I am a Master Practitioner Clinical Counsellor and Registered Professional Counsellor in good standing with the Canadian Professional Counsellor’s Association (#3815) and a Counselling Therapist in good standing with the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (#1114). I am also a Certified Hypnotherapist with the National Guild of Hypnotists (#51591) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
I have a unique academic background in that my studies have all been interdisciplinary in nature. Graduating with a Ph.D in Philosophy with an Emphasis in Cognitive Science from McMaster University required that I demonstrate competencies in Neuroscience, Psychology and Philosophy of Mind. This work has allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the emotions and trauma. I have a total of fifteen years of postsecondary experience in research pertaining to issues surrounding emotions, consciousness, the mind/body connection, cognition, and human behavior. My work can be found in various prominent peer-reviewed academic journals, including the Journal of Consciousness Studies.
I believe that the relationship between a client and a counsellor is the most important element to healing and successful therapy. I am a trauma-informed counsellor committed to transparency and creating a warm and safe space that will allow my clients to feel empowered and confident to do the work they need to heal.
In addition, I am committed to using evidence-based treatments in my practice. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy & Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I regularly employ mindfulness-based techniques to assist with anxiety & use the Gottman Therapy approach for couples experiencing relationship difficulties.
I believe that effective counselling fundamentally involves working both with the mind and the manifestation of emotional experiences stored in the body. I strive to increase awareness of the critical connections between the mind, body, emotions, and behavior.
I believe that every individual is the expert in their life story and that we all have within us the ability to create positive, long-lasting and meaningful changes in our lives. Every person has a unique path to healing and emotional processing - my approach will help you to feel safe and empowered as you begin this journey.