How We Work Together
Evidence-based, body-centred, and relationally grounded modalities woven together to meet you where you are.
Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Ioana Marcus draws on a rich tapestry of therapeutic traditions — from neuroscience-informed trauma processing to somatic awareness, equine wisdom, and relational depth — to create a path that is uniquely yours.
Each modality below is chosen because it honours the whole person: mind, body, nervous system, and the relationships that shape us. Sessions may weave several approaches together, guided by what feels most alive and useful for you in the moment.
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. Bilateral stimulation — eye movements, tapping, or sound — activates the brain's natural healing capacity, allowing traumatic experiences to be integrated rather than relived.
Often used for
Trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief
Developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, DBR works at the level of the brainstem — the deepest layer of the nervous system — to address shock and relational trauma that pre-dates language. By attending to subtle physical sensations and orienting responses, DBR gently unwinds the earliest layers of distress.
Often used for
Early relational trauma, dissociation, complex PTSD, shock
EquiLateral integrates EMDR trauma processing with the grounding, regulating presence of horses. Horses are exquisitely attuned to human nervous systems and provide real-time biofeedback that deepens the healing process. Sessions take place outdoors in a natural setting — no riding experience required.
Often used for
Trauma, PTSD, somatic dissociation, nervous system dysregulation
Gestalt therapy brings attention to the present moment — what you are experiencing right now in your body, emotions, and relationship with the therapist. Through experiments, dialogue, and creative expression, Gestalt helps you become more aware of patterns that keep you stuck and discover new ways of being.
Often used for
Self-awareness, relationship patterns, life transitions, existential concerns
DBT blends cognitive-behavioural strategies with mindfulness and acceptance to help you build a life worth living. Core skills include distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness — practical tools you can use between sessions.
Often used for
Emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, self-harm, borderline presentations
Our earliest relationships shape how we connect, trust, and regulate emotion throughout life. An attachment lens helps us understand relational patterns, heal wounds from early caregiving experiences, and build the capacity for secure, satisfying relationships — including the therapeutic relationship itself.
Often used for
Relationship difficulties, abandonment fears, intimacy, parenting
Feminist therapy and Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) situate personal struggles within broader social, cultural, and political contexts. Power, privilege, and oppression are named and examined. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and non-hierarchical, honouring your expertise on your own life.
Often used for
Identity, gender, cultural trauma, marginalised experiences, empowerment
Developed by Dr. Rise VanFleet, AAPT integrates the healing presence of animals into child-centred play therapy. Animals offer unconditional acceptance and a unique relational bridge that helps children and adolescents process trauma, build emotional regulation, and develop empathy and connection.
Often used for
Children and adolescents, trauma, attachment, emotional regulation
The body keeps the score. Somatic approaches invite you to slow down and listen to the wisdom held in physical sensations, posture, breath, and movement. By working with the body directly, we can access and release experiences that talk therapy alone cannot always reach.
Often used for
Trauma, chronic stress, dissociation, body image, nervous system healing
"No single modality holds all the answers. Healing happens in the space between — in relationship, in the body, and in the quiet moments of genuine contact."
— Dr. Ioana Marcus, Equibliss Psychotherapy
If you are curious about how these approaches might support your healing, Dr. Marcus would be glad to talk with you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
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