Areas of Practice
Therapeutic Modalities
I’ll start this with the necessary details: I graduated with a Master of Counselling from Athabasca University and am currently registered as a provisional psychologist. Prior to this I worked as a Registered Social Worker and hold two previous bachelor degrees in Arts and Social Work.
Now onto the things you really want to know - how I approach my work! My main focus in my work is the
therapeutic relationship. I strive to build therapeutic relationships on mutual respect, trust and understanding because I believe this foundation creates the safe space required for individuals to navigate the therapeutic journey. I believe that every person brings with them a unique set of strengths, resources, experiences and knowledge that should be honoured and validated. This belief informs my approach to counselling, which is from a strengths-based, collaborative, and integrative framework. In other words, I want to work with you to understand your narrative, as you experience it. I believe that, although pain and discomfort are a normal part of life, we can learn skills to drop the struggle with these thoughts and feelings so they no longer hold power over you. Once we drop the struggle, we can focus on taking committed action that allows us to live our best life, aligned with our values. Additionally, I believe that focusing on strengths can help empower individuals, leading to greater personal growth and well-being.
Within individual therapy, I tend to draw upon techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but have also taken training in Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am also trained in EMDR, which can be utilized as an intervention for anything from anxiety and depression, to trauma and PTSD. For work with couples, I have studied Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and primarily use this in combination with ACT. Saying this, I want to work collaboratively with you, to the best of my ability, to help explore your needs and work towards healing.
A Few Things About Me:
· I love to travel and see new cultures! I’ve been to five different continents
· I love to read and spend almost all my free time with my nose in a book
· I was made for summer weather – camping and flip flops make my heart happy