Vistara has been working in the field of self-development and human transformation for over 30 years and has been practicing as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta for 12 years.  Since joining NewLeaf Counselling, she has also been practicing as a play therapist, working with children and teens in New Leaf’s Barrhead office. She is a member of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy, the Association for Play Therapy (International), and the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta.

 

Vistara's approach centres on the uniqueness of each person; each person’s particular struggles and the history that shaped them.  She loves creating and collaborating with her clients (and with the families she sees). Vistara will decide together with family members on the focus of therapy, and she uses whatever therapeutic tools are the right fit to support their well-being. She has worked in a wide range of environments with a very diverse set of clients, ages, and backgrounds so she brings all that experience to her sessions; always finding new ways to support people through their challenges and in creating a better future.

 

 

Play Therapy

 

Vistara says:  "When I grew up in BC with my siblings, we played and played (and played!). Indoors and outdoors, playing took up most of our day. Play was how we explored our world, how we learned to build social connection and develop social understanding, how we developed mastery; ‘being good at things’ and built confidence; how we took risks, made mistakes, learned how to get through difficulties, and problem-solved.  Play was how we explored what made us feel scared and what made us feel safe and would help us to calm down and find happiness when we were upset.   Play is how we learned to take care of ourselves and to take care of others, where we experimented with ‘good’ and ‘bad’, invented, created, imagined all of life’s possibilities, and made meaning of our world."

 

“Play is the highest form of research.” (Albert Einstein)

 

While we know all mammals play (picture baby goats or baby cubs rolling around with their young counterparts and making us laugh), we are often not aware of how important play is to human development and forms the building blocks of flexibility, resilience, and higher cognitive and emotional function.  Especially in our screen-based world, a play-based childhood is even more essential for balance and a positive sense of self.   In the words of one of the founders of child-centred play therapy; 

 

“ In play therapy, toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language.” ( Landreth) 

 

Vistara is trained in EMDR (Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Jungian Sandplay for children & adults, Play Therapy, Family systems & Constellation, Expressive arts therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Voice dialogue, Gestalt, Breathwork, Mindfulness meditation, and Yoga, 

 

 

Vistara supports people going through:

 

Stressful periods of life

Interpersonal & Relationship issues

Grief & loss

Integrating life events including trauma

Depression & low self-expression. 

Anxiety & unhelpful mental patterns

Issues of self-worth 

Steps to sobriety 

Exploring purpose & meaning in life 

 

She supports families and children/teens with:

 

Acting out behaviours

Anxiety & ADHD

Family & relationships (including sibling rivalry)

Parent Guidance & coaching

Divorce/Separation

Grief & Loss

Self-injury

Trauma

Self-esteem & self-confidence

 

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” 

Pablo Picasso