Screenshot 2025-09-30 153807.png

My Approach

My approach combines neuroscience, evidence-based therapies, and actionable tools so you can learn practical strategies and apply them in daily life.

Modalities I am trained in and use:

  • Neuropsychotherapy combines neuroscience and psychology to help you understand how your brain and body process stress, emotions, and patterns. By learning how the nervous system shapes reactions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and emotional overwhelm, using a neurobiological lens to therapy provides insight into why these responses happen—and how to work with your brain and body to change them. This makes strategies for self-management feel more implementable and sustainable.

  • This approach is future-focused and practical. Instead of spending sessions talking about problems, we will build awareness of them, identify your strengths and figure out small, doable steps that help you move in the direction you want to go.

  • CBT looks at how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are connected. By identifying unhelpful patterns land learning how to address them with various strategies, you can reduce distress and feel more in control of your responses.

  • ACT teaches skills for handling difficult emotions without getting stuck in them. By clarifying what matters most to you, it helps you find meaningful ways to live in alignment with your values—no matter how pain, injuries, illness, or other conditions may be affecting your physical capacity.

  • I integrate somatic-informed elements within my broader therapeutic work, using body awareness and interoceptive practices (noticing internal sensations in the body) to support clients in recognizing their physiological states and strengthening self-regulation skills.

  • Mindfulness practices increase awareness of thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment. This can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and help you be more effective with self-management.

  • EFT helps you understand and process emotions in a safe, structured way. By learning how to recognize and work through emotional experiences, you can create deeper connection with yourself and others. Learning our attachment styles can inform us on our interpersonal patterns and what we can do about them.

A person's hand holding a glowing digital illustration of a brain against a sunset sky.

Many of the individuals I see are dealing with some combination of these challenges:

  • Burnout, work stress, or emotional exhaustion

  • Stress (acute, day-to-day, chronic)

  • Anxiety, worry, or racing thoughts

  • Depression, low mood, or feeling stuck

  • Difficulties with focus, motivation, or follow-through

  • Emotional dysregulation — feeling overwhelmed or reactive

  • Navigating life transitions or major changes (career, injuries/health conditions, relationships, retirement from sport or work)

  • Overthinking and getting stuck in your head

A stylized illustration combining a human head silhouette with a brain and leafy plant elements, symbolizing the connection between nature and mental health or growth.
  • Trauma and unresolved survival responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn)

  • Chronic pain, illness, or injury affecting daily life

  • Athletes or high performers facing injury, burnout, or identity shifts

  • Optimizing performance and resilience — wanting to improve day-to-day quality of life

  • Interpersonal challenges (conflict, communication difficulties, feeling lonely)

  • Fatigue, sleep issues

  • Perfectionism and self-criticism

  • Grief or loss

Illustration of a plant with leaves and a human brain outline, set against a background of abstract yellow and orange shapes.

Helping people understand their brain so they can work with it, not against it.

My Approach, Session To Session

Starting therapy can feel uncertain, here’s what working together will look like:

    • Starting therapy can feel a little awkward — and that’s completely normal. Our first session is simply a chance to talk, understand what’s been going on, and see if we’re a good fit (no couch or clipboards here). We’ll look at what brought you in, what you’d like to change, and what “better” could mean for you.

      I’ll walk you through how therapy works, what to expect, and review confidentiality so you feel informed. We’ll also cover practical details like session frequency, rates, and insurance options if relevant. There’s no need to share everything or have a clear plan - we’ll create one together. The purpose of this session is to start building understanding of what’s going on, outline next steps, and see whether this feels like the right fit.

    • Session lengths:

      Sessions are available in 30, 40, 50, or 80-minute formats — depending on your needs, goals, and energy levels. Shorter sessions can work well for check-ins or skill-building, while longer ones allow time to dive deeper, integrate tools, or process more complex themes.

    • Personalized focus:

      Every session is shaped around you — your goals, learning style, and what’s most relevant that day. Some people prefer a structured plan; others need space to reflect or troubleshoot what’s coming up in real time. We’ll find the balance that works best for you.

    • Action beyond the session:

      Real change happens between sessions. I often share strategies, worksheets, content, or small experiments to try in daily life, as ways to help your brain and body practice doing things differently and notice what works. My aim is to make each session feel practical and to offer tools you can integrate when it feels right.

    • Flexible structure:

      Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. As your needs evolve, so does the plan. Some weeks may focus on skill-building or psychoeducation; other weeks might be about regulation, reflection, or problem-solving. We’ll keep adjusting the pace and direction so the process stays relevant and effective.

A stylized logo featuring a lotus flower with a brain in the center, accompanied by the text 'Anne-Marie Sylvester Counseling' in brown and orange colors.

Booking is simple through my scheduling page. Just create a profile, view my availability, and choose either a consultation or first appointment.

Book Now

Bridging brain, body, and being.