Kati Dobrei Psychotherapy- Therapy Approach

My Approach to Therapy

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You don’t need to come to therapy knowing exactly what you want to talk about, having the “right” words, or even knowing where to start. Therapy isn’t performative, you just have to show up as you are. We can figure out the rest together.

Evidence-based, but human first.

I believe good therapy is grounded in research, but it should never feel like following a one-size-fits-all formula. And above all else, it should always be safe, human, and non-judgmental. Therapy itself is relational, and the research tells us that a trusting and real relationship between client and therapist shapes the vessel for change. My approach is client-centred, meaning it is completely individualized to each unique person. I draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor how we work together based on who you are, what you’re experiencing, and what your goals are.

Sometimes knowing why isn’t enough.

As a fellow intellectualizer, I know there can be comfort in understanding yourself. Maybe you’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, learned the terminology, and can explain exactly why you do what you do. And yet, somehow, you still find yourself caught in the same patterns.

Insight matters, but sometimes we need to move beyond understanding something to actually experiencing something differently.

That’s why my work often bridges cognitive, experiential, and somatic work.

A space for both compassion and growth.

Therapy with me is warm, curious, compassionate, and collaborative. I want therapy to feel like a place where you can exhale a little and let your nervous system ease, somewhere you don’t have to edit yourself or have everything together. I’ll also notice and point out patterns, ask the questions that invite you to look a little deeper, and redirect you if I feel we've veered off track. I believe therapy can hold compassion and accountability at the same time: enough safety to meet you where you are, and enough honesty to help you move toward where you want to be.

Therapeutic Modalities

Eye Movement Desensitiztion and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps you process difficult or distressing experiences that may still be shaping how you feel, think, or respond today. Using bilateral stimulation, we work with memories and beliefs so they can feel less emotionally charged and have less influence over the present.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Eye Movement Desensitiztion and Reprocessing (EMDR)

CBT explores the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies to shift unhelpful thinking and create meaningful changes in how you respond.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Eye Movement Desensitiztion and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than avoiding or suppressing them. We focus on increasing psychological flexibility and helping you take meaningful action toward the life and relationships that matter to you.

Schema Therapy

Somatic Interventions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Schema therapy explores deeper patterns and beliefs that often develop through early experiences and relationships. By understanding where these patterns come from and how they show up today, we can begin creating new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Somatic Interventions

Sometimes stress and emotion show up in the body before we have words for them. Somatic interventions bring gentle attention to sensations, movement, breath, and nervous system responses to build body awareness, regulation, and a greater sense of safety and connection.

Parts-based Work

Somatic Interventions

We all have different “parts” of ourselves that can hold different needs, fears, beliefs, or ways of coping. Parts-based work helps you approach these experiences with curiosity and compassion, understand what they may be protecting you from, and create more choice in how you respond.