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We often find ourselves seeking a counsellor when something isn’t going right in our lives. It is hard to know sometimes what needs to change - is it us, is it someone we love or is it a situation we have no control over?

Individual counselling can be helpful to learn new perspectives, gain a sense of control over your life and find ways to navigate the range of emotions that are troubling you.

I provide in person and virtual counselling sessions. Whatever brings you to seek therapy I work with you to determine what counselling approach works best for you to move towards the change you are hoping for.

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Areas of Specialization

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

It can be difficult to know what step to take next when you have intense fear or worry, when your mood keeps getting worse and you can’t see how things can improve.

Together, we work towards what approach suits you best so you can see improvement in symptoms.

If you are having thoughts of suicide call the Fraser Health Crisis Line (604) 951-8855

TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY

If you have experienced a trauma, were raised in a complex family system or have had an event in your life that you can’t seem to move through, trauma focussed therapy can be helpful.

Often referred to as ‘bottom up’ therapies, these approaches don’t rely on our thinking but on connecting to our sensations, emotions, and the patterns of our unique nervous system.

By learning how our nervous system, our brain and our body had responded to past events/experiences you can gain a sense of hope and see a way out from the symptoms you are struggling with.

CHALLENGES IN RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships are all around us and at times they can be difficult to navigate. It can be with a spouse, family member, coworker or neighbour. I utilize a relational approach to these challenges we face.

A relational approach focusses on healing in relationship. Part of that also includes the way the therapy relationship is created and maintained. This can give a safe place to explore the at times deep rooted patterns we have when we connect to others.

In addition, I can assist you in learning

the ways you see yourself in relation to others, how you communicate your needs and ways you can set healthy boundaries with yourself and those you care about.

CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS & FUNCTIONAL CHANGES

Living with a chronic illness is difficult and becomes even more so when we feel isolated and misunderstood. I’ve worked within the medical system for over 15 years in critical care, palliative care, cardiac units and renal programs. I can assist you in reclaiming the parts of you that disappeared when your illness took over and help you find a way to manage your symptoms without it taking a toll on your mental health.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

It can be really difficult when we don’t feel in control of our emotions. If you are struggling with the ups/downs, unpredictable anger bursts or shutting off your feelings I work alongside you and your nervous system so you can gain insight into your reactions and towards shifting the balance so you can feel more in control.

EMDR THERAPY

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a type of therapy that assists in reducing the symptoms of problematic memories and beliefs.

It is a standardized therapy that is well researched and proven to reduce troubling symptoms.

I am trained in the Basic Level 1 and Level 2 of EMDR and working towards my certification. I also have training in advanced EMDR methods to lessen distress during therapy.

For more information about EMDR please read more at: https://www.emdria.org/

SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS

I started my career as an addiction counsellor and worked for 5 years for a non-profit agency. This experience provided me with the tools to offer a wide range of assistance.

I can provide you with education and therapeutic support in order to meet your goals to reduce, control, or stop the use of alcohol, drugs, and/or other addictive behaviours.

TRANSITIONS

Life is full of transitions. Whether it is a move, health change, job loss, serious illness or death of a loved one. We navigate these transitions in different ways.

I can assist you in finding sources of strength or just emotional release during these intense periods of your life.

AGING, DEMENTIA AND CAREGIVING

Aging brings many challenges especially when it comes to memory and functional changes. Living with your own memory loss or the challenges seeing someone you love slip away from progressive disease is one of the most difficult things to face. I have worked in the Geriatric field in Specialized Seniors Clinics and Older Adult Mental Health for 6 years and can offer you support, practical skills and demystify an overwhelming system of care.

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MY EXPERIENCE & COUNSELLING APPROACH

I have worked as a registered social worker since 2002 and I have experience working with complex issues such as:

Symptoms of trauma
Addictive behaviours and substance use
Critical illness, chronic medical conditions, pain and functional loss
End of life and complex grief
Anxiety, depression and emotional regulation challenges
Body image, self esteem and disordered eating
Historical abuse, violence, sexual trauma

My philosophy is grounded in a relational approach - a belief that through a relationship of trust with a counsellor healing and creating change is possible.

I also incorporate knowledge about the nervous system into my sessions and

how the nervous system influences your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

As for counselling techniques, there are a variety of approaches and with my experience I am able to incorporate what will work best for you. For instance I can utilize: