Lisa Catallo Counselling Services

Courage | Authenticity | Growth

How I work

Trauma-informed approach

Modalities/Trainings

Counselling is a deeply personal experience.
That’s why the approaches I use are flexible and tailored to your personality, your needs, and the way you learn best. I believe the relationship you build with your counsellor is one of the most important parts of meaningful change. When you feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported, it becomes easier to be open and honest about what you're working through—and to stay open to feedback, challenge, and encouragement.

I work collaboratively with you.
If you're anything like me, being told what to do doesn’t always go over well. So, I won’t tell you what you have to do. Instead, I walk alongside you. I stay curious about who you are and what matters to you. My role is to support, encourage, and sometimes challenge you as you move toward the goals you have set for yourself.

What does it mean to be trauma-informed?
Does that mean I’m going to dig up all your past hurts in every session? No, not at all. Being trauma-informed means I recognize that past experiences—especially those that were unexpected or overwhelming—can shape how we move through the world. My role isn’t to rehash those experiences for the sake of it. It’s to help you understand what happened to you, and to offer tools and support so you can navigate what you're facing now with greater confidence and clarity.

It also means I pay attention to what safety and trust look like for you. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for where you’re at. I won’t rush you—and sometimes, I may even gently encourage you to slow down and tune into what you really need.

I see you as the expert on your own life. I’m here to walk alongside you—to support, encourage, and challenge you as you heal, grow, and begin to embrace your whole self. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel more grounded in who you are and in your relationships with others.

If you still have questions about counselling, feel free to click the button below. I’d love to help.

  • This approach is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma or abuse. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) supports the brain in processing painful memories—often without needing to talk through every detail. These therapies can offer relief and resolution in a safe, contained way.

  • This approach explores how your past experiences—especially in early relationships—shape how you think, feel, and behave today. While we don’t need to revisit every childhood memory, understanding your story can help you make sense of patterns and create lasting change in your life now.

  • Based on the research of John and Julie Gottman, this method focuses on building what they call a “Sound Relationship House.” It emphasizes the importance of friendship, emotional connection, and shared meaning as a foundation for navigating conflict and improving communication. It’s a practical, research-based path to building a stronger, more resilient relationship.

  • Developed by Sue Johnson, EFT helps couples identify and express the deeper emotions and attachment needs beneath common conflict triggers. It’s especially powerful for fostering closeness, emotional safety, and secure connection. EFT pairs beautifully with the Gottman Method by addressing not just how you fight, but why.