About Me

(she/her)

I will bring my over 30 years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from community to obtain the results you want from counselling.

My practice strives to be anti-oppressive and to provide culturally responsive care. I have supported clients who are Indigenous throughout Canada. I completed the SAN’YAS: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. As a social justice advocate I am an ally for the LGBQ2S+ community.

I work with youth and adults, focusing on treatment of Trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress management, anger management, women's issues, self esteem, relationship issues,and career/workplace issues. I have specialized experience and training working with people who are neuro-divergent (some examples include: mental health challenges, ADHD, people on the autism spectrum), helping to navigate school, community and workplace. I am able to support people through major life transitions such as chronic illness and losses of all kinds.

The work I have done for a Women’s Sexual Assault Centre as well as a Safe House (Stopping the Violence Program) has led to a strong interest in women’s mental health, including perinatal and postpartum, as well as parenting concerns (home visits an option).

I am influenced by a number of therapeutic modalities, but my approach is based on being person-centered, meaning that I strive to understand the client’s point of view, and create a relationship that is caring, genuine and non-judgmental. Other modalities that I frequently draw from are somatic therapy, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based CBT and a neuroscience/poly-vagal theory approach. I have specialized training in trauma/PTSD. I am a trained in EMDR. EMDR is a simple but efficient therapy using bilateral stimulation (BLS) ─ tapping, auditory tones or eye movements ─ to accelerate the brain's capacity to process and heal a troubling memory. BLS, which occurs naturally during dream sleep, causes the two brain parts to work together to reintegrate the memory. Some clients experience relief or positive effects in just a few sessions. EMDR is effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms, whether the traumatic event occurred many years ago or yesterday. It gives desired results –with little talking, without using drugs, and requires no “homework” between sessions. Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for the treatment of post traumatic stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief and addictions.

I was born and raised on a farm in the Shuswap which has created a lifelong respect for the environment. A large part of supporting my mental health is by practicing nature based mindfulness. I believe that nature is essential to our health and well-being. I am European on my paternal side and Māori (Ngāti Awa) through my maternal lineage.

I have a bachelor of Social Work and a Master’s in Education (counselling). I am a registered social worker in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. I do regular clinical supervision and professional development.

The relationship with a client is important so to explore if I would be a good match for you I offer a free 15 minute consultation 

Stress Management

Stress is a natural part of our life. What we need to take care of however, is excess build-up of stress over time that can affect our normal daily functioning.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health struggles that people experience which can have major impact on a person’s day to day life. It is recommended to seek help before the depression reaches a clinical level as it is harder to bounce back when you lack energy to stay active and maintain social contacts. It is helpful to seek help when you notice the signs of depression are starting to affect your functioning.

Anxiety

Anxiety describes a group of disorders that cause worry, nervousness, and fear. These feelings of anxiety interfere with everyday life and are out of proportion to the triggering object or event.

Anger Management

Anger has a purpose and is a normal emotion, but can get out of control which can negatively affect your health and relationships.Anger management focuses on developing a healthier relationship with all emotions, including the expression of anger.

Grief and Loss

Everyone grieves differently. But if you understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support, you can heal.

Life Transitions

Transitions, such as retirement, job loss or having a child can bring unexpected challenges leaving people feeling lost, confused or overwhelmed. A counsellor can assist in navigating these changes and learning to cope in new ways.

Parenting Support

The goal of parenting support is to strengthen parenting practices, supporting the healthy development of children. The focus is on strengths and increasing the stability of the family members which results in greater parental confidence and competence in parenting abilities.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Trauma

Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are terms used for understanding the complex mind/body response to unpredictable/traumatic experiences that may create difficulties with:

• Regulation (fight/flight/freeze)

• Intense feelings of shame and overwhelm

• Disconnection

• Anger

• Nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts

• Physical ailments

  Recovery focuses on creating a sense of safety and respecting emotional and physical boundaries.

Workplace stress/conflict

Workplace stress can lead to decreased productivity at work, and may result in an employee leaving their position. This type of stress or conflict is an opportunity to learn new skills such as stress management and conflict resolution that can assist with workplace stress, as well as helping in everyday life.