Philosophy

I am grateful to have landed in a line of work where I have the privilege of hearing others’ insight and wisdom about life, as well as stories of hardship, triumph and survival. I am always amazed by clients’ courage to be vulnerable in the face of adversity; as well as their perseverance in taking steps towards well-being for both themselves and others. Change is definitely not easy; but fortunately, we don’t have to do it alone! In my work, I empower people to tap into their innate wisdom, knowledge, skills, and experience to bring about meaningful and lasting change in their lives; offering my own experience, knowledge, tools, and wisdom, when helpful.

I support people in tuning into their body’s messages, which can help bridge the gap between mind and body, fostering healing and well-being. I use a variety of approaches in my work (e.g. art, movement, play – yes, play is important for adults too!) as I believe that talk therapy is not for everyone.

In working with families, I believe that every family has conflict; however when conflict is frequent, and heightened, it can be helpful to seek support. Together, we focus on identifying the patterns that lead to conflict in the family unit and find ways to interrupt these patterns and strengthen patterns that promote well-being.

Education

  • Bachelor of Psychology Degree (Hnrs.) (University of Winnipeg)
  • Master of Counselling Degree (University of Calgary)
  • Aurora Family Therapy Program Year 1 & 2 (University of Winnipeg)

Further Training

  • Family Systems Theory (counselling practicum completed at the Family Therapy
  • Centre in Calgary, under the direction of Dr. Karl Tomm)
  • Narrative Therapy (training through Narrative Therapy Centre, Vancouver, BC)
  • Play Therapy Training (Green Stream, Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute, Calgary, AB)
  • Expressive Art Therapy (Cathy Malchiodi)
  • Expressive Play Therapy (Level 1 and 2) (Centre for Expressive Therapy, Marie Jose Dhaese, Parksville, BC)
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma Themes–Module 1A, 1B, 2A (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • 3-Day Adlerian Play Therapy Training with Terry Kottman

Therapy Modalities Used:

  • Family Systems
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (including the body in healing)
  • Expressive Therapy Approaches (e.g. play, sandtray, art)
  • Therapeutic Play
  • Response-Based Practice
  • EMDR
  • Adlerian Play Therapy

Fun Facts

I have always been drawn to expressive arts (using art, singing, dance, movement, writing as means of expression).

I also love being outside in nature (as long as it’s not too cold!!)