BRIANNA JARIS, C.PSYCH
Throughout our lives, we all experience thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that we would like to change or improve. The biggest and most important step in this path to self-improvement is a better self-awareness and understanding of who we are. This requires getting to know the not-so-pretty parts of ourselves, which can be easier with a non-judgmental therapist at your side who can help guide you on your path to self-discovery. Sometimes in order to take care of yourself, you risk disappointing other people.
Trauma is something that I have personally experienced in all stages of life; therefore, when deciding what I wanted to do with my life and as a chosen career, it was simple: I wanted to help others like I had been helped. Emotional regulation is something that I am very passionate about and have been helping clients deal with throughout my career. I have worked with various populations including adults, couples, students, and even law enforcement and other emergency services personnel. I have helped many clients learn to manage addictions, and well as learn to self-regulate and cope with intense emotions. I understand critical incidents and the necessity of debriefings, as well as how to deal with stressful and traumatic life events.
Shame is a vicious cycle that many of us experience, even if we don’t realize that’s what it is. Shame can act like quicksand that pulls us in, and can leave us in a deep pit that spirals lower and lower. We can get sucked into the abyss and stay there for hours, days, or even years. The difference between guilt and shame is “I did something bad” vs. “I am a bad person”; and many of us suffer from this cognitive distortion without any real sense of hope for relief. Some of us turn to addictions to cope, others resort to anger and rage, or we can even engage in self-harm behaviors.
Research has shown time and time again that the most important determinant of successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Thus, our working relationship will be crucial to your growth and success in treatment. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for you, while remaining honest and sincere. My treatment approach is based on psychodynamic principles, which looks at how past developmental and relationship experiences may have influenced your current struggles.
I completed my doctoral degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My research focused on understanding cynicism, as well as gender issues, in law enforcement. I served those who served others, conducting pre-hire and fitness-for-duty evaluations, peer support trainings and workshops, as well as critical incident stress debriefings. Since 2010, I have worked in different clinical settings such as outpatient clinics and private practice settings where I provided psychological assessments, as well as individual, couples, and family therapy. I have taught various workshops and trainings on trauma, stress management, peer support, etc. I also have experience using both biofeedback and neurofeedback in treating various disorders and stress. Just prior to coming to CFIR, I was a child victim advocate and coordinated child abuse investigations.
I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a member of both the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” – Earl Nightingale