How therapy works at Gentle Pathways
Our Approach to Healing
Good therapy begins with a relationship where you feel heard and can help shape the work. Together, we consider your goals, your pace, and approaches that may be useful for your circumstances.
- Paulina Dysko, MSW, RSW
- In person in London or virtually across Ontario
- Individualized, evidence-informed care
You can start without choosing a method
Some people want help with a current concern. Others are curious about deeper processing. Both are valid starting points.
- Your goals may involve steadiness, connection, understanding, or change.
- Emotional, relational, and physical stress responses can interact.
- A sense of trust and choice matters throughout the work.
Approaches are tools, not requirements
EMDR is a structured therapy with established evidence for PTSD. Deep Brain Reorienting attends to orienting and shock responses; its research base is still developing. Somatic and nervous-system-informed work can include noticing body cues and exploring ways to feel steadier. Trauma Therapy is a broader service that may draw on different methods. None is right for everyone, and not everyone needs trauma processing.
Care shaped around you
Paulina’s work is relational, collaborative, whole-person, and evidence-informed. She draws on her experience as a registered social worker, child-protection professional, and psychotherapist. Goals and pace are discussed together, with room to revise the plan.
What to expect
Begin with your story
The first appointment explores what brings you in and what you want help with.
Agree on priorities
You and Paulina can identify goals, supports, and a manageable pace.
Review therapy options
If useful, discuss EMDR, DBR, trauma therapy, or nervous-system-informed strategies with their benefits and limits.
Common questions
Is EMDR the same as DBR?
No. EMDR is a structured approach used for processing memories and has established evidence for PTSD. DBR is a newer approach focused on orienting and shock responses, with a developing research base.
Will I need to process trauma?
No. Therapy can focus on present-day concerns and practical goals; deeper processing is considered only when appropriate.
Can I change direction during therapy?
Yes. Goals and methods can be reviewed together as your needs become clearer.
Does therapy include body awareness?
It may, when useful and welcome, through noticing stress responses and exploring ways to feel steadier.
Start with a conversation
You do not need to choose the right therapy method before booking. Bring your questions and decide what fits together.