About me
I am a graduate from the University of Alberta, having earned my Masters in Counselling Psychology in 2015. This followed the pursuit of my dream to be a performer. Always having been a dancer, I studied musical theater in Toronto and spent 6 years working in performing arts and the service industry. Since earning my Masters degree, I have been gaining experience as a Psychologist in both private practice and post-secondary institutions. I am a lover of cats and dogs, culinary delights, being outdoors, gardening, ceramics, and connecting with nature and all the elements.
I value personal reflection on how my own experiences and training may introduce bias in our work, and I strive to avoid or address these biases as much as possible. When people work with me, I want them to feel they are connected to another human. I enjoy learning about the pets, people, communities, spiritual or religious practices, interests, and activities that my clients find resourcing.
As a therapist, I seek to deeply understand how historical, familial, religious, relational, cultural and social contexts have shaped ways of thinking, feeling, or responding that have been adaptive but no longer serve you. My goal is to help you create and live the most present, authentic, connected, congruent, and fulfilled life possible - whatever that means to you.
In our work, rather than pathologize, we will honour all parts of you and have compassion for how they have been adaptive or are serving a particular function. Whatever you decide doesn't serve you anymore we will work to move forward from, and identify what might be keeping you stuck.
We may then explore different ways of being that are aligned with your developing goals and values. Different ways of being could include: learning and practicing new skills like assertiveness, boundaries, mindfulness, stress reduction, emotion regulation, or self-compassion; increasing flexibility in perspective; connecting with community or building resources; clarifying your values; expressing yourself or living in ways that are more congruent with who you are; unlearning internalized oppression; living in the present rather than re-living traumatic or upsetting memories; reducing behaviours you feel hurt you or others; and thinking and feeling differently about yourself. I often slow things down in sessions so we can really understand what you are experiencing (thoughts, feelings, sensations and memories), and how we can collaboratively use that information to support your growth.
Your values and your hopes for change or healing will be the compass in our work. We will work towards transforming or dismantling painful memories, beliefs, emotions, or patterns of behaviour. We will also carefully consider if and how people, work spaces, communities, institutions, or systems have contributed to some of the challenges you face. My role is also to empower you to by holding a mirror to your innate strengths, wisdom, worth, and value. I can also provide guidance, resources, and skills when needed.
Our work will integrate the evidence based approaches I have trained in - and very importantly - will be guided by the wisdom of your own mind, body and emotions. Your own understanding of the creation or causes of your pain and suffering should always be at the center of our work together.