Tom Foster

TOM FOSTER, MSW, RSW:

Tom has been a therapist for over 40 years and has experience working with clients facing a wide range of concerns. Tom has worked extensively with issues related to sexuality, relationship conflict (and growth), as well as dispute resolution. Tom focuses on applying interest-based principles to working with couples and families in dispute. He is particularly effective in helping clients manage the strong emotions that can play a significant role in achieving a constructive outcome. Tom also applies mindfulness approaches to helping clients deal with anxiety and depression.

PHILOSOPHY:

Gaining a perspective on what it is we are being challenged by is key; however, stepping back and getting wise to the problem can seem almost impossible. With perspective we can develop more effective strategies for meeting individual goals. There are many different means to gaining the perspective we need to thrive. Counselling is one way. I believe:

• therapy can only occur when the client feels respected;
• therapy is talking about things we don’t ordinarily talk about, or talking about the things we do talk about in a different kind of way;
• safety and risk are different sides of the same coin; in therapy we need to create safety in order to take risk;
• individuals, couples, and families can benefit greatly by learning about and employing constructive dispute resolution strategies;
• when we become polarized with either a problem or another person we often develop beliefs about the problem or the other person that fail to take into account the full range of interests;
• learning to quiet the internal dialogue is fundamental to hearing the fuller voice of ourselves;
• being aware of the messages that our body gives us is the first step in emotional savvy.