MY STORY

BACKGROUND

I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development and a second Master’s degree in School-Based Counselling. I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I teach mental health courses at City University, Canada and have a growing private counselling practice in the lower mainland. My credentials also include training in suicide awareness and prevention, Gottman couples therapy and trauma-informed practices. Along with teaching at the university and working as a registered clinician, I am currently an elementary school principal and have been for the past fifteen years. I have many years of experience in clinical, educational and private practice settings working with children, youth and families.

I work holistically with individuals, couples and families dealing with a broad range of life and relationship challenges. Specifically, my strengths are in supporting clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma and grief. I am an integrative therapist who strongly believes in the mind-body-heart connection. For me, counselling is a collaborative process in which the client is the expert in his/her own life. I practice from a strength-based approach and believe people have the inner resources to cope with challenging life experiences. I believe it is my responsibility to help people grow towards their full potential. I am privileged to support clients as they make positive changes, develop stronger relationships and work towards achieving life goals.

COUNSELLING APPROACHES

For me, the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for future growth and change. My goal is to provide a safe and caring environment where the client feels heard and valued. Empathy and unconditional positive regard are of prime importance for creating an honest and trusting relationship with the client. I work holistically addressing the underlying themes brought to the session while offering practical and concrete strategies the client can use in daily living.

My primary goal is to address the specific needs of each client. Although my practice is person centered, my approach to counselling is eclectic in that I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities. When working with clients, I have found the integration of mindfulness, self-compassion, family systems and narrative practices most beneficial. I also typically incorporate many of the skills and strategies offered in Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior therapies into my counselling practices.