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Short term counselling and in-depth psychotherapy for individuals and couples in the following areas:

• Relationship and Intimacy issues                       
• Traumatic Events (accident, assault, abuse)
• Developmental Trauma and Attachment Wounds
• Grief & Loss
• Depression
• Stress & Anxiety
• Self Esteem & Identity
• Physical Health & Wellness
• Career & Life Transitions
• Cross Cultural Experience
• Transition Stress
• Parenting Issues
• Learning Disabilities and ADHD

Philosophy

My passion for counselling stems from a deep curiousity and desire to collaborate with others in building health, wellness, and ultimately peace within our communities. Given that we are all unique, I believe it is essential to have a client-centred approach that utilizes various therapeutic approaches to best meet the needs of a client. While I draw on a number of more traditional therapies such as cognitive behavioural and solution focused, I am particularly drawn to a holistic approach that recognizes the powerful connection between the mind and body. This approach recognizes that optimal emotional, physical and mental health all benefit from a well-regulated nervous system and a sense of emotional balance.

All my clients are unique and multi-faceted individuals who seek counselling for a variety of reasons including the desire to resolve issues that keep them from living to their full potential. Some clients may be struggling with specific issues and are seeking out support to problem solve; others may be struggling to cope with ongoing distress and anguish. Counselling can provide an opportunity to tease apart issues in our lives, so that we can rediscover a sense of space and clarity. My goal is to help clients build on their resources and strengths, deepening their relationship to self and others. I work with curiousity and respect as I collaborate with individuals to promote healing and a growing sense of balance, satisfaction and resilience.

Over the past 25 years I have developed a keen interest in the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Somatic Psychotherapeutic Principles. I am particularly interested in the role relationships play in attachment and brain development and often work with clients on how past difficulties may be impacting them in their present lives. I use the therapeutic relationship as a tool for building safety and often invite clients to include the body's story, acknowledging the interconnection between physical states and our emotions. I offer a wide variety of tools to help clients find ways to address their sense of overwhelm and find their way back to emotional and physical regulation. Ultimately, my hope is that clients enhance their sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.

Working with couples, I incorporate many of the principles of the work of Ester Perel, Dr. Ellen Bader's Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Somatic Transformation. This process includes addressing attachment wounds, fostering the creation of a secure bond, considerations for moving through  personal developmental stages, facilitating the reorganization of key emotional responses and initiating new cycles of interaction.  I also draw on the work of Robert Gass and Judith Ansara in their retreat for couples at Hollyhock in the Sharing the Path. My hope is to facilitate a process where partners can participate as allies, as they work on building authenticiy, person responsibility, clarity and connection in their relationship.