About Me

My path to becoming a psychotherapist has taken me through several fields and places, but a common thread has always been an interest in people, systems, and the ways our experiences shape us.

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I first worked with trauma and addictions as a social worker on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside while completing my undergraduate degree in International Development at Simon Fraser University. I later worked with non-profit organizations before moving into education, teaching History and Geography in international schools in several countries. I also hold a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia.

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My interest in trauma eventually became a deeper clinical focus. I began training in trauma-informed approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and other body-based and relational approaches. Following motherhood, I returned to school to complete my graduate degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and practice under regular clinical supervision.

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How I Work

I take a non-pathologizing, trauma-informed approach to therapy. Rather than viewing anxiety, overwhelm, shutdown, perfectionism, or other patterns simply as symptoms to eliminate, I’m interested in understanding what these responses may be communicating and how they developed.

From an IFS-informed perspective, you may notice that one part of you feels anxious or overwhelmed while another works hard to stay productive, plan, overthink, or keep everything under control. Other parts may avoid, disconnect, or become self-critical. These patterns can be frustrating, but they often developed for understandable reasons and may have once served an important protective purpose

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I also pay attention to the nervous system and how our experiences show up in the body. Chronic stress and trauma can leave us feeling activated, exhausted, disconnected, or stuck. This might look like racing thoughts, tension, irritability, fatigue, or difficulty settling.

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In our work together, we can explore not only what has happened to you, but how those experiences continue to show up in your body, emotions, relationships, and everyday patterns. Through talk therapy, IFS-informed work, and somatic approaches, we can develop greater awareness and create more space for choice and flexibility.

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My goal is not to promise that difficult experiences can simply be erased or that they won't happen again. Instead, I hope to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, a more compassionate relationship with your internal experience, and ways of responding that feel more sustainable.

 

Over time, this work may help you:

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• understand your patterns with greater clarity and self-compassion

• recognize and work with protective strategies that developed over time

• become more aware of your body and nervous system

• respond to challenges with greater flexibility and choice

• feel more connected to yourself, rather than defined by anxiety, trauma, or coping strategies

 

My Values

Anti-oppressive practice is fundamental to how I work. I am queer- and trans-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, and kink- and poly-aware. I aim to create a therapeutic space where different identities, relationships, bodies, and ways of being are respected rather than treated as problems to be fixed.

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I value Indigenous ways of knowing and support the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and practices, while remaining mindful of the distinction between learning from Indigenous teachings and appropriating them.

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My own life experiences have also shaped how I understand therapy. Motherhood was a significant catalyst for my personal growth, and I have been engaged in my own therapy and personal development for many years. I believe therapists should remain curious about themselves and continue doing their own work.​ I also hold an awareness of both my experiences and the privileges I carry.

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Ultimately, I see therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to bring curiosity, clinical knowledge, and a different perspective to help you better understand what is happening beneath the surface.

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If this approach resonates with you, you’re welcome to reach out to explore whether we might be a good fit. I currently offer virtual psychotherapy to clients living in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the territories and Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Education, Certifications​, Additional Trainings

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• Somatic Experiencing Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels

• Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification (Embody Lab)

• Internal Family Systems Level One Certification (Internal Family Systems Institute)

• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy Training (West Coast Anxiety and OCD Clinic)

• Internal Family Systems Program Assistant (Multiple trainings 2024-2026) 

• Embodied Internal Family Systems Workshops I, II, and III (Ruth Culver)

• IFS and Case Conceptualization Workshop (Jodie Keeso - The Play Clinic)

• IFS and External Constraints Workshop (Michael Fitzgerald)

• Positive Psychology Coaching Certification (ICF-verified)

• Trauma-Informed Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Farm Ithaca)

• ASIST Suicide Prevention Course

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• M.A.C.P. Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)

• B.Ed Intermediate/Senior Education (University of British Columbia)

• B.A. (Hons) International Development (Simon Fraser University)

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• Member, Ontario College of Teachers, 

• Member, Canadian Registered Psychotherapy Association

• Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

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