We tend to think about entering counselling when we are feeling stuck, or when we are at a crossroads in life. Sometimes we want help with a specific issue, like relationship struggles or parenting. Or, it could be a need for help with stress, depression, anxiety, grief, medical issues, or past trauma. I also support other therapists who are either looking for clinical consultation or counselling, or a bit of both. Whatever the case may be, I am here to help!
Clients say that I am warm, genuine, compassionate, validating, nonjudgmental, and pragmatic. I see therapy as a collaborative process, and the foundation of that process is a trusting working relationship between therapist and client. Initially, in our sessions, we will build security and trust in our relationship. Then, as we look at the space between your current situation and how you’d like your life to be, we will create a unique roadmap for our work together. We will identify and work on changing troublesome patterns in your life. You will learn skills to better cope, and will delve into underlying issues. We can capitalize on something called "neuroplasticity" of the brain to help you heal from both big and little traumas. Although therapy will deal directly with your problems, we’ll also identify and capitalize on your unique strengths and passions.
I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (R.C.S.W) with the BC College of Social Workers. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Boston College, in Boston, Massachusetts. I have 27 years experience in mental health, and have worked in a wide range of treatment settings. For over 10 years, I worked and received ongoing training in a Harvard Medical School-affiliated outpatient community mental health centre in downtown Boston. There, I learned the importance of providing evidence-based therapy, and received intensive training from renown experts in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I love mentoring less experienced clinicians. I was Team Leader of a comprehensive DBT Team, and provided training and supervision to Masters-level therapists, as well as to Harvard Psychiatry and Psychology trainees. I have led several DBT training seminars for clinicians and trainees, and have been a key participant in the development of DBT programs across various treatment settings.
With a drive to excel in my clinical practice, I continue to expand my expertise, by receiving advanced training, consultation, and my own therapy. My latest passion is EMDR, however I continue to incorporate other modalities, such as DBT and CBT, in client sessions as appropriate.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” – Brene Brown
