to discover your authentic self within a safe, nonjudgmental space where your feelings are valued and heard. Using a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, I specialize in addressing trauma, addiction, and emotional and relational challenges. Together, we will explore the roots of self-defeating thoughts and behaviours, empowering you to find new pathways to a vibrant and fulfilling life while embracing a more genuine self. I am honoured to join you on this journey.
Individual Counselling
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Counselling Approach
Often, it is the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self
Change is hard. Reaching out for help is often even harder. Yet, many of us have faced that moment when the familiar is no longer an option, and a glimmer of hope for something different begins to emerge. I want to honour that hope and understand not only your challenges but also your strengths. My goal is to get to know you and learn about your past, present, and future dreams. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Understanding your individual needs in counselling is essential for effectively supporting your goals.
Consider these questions: Do you enjoy homework, or would you prefer not to have it? Do you favour a more directive or non-directive approach? What are your cultural needs and preferences? What are your strengths? What has worked in the past? Reflecting on and discussing these questions will help us tailor the counselling experience that suits you best. By thoughtfully combining various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, polyvagal theory, talk therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we can work together to achieve your treatment goals.
Understanding your individual needs in counselling is essential for effectively supporting your goals.
Consider these questions: Do you enjoy homework, or would you prefer not to have it? Do you favour a more directive or non-directive approach? What are your cultural needs and preferences? What are your strengths? What has worked in the past? Reflecting on and discussing these questions will help us tailor the counselling experience that suits you best. By thoughtfully combining various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, polyvagal theory, talk therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we can work together to achieve your treatment goals.
Trauma-Informed Care & Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a compassionate, evidence-based therapy that assists individuals in healing from traumatic memories. By utilizing guided eye movements, clients can process painful experiences and find relief from conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. The therapy starts with building resources and stabilization to create a safe environment for deeper work. For most individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma (CPTSD), stabilizing the nervous system is the first step. This helps them feel safe in the present and enables them to engage in EMDR processing.
A traumatized brain continuously checks for signs of danger, reacting defensively even when there is no actual threat. Our nervous system has three key states: 1) Social/Safe (Calm), 2) Fight-or-Flight (Mobilized), and 3) Shutdown (Immobilized). Trauma can cause the nervous system to become "stuck" in a survival-response cycle, oscillating between the Fight-Flight and Shutdown states.
Drawing on concepts such as co-regulation, which emphasizes the need for connections with others to manage emotions effectively, the therapeutic relationship provides a calming presence. This can help your nervous system feel safe enough to create positive change. Supporting a stable nervous system ensures your safety, which is our top priority throughout this journey and is critical for effective memory processing. Incorporating polyvagal theory and practices is a highly effective way to support the stabilization phase and prepare for processing.
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory reminds us to go beyond merely discussing past experiences; it focuses on connecting with your body in the present to build greater resilience to stress. You will learn to identify what triggers your stress and use specific tools to help you calm down more quickly. Polyvagal therapy teaches you about your nervous system, helping you transition from feelings of fear, anxiety, or shutdown to a state of safety and connection known as the “ventral vagal” state. This method emphasizes recognizing your body’s signals (known as neuroception) and using techniques such as breathwork, body awareness, and grounding to regulate your emotions, build resilience, and heal from trauma by calming the vagus nerve.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a compassionate, evidence-based therapy that assists individuals in healing from traumatic memories. By utilizing guided eye movements, clients can process painful experiences and find relief from conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disorders. The therapy starts with building resources and stabilization to create a safe environment for deeper work. For most individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma (CPTSD), stabilizing the nervous system is the first step. This helps them feel safe in the present and enables them to engage in EMDR processing.
A traumatized brain continuously checks for signs of danger, reacting defensively even when there is no actual threat. Our nervous system has three key states: 1) Social/Safe (Calm), 2) Fight-or-Flight (Mobilized), and 3) Shutdown (Immobilized). Trauma can cause the nervous system to become "stuck" in a survival-response cycle, oscillating between the Fight-Flight and Shutdown states.
Drawing on concepts such as co-regulation, which emphasizes the need for connections with others to manage emotions effectively, the therapeutic relationship provides a calming presence. This can help your nervous system feel safe enough to create positive change. Supporting a stable nervous system ensures your safety, which is our top priority throughout this journey and is critical for effective memory processing. Incorporating polyvagal theory and practices is a highly effective way to support the stabilization phase and prepare for processing.
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory reminds us to go beyond merely discussing past experiences; it focuses on connecting with your body in the present to build greater resilience to stress. You will learn to identify what triggers your stress and use specific tools to help you calm down more quickly. Polyvagal therapy teaches you about your nervous system, helping you transition from feelings of fear, anxiety, or shutdown to a state of safety and connection known as the “ventral vagal” state. This method emphasizes recognizing your body’s signals (known as neuroception) and using techniques such as breathwork, body awareness, and grounding to regulate your emotions, build resilience, and heal from trauma by calming the vagus nerve.
For more information on these approaches:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Polyvagal Theory & the Safe and Sound Intervention
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Article from Psychology Today
Attachment Article from Psychology Today
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Polyvagal Theory & the Safe and Sound Intervention
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Article from Psychology Today
Attachment Article from Psychology Today