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My Background:

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Laurentian University and am currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I am a Student Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and am qualified to practice onsite under the clinical supervision of an approved Practicum Site Supervisor. I provide individual counselling through online health services to those experiencing various challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, seasonal affective symptoms, premenstrual dysphoria symptoms, loneliness, life transitions, cultural and relationship challenges, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and chronic pain.

My Approach and Philosophy:

I value creating a safe and supportive space for my clients by building a trusting, open and non-hierarchical relationship founded on the deeper connection developed through our shared humanity. We are all in this together.

Suffering is part of the human condition, but when we attempt to avoid or suppress our natural emotions, we tend to create additional challenges and pain in our lives. Rather than trying to resolve difficult thoughts and emotions, I help my clients develop a different relationship with these internal experiences, so they can move forward in their journey with meaning and purpose.

My practice is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an empirically supported, action-oriented approach that combines mindfulness and behavioural therapy. I am committed to creating a culturally safe space for each client by providing culturally relevant and sensitive care. Exploring identity, intersectionality, and social location in relation to the client’s presenting concerns and overall wellness is another important component of my therapeutic approach.

I am here to help you navigate through the storms and to empower you to boldly live the life that you are meant to live.

My Background: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Laurentian Univer... Read More

My Background

Hi! I am a counsellor-in-training, soon to be completing a Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP) with Yorkville University. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts, with a special focus on Psychology, and Gender and Women’s studies.

I have a passion for helping individuals where they are, and find a collaborative way to support and enhance client well-being. Outside of therapy, I enjoy moving my body in joyful ways. I have previously worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities, eating disorders, as well acquired and traumatic brain injury.

Through my self-discovery, I have found solace in exploring sexuality, and gender, and breaking many societal norms. We are always evolving, and I hope to use my own experience to help clients along their individual journey!

My Approach and Philosophy

My counselling has a client-centred focus and is informed by multiple modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, and Existential Therapy. Although these are at the forefront of my counselling approach, I enjoy entering a therapeutic relationship with an eclectic therapy approach, to best find what works for the individual. We are all such unique beings, and our therapy should be too.

In addition, I am also working towards becoming a certified EMDR clinician. Presently, I am a EMDR informed counsellor-in-training, and look forward to utilizing these skills.

I have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, body image struggles, eating disorders, sexual trauma, PTSD, drug and alcohol misuse, and sexuality and identity challenges. I look forward to helping empower individuals, and to dare greatly into the wilderness of life.

My Background Hi! I am a counsellor-in-training, soon to be completing a Masters of Counselling ... Read More

My practice is rooted in evidence-based practice with a strong emphasis on CBT and DBT. I strongly believe that relationships, connection, and a sense of belonging are central to a person’s well-being, and that an individual’s surroundings and community provide the necessary support for a healthy lifestyle. Exploring these are not always an easy feat and requires a willingness to change and the ability to explore vulnerability.

I have experience working with youth, young adults, and families from both mental health and behavioural perspectives. My career has involved working alongside youth and families who have been impacted by or experiencing the child welfare system, various forms of trauma, self-harm behaviour, suicidality, and aa array of various mental health concerns. When possible I have taken opportunities to work with families and parents on these various challenges, helping them to navigate their own struggles as well as that of their child’s in order to move forward as a more cohesive, supportive family unit.

Counselling can be a difficult process for individuals to go through. With a transparent, ethical, and empathic therapeutic relationship, these concerns can be mitigated, and positive change can be achieved. I aim to provide open-minded support and help guide individuals to reach their goals through an approach that is collaborative and tailored to specific needs.

My practice is rooted in evidence-based practice with a strong emphasis on CBT and DBT. I strongl... Read More

Hello! I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Collage of Social Workers and Social Service workers along with the British Columbia Collage of Social Workers. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts with Specialties in Fine Arts (Studio and Visual Culture) and Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo, an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University and a Master of Social Work from University of British Columbia Okanagan.

I work with Youth and young adults aged approximately 14-30 on topics of substance misuse and recovery, relationships, family challenges, life changes/transitions, stress, ADHD, and anxiety.

My goal is to reach each client where they are to best support them in their therapeutic needs and goals. I believe that all of our life experiences and environmental exposures influence not only how we approach the world but how we can best find support in our recovery and treatment.

I use a strengths-based, client-centered focus to incorporate behavioural modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) into my practice. I believe that every client is different and so I work to create a treatment plan and incorporate modalities that best fit individual client needs. I believe that every client has the skills and abilities to work towards their goals and I strive to help clients to identify these for themselves.

I specialize in working with Youth and Young Adults, LGBTQIA+ clients and Substance Abuse and Recovery for ages approximately 14-30. I can assist in discussions regarding life changes, relationships, identify and understanding emotions such as anger, stress and anxiety. I incorporate themes from Art and Music Therapy as I believe creative expression can be critical for those who struggle with expressing emotions and thoughts with words. I incorporate activities such as painting, drawing, playing music, writing songs or poetry and using forms of art to identify thoughts and feelings. Some other areas of specialization are ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Self-esteem.

Hello! I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Collage of Social Workers and Social Serv... Read More

From a very young age, I recognized a deep understanding for the sensitivities that are involved in one’s existence. The experience of life brings with it various emotions, the recognition of which can be overwhelming.

My personal previous struggle with mental health, longing for support, and desire to be this support for others also struggling led to my decision to become a therapist. We have all lived lives full of various experiences, each of which have shaped us in ways we may not even realize. Exploring these experiences, their impact, and uncovering patterns and meanings can help us to revaluate and shift our perspectives. Through counselling, we work to help you gain a better understanding of your past, present, and future self.

My Background

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Canadian Certified Counsellor through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. My education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. I work with individuals and couples on topics of life changes/transitions, cultural challenges, stress, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

My Approach/Philosophy

I aim to customize therapy for each client, as I believe that each client brings with them unique experiences that require exploration to determine the best treatment approach and plan.

My practice is based in the humanistic and psychodynamic modalities, implementing elements of person-centered and existential therapy. I work to uncover various factors impacting a client’s situation and worldview, including the mind-body connection, current and childhood experiences and patterns, impact of family, culture, societal positions and more. We cultivate an accepting, compassionate, and judgement-free environment to engage in introspection and self-reflection.

I specialize in working with life changes and/or transitions, cultural challenges and impact, and relationship issues. We work together to explore the impact of big and small changes to your life and overall functioning, presently and in the future. We work through your personal meaning of culture, how this may impact you, and how it can change. I work with relationship issues that may be experienced within a couple, but also within units of a family, or peers. I also focus on exploring and working through self-esteem issues, anger, and stress. We uncover where these feelings are coming from, any patterns that may exist, and implement tools to help with such feelings. Some of my other specialities include ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD. I tackle these concerns with a comprehensive perspective to help you navigate the symptoms you may be experiencing.

From a very young age, I recognized a deep understanding for the sensitivities that are involved ... Read More

I have always held the opinion that we do not learn enough about relationships in our younger years. This includes the relationships we have with friends, family and partners. How we interact with others has a lot to do with the dynamics we create. How our emotions function, why we say/do the things we do, and our sense of who we are all come in to play. We tend to lack foundational information to ensure we achieve all that we can in relationships.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be part of the change when it comes to understanding our own bodies and emotions. Having a genuine interest in both sexuality and relationships, plus a desire to help others led me to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I now work with clients ages 15+ on a wide variety of concerns within topics of sexuality and relationships.

I had to go through my own transformation to end up where I am today. I had to do the hard work, too, and I continue to do that to this day. Having the desire to know myself was one of the most profound pieces to my own journey. Knowing who I am is the single most important aspect to being in a great relationship. Knowing yourself is the key to understanding the world around you.

Counsellors endeavour to help clients find their true self. In addition to this, our job is to help you understand the “why” so you can change the pieces that do not serve you. I work with clients from where they are starting from, and work towards their goals outlined in the early stages of therapy. Goals shift through time, so a collaborative process is how we will work together. I want you to understand yourself better than anyone else ever could.

MY BACKGROUND

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. My education includes a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Addictions Counselling from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I work with Individuals, those in Relationships, and Youth on topics around sex, sexuality, relationships, addictions and mental health/wellness.

MY APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY

I am holistic in my approach to counselling, which means I know a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. By exploring goals, dreams and aspirations of the client, together we build an individualized plan.

My default approach to counselling Narrative and Jungian approaches with a feminist framework. By working through the story of your life, you are better able to understand where your ideals come from. The stories we are raised with become our truths and for many those do not serve a positive purpose. I believe people are doing the best they can, and aim to help clients see the complexities of their lives.

WHAT SETS ME APART

• I am a kink friendly, aware, and knowledgeable counsellor fluent in power-exchange relationships and non-monogamous relationships. Counsellors provide a space that is inclusive, and finding one who can speak your language is invaluable
• Real comfort in talking about sex, including the education you never received in school or from your parents
• Ongoing education and training on relationships and sexuality
• Online counselling to reach those outside of the Okanagan
• Understanding than not all relationships are “couples”
• Long history and ongoing self-work that I do for me too; practice what you preach!
• Deep understanding that language matters

I have always held the opinion that we do not learn enough about relationships in our younger yea... Read More