My Approach
I help clients with complex histories deeply understand their own experiences and uncover their natural propensity to heal. Many people have internal conflicts stopping them from moving forward as if they are being pulled in multiple directions. Through intentional conversation, I help people resolve some of that tension so that they can change their behavior more easily. This often involves learning to identify and validate our needs, a skill not always learned growing up. Resolving some of these internal conflicts can lead to a happier more fulfilling life.
Not feeling safe and stable are common experiences for those with a history of overwhelming loss. These can be powerful motivators to try counselling. Things can get better with support. My role as a counsellor is to help people improve their quality of life and realize their potential.
Working with Couples
In therapy, I create a non-judgmental and healing space for clients to realize deep change. The therapeutic space can help couples take responsibility for unhelpful relationship dynamics and work towards healthier behaviours while experiencing more openness. This approach can help couples improve communication, de-escalate arguments and deepen intimacy. I am experienced working with issues of dependency and unhelpful compulsive behaviours, in addition to clinginess, distancing, and conflicting attachment styles. I work from the lens of Relational Life Therapy (level 1) and Internal Family Systems therapy.
Training and Experience
I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals with issues relating to addiction and mental health conditions. I have come to know that the common denominator within the individuals I have worked with is early childhood trauma. Research supports that these early experiences have a far-reaching impact on a person’s health. Understanding this contextual piece can be a huge relief to individuals I work with, realizing that the issues they are dealing with are not their fault. I work from a client-centred perspective and am adaptable in finding what fits. People need to feel comfortable with the counselor they are working with, as this significantly predicts treatment outcomes.
I have extensive experience working with CBT approaches. I have training in Internal Family Systems therapy and use mindfulness and somatic practices, in addition to talk therapy, to help people resolve internal conflicts holding them back. I am receiving training in using EMDR and will integrate this into my practice.
I define addiction broadly, not limited to a particular approach or substance/behavior. I am a certified Complex Trauma Coach and Facilitator, and I help people uncover underlying issues contributing to their behaviour, such as shame, grief, and codependency. I have worked within the Health Authority’s secular medical model, employing techniques from Motivational Interviewing and SMART recovery. These approaches help resolve indecision within different stages of change and examine beliefs contributing to problems. I am well versed in 12-step recovery, which is based on Jungian philosophy.
Realizing a significant turning point in a person’s path can be liberating.
I am completing the final phase of a Master of Counselling at City University Vancouver, with a Bachelor of Psychology from Douglas College. I have always been interested in personal development and not being limited by one’s circumstances but rather finding ways to overcome those influences. I am blessed to have found a profession that utilizes these proclivities. I am naturally competitive, with a background in competitive swimming. Living a healthy life both physically and mentally is very important to me. This explains my leaning towards tangible results in pursuing change within myself and others. That said, navigating inner dynamics is complex, and the progress is not linear. It takes a great deal of courage to face one’s inner struggles and you will come out stronger on the other side. While recovery involves reducing symptoms, it is very much about how a person feels about their life and challenges. I aim to empower clients to live a life within their unique values. I have strong family and community values, a strong belief in justice, and an awareness of my societal privilege.
I have learned the importance of serenity in life, and find this in nature. I find its beauty inspires creative expression. My free time is split between outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, and indoor hobbies such as drawing, painting, and tattooing. I love animals of all kinds and enjoy spending time with my two dogs and sphynx cat.