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I believe in creating space for people to share their story. I have a warm, gentle approach and think that a large part of healing comes from exploring and processing experiences in a safe place. I like to help people grow and gain insight through supporting them to unravel life experiences in a validating and contained environment so that they can better understand the impact of their experiences, strengthen skills to manage related thoughts and emotions, and recreate stories and beliefs that are no longer helping them. I draw from a sound base of theories, and I relate from a heart-centred and compassionate place.
I have a Master of Counselling with a specialization in Counselling Psychology and have worked as a counsellor and social worker for several years. I have worked in the field of addictions, youth work, and family support and intervention having graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2002 . I also have specialized training in addictions including an Addiction Studies Extension Certificate. Additionally, I have completed several graduate level courses in art therapy and am completing additional training in play therapy.
I have special interest in neurodiversity, addictions, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues, and mental health including but not limited to anxiety and depression. I work with individuals (adults, children, and adolescents), as well as couples and families.
Using a strengths and empowerment perspective, I actively support clients to recognize their inner and outer resources and to foster self-compassion. I use an eclectic approach which is tailored to clients’ needs and grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also use art- and play-based approaches, particularly in my work with children, youth and families. Primarily, I want people to feel supported and hopeful in their healing journeys.
Have you, or anyone close to you, had to overcome any trauma, or mental health challenge?
This questions brings to mind a number of people in my life who have overcome challenges and/or continue to work on overcoming challenges. I am in awe of their strength and courage, as well as their commitment to taking care of themselves, reaching out for support, expressing their needs, and making decisions every day to support their wellbeing and mental health. I have much love and respect for them.
What is your favourite quote?
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things.” – Mary Oliver from the poem Wild Geese
For me, this part of the poem speaks to our innate need for connection, belonging, grounding, and meaning and how each of us can each find those things in different places.
Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute- Green Stream- Foundations of Play Therapy Certificate
Introduction to Play Therapy, Institute of Child Psychology
Introduction to AutPlay Therapy, taught by Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina
Trauma-Informed Care, Alberta Health Services
Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment and Management, Alberta Health Services
Grief Therapy as Meaning Construction: Creative Practices for Counselling the Bereaved, Presented by Robert Neimeyer, PhD
Indigenous Awareness & Sensitivity, Alberta Health Services
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, Kaizen Solutions
Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 1, The Gottman Institute
Clash of the Sex Drives: Helping Couples Resolve Mismatched Desire, The Buehler Institute
Developmental Pathway of Addiction and Mental Health- Motivational Interviewing & Stages of Change Model, Alberta Health Services
Motivational Interviewing Certificate- Level 1, Kerr Creative
Master of Counselling, Athabasca University
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba
Addiction Studies Extension Certificate, Mount Royal University
Registered Psychologist
College of Alberta Psychologists
Canadian Association for Play Therapy- General Member
Anxiety, Depression, Family Therapy, Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues, Couples Therapy, Stress Management, Children's Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Self-Esteem Issues, Childhood Development Issues, Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues, Child & Youth Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy
Adolescent and Teen Issues, Aging Parents, Anger Management, Changes in Health, Childhood Development Issues, Emotional Regulation, Food or Eating Issues, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief and Loss, Parenting Issues & Support, Problem Gambling, Problem Internet/Gaming in Children & Youth, Self-Esteem Issues, Seniors and the Elderly Issues, Trauma, Workplace Stress, Children's Mental Health, Child & Youth Anxiety, Child & Youth Depression, Teen's Mental Health, Compassion Fatigue, Children 3 to 5 Years, Children 6 to 9 Years, Children & Youth 10 to 12 Years, Suicidal Thoughts, Learning Disorders, Divorce or Separation, Communication Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Issues, Becoming a Parent or the Addition of Children, Impulsivity in Children, Men's Mental Health, Parenting LGBTQ+ Youth
