About Me
My Background
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in the province of Ontario, with over 10 years of experience working with clients in private practice. I graduated from the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy in 2017.
I also have over 35 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and practitioner in the field of Therapeutic Recreation with an emphasis in mental health. I consistently speak to the value of leisure and recreation for enhancing well-being, and I believe that the choices we make in our free time directly impact our well-being!
In addition, I have a longstanding interest and expertise in strengths-based practice and positive therapy and have incorporated these principles into my work with clients. I believe that learning to create positive experiences in life is as important as learning to manage the challenges!
What to Expect
My approach to therapy is relational and rooted in the creation of safety in our therapeutic relationship. With empathy, compassion and non-judgment, we will develop a relationship in which you can begin to understand the experiences that have shaped you. An increased understanding of self allows you to make choices in the face of challenging life events rather than responding with old habits and patterns. I will help you learn new ways to respond to a variety of situations and in so doing, will support you to create a positive sense of self.
My Expertise
My professional training and experience, in combination with lived experience of trauma and loss, have led me to a focus on the issues of recovery from trauma, living with grief, anxiety and depression, and identity reconstruction. I also have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Self-Compassion, Grief Therapy, and a variety of other approaches. I incorporate an eclectic array of approaches and techniques into my work based on client needs and wishes, all embedded in a supportive relational frame. I also work with individuals and couples with a trauma and LGBTQ+ informed perspective.