What is ISTDP?

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people identify and overcome the emotional barriers that contribute to psychological distress. Rather than focusing solely on discussing problems, ISTDP helps clients understand what is happening beneath the surface and develop a greater capacity to experience and process emotions safely.

Research has shown that ISTDP can be effective for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, and certain stress-related physical symptoms.

How is ISTDP Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?

ISTDP is an active and collaborative form of therapy. Together, we focus on specific examples from your daily life and explore the patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties.

Throughout the process, I help you notice the thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses that may be keeping you stuck. By understanding these patterns and working through them in a safe and supportive environment, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

What Can ISTDP Help With?

ISTDP may be helpful for people experiencing:

• Anxiety and chronic worry
• Depression and low mood
• Relationship difficulties
• Emotional numbness or disconnection
• Stress-related physical symptoms
• Low self-esteem
• Repetitive life patterns that feel difficult to change
• Trauma and unresolved emotional experiences

What Will My First Therapy Session Be Like?

Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions. You may feel hopeful, nervous, relieved, uncertain, or all of these at the same time.

One of the most common questions people ask before booking is:

“What actually happens in the first session?”

The answer may be a little different than you expect.

Many people assume therapy begins with telling their entire life story. While understanding your history is important, I often begin somewhere else: with the problems you are facing today.

What is happening in your life that brought you here? What patterns keep repeating? What would you like to be different?

Understanding these questions helps us determine not only what is wrong, but what may be keeping the problem going.

Therapy Is More Than Talking About Problems

Many therapies focus primarily on discussing events, learning coping skills, or finding solutions to current difficulties.

Those approaches can be very helpful.

My approach also pays attention to something else: what is happening inside of you as we talk.

Together, we may explore:

• Emotions that arise in the moment
• Patterns that show up in relationships
• How anxiety affects your body
• Ways you protect yourself from difficult feelings
• Internal conflicts that may be keeping you stuck

My role is active, collaborative, and curious. I ask questions, offer observations, and help you notice patterns that may be difficult to see on your own.

What If I Become Overwhelmed?

This is one of the most common concerns people have about therapy.

The goal is never to overwhelm, flood, or retraumatize you.

Instead, therapy involves helping you gradually build the capacity to experience emotions safely while remaining grounded and connected.

I pay close attention to anxiety and emotional intensity throughout the session. We work at a pace that matches your nervous system’s ability to process difficult experiences.

Why Do Therapists Ask About Emotions?

Many people are used to explaining situations intellectually.

They can tell you exactly what happened.

What is often harder is answering questions like:

• What are you feeling right now?
• What happens in your body when that occurs?
• How do you feel toward that person?
• What happens when those feelings arise?

These questions are not designed to put you on the spot. They help us understand the emotional processes that influence your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships.

Understanding Protective Patterns

All of us develop ways of protecting ourselves from emotional pain.

You may notice yourself:

• Overthinking
• People pleasing
• Becoming highly logical
• Avoiding conflict
• Criticizing yourself
• Shutting down emotionally
• Changing the subject
• Withdrawing from others

These patterns often develop for good reasons. At some point in life, they helped us cope.

The problem is that strategies that once protected us can sometimes become obstacles that keep us stuck.

Rather than judging these patterns, we become curious about them.

Together, we explore why they developed, how they helped, and whether they are still serving you today.

What If I Cry?

You might.

Or you might not.

People respond to therapy in many different ways.

Some people cry.

Some become quiet.

Some feel anxious.

Some feel relief.

Some are surprised by emotions they did not realize were there.

All of these responses are welcome.

They are not signs that something is wrong. They are simply information that can help us better understand your experience.

There Is No Right Way to Do Therapy

You do not need to have the perfect words.

You do not need to know exactly why you are struggling.

You do not need to be highly emotional.

You do not need to be “good” at therapy.

You only need a willingness to be curious about yourself and your experiences.

The Goal of the First Session

The first session is not about being judged, diagnosed, or analyzed.

It is an opportunity for us to begin understanding the patterns that are shaping your life, explore what you would like to change, and determine whether working together feels like a good fit.

My goal is to help you better understand yourself, respond to life’s challenges in ways that feel authentic to you, and become more fully the person you want to be.

If you are curious about whether ISTDP may be a good fit for you, Dr. Adam would be happy to discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have.

Hours

9:30am-4pm Monday
3pm-9pm Tuesday
9am-2:30pm Wednesday
9am-4pm Thursday
9am-4pm Friday

Insurance

Psychological services are not covered by provincial health insurance but may be covered by some private insurance plans. Clients with such insurance may be able to be reimbursed for some of the costs of psychological services. Clients are responsible for checking and understanding the details of their own policy to insure the limits of their coverage. I do not direct bill insurance companies, but issue a receipt for psychological services that clients may submit for reimbursement. Please note that some insurance companies require a physician’s referral to reimburse psychological services. Check out our FAQ page for more detail on what to ask your insurer.

Qualifications & Affiliations

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology (Child Clinical subspecialty), University of Windsor, 2011
Master Degree Clinical Psychology, University of Windsor, 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Honours, Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2004
Registered Psychologist with Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, R0740, 2013