CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with nearly twenty years of experience counselling individuals, couples and families to improve communication, problem-solve, gain coping tools and insights, manage the stressors in life and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.   I have obtained a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in Montreal; then a Master of Arts from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.  My clinical experience includes focusing on anxiety and depression reduction and coping tools for individuals at George Brown; Touchstone Association parent/teen and family counselling; Clinical Director of a Relationship website, and at a community agency providing individual, couples and families work on relationship building and reconnection.  I have previously held roles of Team Leader, Acting Supervisor and Practicum Supervisor for Counsellors from UBC, SFU, City U and Adler.  Most recently, I have provided psychoeducation and professional development workshops on generational family dynamics, mindfulness based stress reduction, positive parenting, non-directive art and writing therapy, anxiety/low mood reduction and coping tools, griefl/loss, divorce & relationship transitions.  

APPROACH & SPECIALIZATION 

My expertise is a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rogerian Client Centred, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as well as Attachment theory.  My counselling approach reflects these specializations.  I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- Trauma Counselling.  My counselling philosophy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empowering.  I will work with you to increase your awareness of thought and behavioural patterns that may be holding you back.  We will identify your unique strengths and provide concrete strategies to achieve your goals. I will help you find increased ways of coping with challenges, enhancing communication, learning tools for de-escalation and problem solving, as well as strengthening your relationships.  

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My clients are high functioning and competent yet struggling with current challenges.  It has been remarkable to witness my clients’ positive changes as they work towards increased well-being and find coping tools to reduce suffering and lead happier lives.  I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety/low mood to learn concrete strategies to find healthy ways of coping through mindfulness based stress reduction and cognitive behavioural therapy.  I also specialize on self-esteem building, and self-worth.   Clients are assisted in working through life transitions in career and expressing feelings following grief/loss.  I also have extensive experience helping clients with eating disorders find healthy ways of coping and learning new strategies.  In my work with couples and families, we rebuild and strengthen relationships, overcome conflict, and find healthy ways of communicating, as well as processing relationship tension, divorce coaching and relationship strengthening and rebuilding.

SPECIALIZED CLINICAL TRAINING

• ​Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Training (Level 1)

• Attachment Theory

• Narrative Psychology

• Existential Therapy

• Adlerian Psychology

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training

• Family Systems Therapy

• Concurrent Disorders Training

• Collaborative Problem Solving- Dr. Ross Green

• Member in good standing of British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS PROVIDED

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Wellness Strategies in Relationships

• Managing Stress & Anxiety, & Depression Management

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools for Anxiety Reduction

• Positive Parenting for Parents of Teens

• Parent Teen Counselling & Mediation

• Communication & Healthy Coping Tools in Relationships

• Self-care and Self-Empowerment

• Self-esteem Building & Self-Worth Strategies

• Collaborative Problem Solving

• De-escalation & Self-soothing strategies to Manage Conflict

• Overcoming Intergenerational Trauma