Welcome to my therapy practice! (Virtual or In-Person)

I believe you REALLY can build a life worth living!

Beginning therapy means different things to different people, but it is often an action of courage, hope, self-care, and self-determination. 

If you are from BC, NWT and Alberta you know that all of this has been tested to the greatest degree. We have had a tremendous stressful summer with the wildfires. Even if you were not directly impacted you likely knew people who were and anxiously waited to hear about their safety and everyone else who was impacted. 

This type of traumatic event affects us for long periods of time. My next blog post will talk more about this. 

Right now you might or might not have been to a therapist before. If this is your first experience with therapy, you might feel a bit nervous or apprehensive. That’s normal! 

Therapy is a process that allows you the freedom and privacy to discuss issues that are often painful or difficult to discuss with family and/or friends. I believe that in the process of the work we do together, you can begin to feel more at home within yourself and within your relationships.

How do you prepare for a therapy session?

The following are a few suggestions I give to my clients to help them make their counseling experience most effective:

1. Before your scheduled appointment, consider writing down questions, topics, or challenges you would like to focus on in your session. Bring a therapy notebook. 
2. Communicate your expectations to your therapist so that you are working together toward your goals.
3. Provide ongoing feedback to your therapist so that I know how you are doing (ie., “I want to focus on my relationship with anger,” or “I need to change my thinking”).
4. If you feel a need to increase or decrease the frequency of your sessions, or to end counseling, communicate that to your therapist. 
5. If you feel a need to bring a spouse/partner, relative, or friend in with you for your session in order to work on interpersonal issues, discuss it with your therapist prior to the session.
6. If you have another professional involved in your care (e.g., family physician, psychiatrist, etc.), you can suggest coordination with him/her. It is generally not advisable to have more than one mental health counselor involved in your treatment, at one time.
7. Try to make a commitment to yourself to remain in therapy and attend regular sessions, for as long as you feel necessary, I usually recommend at least 5-10 sessions. This is based on research. If you wait until you have a crisis, it will be more difficult to build long-lasting coping skills.

If you are interested in knowing my treatment modalities, I am trained in the following:

• Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Advanced Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Experiential Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy 
• Trauma Informed
• Addictions 
• Couples Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Attachment Based (Circle of Security)
  
  

How do you know what treatment is best for you?

In my initial assessment with a client, I determine what the treatment plan might look like based on the information I gather from the client. It could be a blend of both CBT and EMDR depending on what the immediate concerns are. I will explain what that looks like and what my role is and what the client’s role is. I always say that the real work happens outside of therapy when the client works at putting things into practice. 

A bit more about me ...

Let me support you in finding the solutions that are holding you back. I will provide the tools you need to help you live a life you desire.

I like to help people all over the world feel understood, confront their joys and pains, and be motivated to change. I am curious, dedicated, and love getting to know people.

I am a Registered Clinical Counselor and a Registered Social Worker providing support and therapy to individuals, couples and professionals.

My approach is always tailored toward meeting individual needs, and it includes treatment with empirical, evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I have worked primarily with professional adults in education, medical, and community mental health settings.

I humbly acknowledge that I live, work and play on the unceded traditional territory of the Yaqan Nukiy within the Ktunaxa Nations. I strive to live, work and play in a manner that honors the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Please know that I offer video sessions and in person. I look forward to working with you!

Click here for my next group therapy program and in person appointments.