Areas of Focus:

Relationships and attachment; shame and guilt; anger; anxiety; depression; grief and loss; trauma; ADHD; identity exploration; LGBTQ2SAI+; life transitions.

Primary Therapy Modalities:

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT); Psychodynamic Therapy; Narrative Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Therapeutic Style:

Personable and relational; empathetic and compassionate; direct and active; ethical and professional.

The Clinical Work, Explained:

I provide psychotherapy for individuals and couples. My approach is a personalized blend of therapies tailored to your unique needs, with a specialized focus in emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), psychodynamic theory, narrative therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Guided by an attachment and trauma-informed perspective, I prioritize understanding the impact of relationships and trauma on personal well-being. Additionally, I adopt a strengths-based lens, empowering you to recognize, utilize, and expand your strengths for personal growth.

Therapy with me feels like a genuine conversation—one that is both therapeutic and natural. I bring warmth, directness, compassion, and a touch of humor to our sessions, creating a safe space even amidst the more challenging moments we might navigate together. Actively engaged in our sessions, I listen intently and offer insights stemming from extensive psychotherapy training and a nuanced understanding of psychology. Together, we navigate the complexities of emotions, relationships, and personal identity.

While I aim to provide comfort, I also challenge when necessary. Encouraging personal growth and offering new perspectives are integral parts of our journey together. I use my clinical knowledge and expertise to help you expand your awareness and understanding of yourself and others, make meaningful shifts that lead to improved psychological and emotional well-being, and develop healthier and happier relationships. My commitment is to empower you through this process, fostering expansion and resilience.

I am committed to recognizing and embracing the diverse social identities of my clients, encompassing facets such as race, gender, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, and religion/spirituality. I strive to understand not just how these identities have been assigned or adopted by individuals, but also how they navigate the complexities of the world in relation to these identities.

I attentively observe how my clients' interactions with society shape their beliefs about themselves and the world. I am acutely aware of the profound influence these interactions have on our self-worth and identity. Furthermore, I recognize the intricate interplay between these various social identities, acknowledging the intersectionality that exists and the impact of systemic oppressions on mental health and overall well-being.

My practice is rooted in the understanding that these interconnected social identities and systemic factors significantly impact an individual's psychological landscape. By acknowledging, exploring, and respecting these multifaceted dimensions, I aim to provide a supportive and inclusive space that fosters holistic healing and growth.

Building trust is fundamental. I believe trust is something we build together over time. That's why our initial sessions are about getting to know each other, establishing trust, and defining our goals for therapy. While I maintain a semi-structured approach, I am flexible to what emerges in our sessions. Regular check-ins ensure we are on track towards your goals.

When obstacles arise along the path to achieving your goals, we confront them together, exploring strategies to navigate through them. My attention extends beyond the therapeutic process; I aim to cultivate a strong therapeutic relationship between us. Research consistently underscores the significance of this bond in the success of therapy. Feeling secure with your therapist promotes openness and receptiveness—a cornerstone of our journey together. My hope is to create a safe, nurturing space where we can build that trust and ensure a rewarding therapy experience for you.

In the realm of couple’s therapy, I specialize in guiding couples through the intricate landscapes of relationships, offering support in improving communication, enhancing sex/intimacy, conflict resolution, healing past wounds, fostering empathy, and reshaping/redefining relationships, including conscious uncoupling.

My approach to couples' therapy commences with individual intake sessions, a vital step to comprehensively understand your unique personal histories and how they influence your attachment and relationship dynamics. Following these sessions, we embark on the journey of couple’s work. The initial sessions are devoted to understanding the core issues within the relationship, identifying key elements of the relationship dynamic, and addressing any obstacles that hinder progress and deeper connection.

Together, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of each other, nurturing increased empathy and cultivating a stronger harmony and connection within the relationship. I am dedicated to honoring and supporting diverse partnership structures, affirming and respecting all relationship dynamics.

Credentials:

I received my Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa and have been practicing for 6 years. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am in good standing with both the CRPO and CCPA. As part of my continuing education, and to ensure currency in the field, I frequently engage in professional development activities, including trainings and workshops, consultation and supervision, webinars, and literature and research. I highly value integrity, professionalism, and ethicality in my work, and strive to provide best practice standards to all my clients.

I encourage you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation—a chance for us to connect and determine our compatibility. Your comfort and growth are paramount, and I am excited to join you on this transformative journey.

Get to Know Me:

I am deeply passionate about psychotherapy. My journey in this field has been driven by a consolidated love for helping clients navigate their stories and embrace their humanity in profound ways.

In my practice, I aim to be more than a guide; I strive to be an active and supportive agent that accompanies clients on their journey toward greater satisfaction and enhanced well-being. I find immense meaning in walking alongside clients as they uncover new, enriching ways of being and achieve personal growth.

I see myself as charismatic, personable, and someone who loves connecting with others. I am genuinely interested in hearing others’ stories, and I am naturally curious and nonjudgmental. When you are with me, I want you to feel like you are in a safe and welcoming space. Drawing on my perceptiveness, I like to delve beyond surface emotions, understanding underlying emotions, beliefs, and attachment tendencies. By attuning to this undercurrent, I am better able to help my clients and address their concerns.

Before becoming a therapist, I was involved in psychological research for 10+ years. This experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the intricate layers of human functioning and behaviour, and a nuanced understanding of the interplay between psychology, biology, and sociology.

I began my journey in psychotherapy by working in community agencies, where I had the chance to work with a wide range of people dealing with various mental health issues. My time at walk-in counseling clinics was especially fulfilling. Through these experiences, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and developed advanced therapy skills, giving me a deep understanding of a broad spectrum of clinical issues.

My decision to establish my own practice was driven by a vision: to offer attentive, dedicated, and high-quality therapeutic care. My goal is to create a community of passionate practitioners dedicated to enhancing lives, fostering well-being, and nurturing healthier relationships. I aspire to make a meaningful impact and become a cornerstone in the community, recognized for our exceptional therapy.