I strive to create a space where individuals can begin to process their lived experiences, gain insight into their world, and discover new meaning. Each story I am invited to hear is held with humility, tenderness, and the utmost respect. As I walk alongside clients through the process of self-discovery, I maintain an open mind and open heart. Embracing a non-judgmental and compassionate approach, I challenge clients to deepen their understanding of themselves as they create new stories of hope.
My Mission
Theoretical Orientation
What guides my practice...
What Exactly Is Counselling?
Counselling provides an opportunity to deepen your sense of understanding of who you are, where you fit into the world, and define who you want to become. The therapeutic relationship is a unique connection built upon safety and trust. Within this relationship, you can take risks without the fear of judgment and test new waters, reconstructing meaning of your lived experiences. Therapy is a collaborative journey of support and guidance, where can increase your self-awareness, reconstruct meaning, and build the confidence necessary to discover new stories of hope.
My counselling approach is grounded in the evidence-based practices of Attachment Theory. This approach allows me to help clients make sense of their lived experiences, embrace who they are and begin to heal. In my work with children and teens, I encourage parents to be involved in the therapeutic process as they play a significant role in encouraging, modelling, and mentoring.
I believe that every person is capable of creating positive changes in their lives when they feel supported and safe. I strive to meet my clients where they are, with a compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental approach. Within the counselling relationship, the process to change can flourish.
Counselling is a unique process that does not have a one-size-fits-all approach. My job is to adjust to meet my client’s needs and appreciate their unique story. To do so, I integrate other modalities when appropriate to deepen my understanding of problems and facilitate change. For example, using motivational interviewing can help clients clarify goals and identify barriers to change. Narrative therapy invites clients to externalize problems and begin rewriting their story. Solution focused therapy can guide clients to uncover internal and external strengths. The process of expressive arts can expand a client’s expression of their stories in creative ways including art, music, dance, or movement.
The Counselling Journey
Therapy is like a road trip - you are the driver and I am the co-pilot. As the driver, you always choose our course, decide on the direction, determine how long to take, how fast to go, and when we end. As we travel, I monitor changes in the weather while watching barriers that can be troublesome.
You decide where I sit. Sometimes, I can ride next to you in the passenger seat. Other times, I make sit in the back. I will even ride in the trunk, secured away when you feel brave and confident, but still want me nearby. You can choose to let me out on the side of the road at any time and say good-bye without worry. I always find my way home. There are only two situations where I will take the wheel:
- If you ask me to drive for a short while.
- If you or someone else is at risk of harm and needs help to remain safe.
Although it can be helpful to have a co-pilot from time-to-time, travelling on your own is the ultimate goal. My help will not be needed forever. As we travel, I will share my faith and hope in your strengths. With time and practice, you will become skilled at navigating the winding roads, steep hills, and sharp turns without me.
The Counselling Relationship
The relationship you have with a therapist is different than any other. You share intimate details about your life, but will know very little about me. This can be difficult sometimes, but as a professional, therapists are part of an association that has rules about the types of interactions they are allowed to have .
These rules and regulations are put in place to protect you. As part of these rules, as your counsellor:
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I cannot have any kind of business relationship with you besides therapy itself.
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I cannot be your therapist if I am related to you or if I am your friend.
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I cannot give legal, medical, financial, or any other type of specialized advice.
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I cannot have any kind of romantic, friendship, or personal relationship with a former or current client, or with any person close to a client.
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I cannot give or receive gifts from clients except tokens with personal meaning to the therapy process.
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I cannot be your supervisor, teacher, or evaluator while engaged in therapy with you.
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I cannot attend personal parties/events of yours, even if you invite me.
When you have a counsellor, it is important you feel safe with this person. Therapists should seem real or genuine, should listen to you and help you find the answers you are searching for. Sometimes, even though a therapist is be a great fit for a friend, he/she may not be a good fit for you. If you realize you’re not comfortable with me, you have a right to request a referral and I will do my very best to help you find who you need.
It is the client who knows what hurts,
what direction to go,
what problems are crucial,
what experiences have been deeply buried.
~ Carl Rogers ~