About Me
Meet Me
I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My journey to becoming a counsellor began during my tenure as the Executive Director of a women’s transition house, where I primarily dealt with substance abuse. This role exposed me to the underlying factors such as depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, adult trauma, and domestic violence. Over the past twelve years in the field of substance use, I have witnessed the remarkable strength, resilience, and healing capacity within each of us.
Everyone has a unique story shaped by their lived experiences, and I strive to create a space where each person feels safe and empowered. Our stories deserve to be heard with compassion and respect and without judgment or assumptions. Feeling safe allows us to open up and be seen, which requires great courage. I take a client-centered approach, collaborating with you on your goals and utilizing my skills in EMDR, ACT, DBT, CISM and other therapeutic modalities to support your journey.
Embracing Life’s Rich Tapestry: A Little About Me
Hello! Outside of my role as a counselor, I cherish life’s richness and the joy it brings. As part of a blended family, my husband and I share four wonderful children and ten delightful grandchildren. Our family dynamic often reminds us of Modern Family, where love, joy, and adventure come in all shapes and sizes.
Self-care is vital to me, and I enjoy kayaking and motorcycle riding, which offer a sense of freedom and connection to nature. Whether on the water or the open road, these activities allow me to recharge and embrace the world in its purest form.
As a lifelong learner, reading is my passion. I constantly seek out new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Our family recently grew with two new pets: Barbara, a mature cat, and Winston, a playful puppy. They bring a unique sense of connection that enhances our daily lives.
Travel is another love of mine. Exploring new places, cultures, and histories broadens my worldview and helps me grow personally and professionally.
Areas of Practice
- Grief and loss
- Substan
- Trauma
- ce Use Disorders
- Mental health struggles
- Relationship conflict
- Victims of crimes
- Life transitions
- Body image challenges
- Marriage/ family
Who I Work With
- Women
- Men
- 2SLGBTQIA+ community
- Couples
- Families
- Youth
- First responders
- Victims of crime
Training | Education |Experience
Training
- Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety
- I am completing a Conflict Resolution training certification
Professional Registrations
- EMDR Basic Training (2022-2023)
- DBT Comprehensive Training (April 2024)
- Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy (Completion date January 2026)
- Critical Incident Stress Management Certificate, Justice Institute of BC (2017-2018)
- San’Yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, Provincial Health Services Authority (2023)
- Understanding Firefighter Culture & Trauma, First Responder Health (2024)
- Understanding Emergency Worker Trauma, First Responder Health (2024)
Education
- MA, Counselling — Yorkville University, Canada
- BAdmin, Accounting — University of British Columbia, Canada
Finding yourself needing help?
Call me
604-825-4783