Jason Bauche
Registered Psychologist, MSc
Services Offered: Counselling and Career Assessment
Client Focus: Teens (14+) and adults (individuals and couples)
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Techniques, Gottman Therapy (with couples)
How would you explain your style and approach to therapy when working with clients?
I use CBT, ACT, solution-focused, narrative, and Gottman techniques to support clients [adults (couples and individuals) and teens (14+)] to bring about changes that will make their lives richer, more fulfilling, and more meaningful. Though I have a varied background and use techniques that are effective for all kinds of concerns, my approach is especially suited to clients experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and other life transitions.
I use trauma-informed practices to build a foundation of trust, safety, and support from which potential can grow, clients’ strengths can be identified, and skills can be built to navigate life’s challenges. My approach to therapy begins with sessions focused on understanding the issues from the client’s perspective. From there, I support clients to develop therapy goals that are meaningful and important to them. Although there are many techniques within the approaches I use, therapy with me won’t feel like something is being done “to” you. It will feel like we are doing something together. As well, I consider counselling to be a form of learning. My experience (and psychological research) tells me that the more active clients are in this process of learning (e.g., trying things out between sessions, participating actively in conversations), the better the results.
I think my work as a psychologist is sort of like being a dynamic mirror. At the beginning of therapy, I work to build an understanding of my clients and reflect back a picture of what they see. Once the client feels that what I’ve reflected of their present and past is accurate, I work to shift the angle of the mirror, showing them perspectives of themselves and the world that they haven’t seen before. It’s in those spaces where a different future becomes possible.
What training and expertise do you bring to your sessions?
I have nearly 20 years of experience as a Registered Psychologist. I completed my Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) at the University of Calgary in 2002. I continued at the University of Calgary where I finished a Master of Science degree (Counselling Psychology) in 2004. I gained experience working in the Addiction and Mental Health field before starting at Eckert Centre in 2006. During my initial time at Eckert Centre, I conducted psychoeducational and career assessments. I also gained experience supporting learning skills of children and teens through academic counselling. For the last 13 years, I have worked in the post-secondary sector where I have honed therapy and career assessment skills in support of the social, emotional, educational, and vocational success of young adults.
Outside of your therapist role, what are some ways in which you express your uniqueness as a person?
I follow tennis so closely it might be considered a bit obsessive. Although my body is telling me to play less and make the transition to pickle ball, I haven’t quite done that yet. I also like to think of myself as a decent cook and I love to try out new restaurants with my partner of 27 years. We’re also a bit obsessed with our dog – a Shiba Inu, named Shin Yu (best friend in Japanese).
Although he was an imperfect man, I’m inspired by many quotes from Winston Churchill. One that I think relates very well to the work I do as a psychologist is: “if you’re going through hell, keep going.” I think this captures that change and growth is largely about persistence, and even when things seem bleak, it’s not the end of the journey – keep going.