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Wounded Child Therapy (EFT)

From the perspective of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the “wounded child” approach is a significant therapeutic strategy that focuses on understanding and healing the emotional traumas and wounds that individuals carry from their childhood. EFT, developed by Dr. Susan Johnson and Leslie Greenberg in the 1980s, is rooted in attachment theory and emphasizes the importance of secure emotional connections (Johnson, 2004). The approach recognizes that childhood wounds, often stemming from unmet emotional needs or traumatic experiences, can profoundly affect adult relationships and emotional health. Adults carrying wounded child aspects may exhibit increased emotional reactivity, misinterpretations of partners’ actions as indicative of abandonment or rejection, and employ maladaptive coping mechanisms such as withdrawal or aggression. EFT aims to identify and transform these negative interaction cycles, recognizing them as manifestations of deeper vulnerabilities and fears stemming from past wounds (Johnson, 2004).

Utilizing the wounded child approach in therapy with clients is essential for several deeply interwoven reasons, all of which contribute to the overarching goal of fostering emotional healing and healthier relationships. This therapeutic technique, grounded in the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment theory, addresses the core emotional traumas and wounds from childhood that significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being and relational dynamics in adulthood.

I have found this approach to be very healing and deeply transformative. This deep emotional processing can lead to significant breakthroughs in healing. 

Reach out to me if you would like to know more about The Wounded Child therapy approach. 

Kindly

Mego Nerses

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About MEGO NERSES

I am an Ottawa-based Registered Psychotherapist and have a full-time private practice. In the past, I worked in social service agencies for many years. I offer individual, relationship, and sex therapy in English, Arabic, and Armenian to adults 18+, and I do not work with minors.

In 2011, I earned a master’s degree in Counselling from the University of Ottawa. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (CRPO#001132) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. In addition, I am a Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA#3058). My clinical training focuses on relationship and sex therapy and trauma/PTSD. Since 2013, I have been at Algonquin College as a seasonal professor, teaching courses in mental health and addiction.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed articles and contribute chapters concerning Counselling, coming out, and trauma related explicitly to LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers to Canada. I have presented numerous workshops and continue to offer trainings nationally and internationally on the mental health of LGBTQI+ and SOGIE refugees and asylum seekers.

 

Professional Work

Early in my professional career, I specialized in individual therapy and served clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Since then, I have taken my clinical work to a higher level and gained more experience in four areas: PTSD and Trauma, Sexuality and Gender Identity, Sex and Relationship Therapy, and Refugee mental health issues. I have received various trainings in these areas since choosing to specialize. As an example, I received training from Division 56, Trauma Psychology, Physicians for Human Rights, and the Global Institute of Forensic Research in writing immigration evaluations for immigration courts. Furthermore, I have completed multiple trainings in trauma/PTSD therapy and relationship therapy (Poly. Kink). I have participated in numerous training opportunities in the field of sex therapy, sexuality, and gender identity. 

I am a LGBTQI+/poly/kink/CNM supportive and informed therapist.

Therapeutic approaches
In addition to Narrative Exposure Therapy for PTSD (NET), I have also been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Experiential Therapy and Focusing. I integrate social justice and rights-based principles into my work as a trauma-informed therapist.

Awards
In recognition of my dedication to helping LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Canada, I received the 2017 Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

AffiliationsI have an international affiliate membership with Division 56, Trauma Psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Global Institute of Forensic Research.

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