About me.

I am a Registered Social Worker, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Career Development Practitioner with over fifteen years of working in the fields of mental health and employment counselling. I am passionate about working with people who are navigating transitions or interested in exploring their potential for change. I specialize in helping people examine and shift behavior patterns, particularly as they relate to substance use and behavioral addictions. I operate from a lens of harm-reduction and anti-oppression, and I recognize that systems, as well as people, need to change.   

I have a graduate degree in Social Work from McGill University and I have experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation facilities, community centers, non-profit organizations, (such as employment centers and sexual assault support centers) and post-secondary education and counselling.  

I am a queer, white settler living on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Syilx and Sinixt peoples. I love cycling, rock-climbing and watching Drag Race.

My Approach.

Assessment

This is where you tell me about yourself and why you are looking for therapy at this time in your life. We will review the intake form together and I will ask a few targeted questions to try and understand you better. The assessment process takes place in the first appointment, and can be revisited later throughout therapy.

Goal Setting

Sometimes clients come into therapy with pre-determined goals. Other times these goals emerge throughout the assessment process. Goal-setting may take 1-2 sessions and will be revisited throughout therapy.

Skill Building

Skill-building is an essential part of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This involves identifying and practicing skills and tools related to your therapeutic goals. This includes homework and practice outside of our appointments. Skill-building can generally take 4-8 sessions, depending on the client’s goals.

Review

This is where we have a conversation about what is working and what could be working better. We celebrate successes and re-evaluate our approach where needed. A review may involve revisiting original goals for therapy and exploring other possible options and/or referrals to best meet your needs.

My Areas of Specialty.

mENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE

Changing substance use and behaviour patterns is not easy. Similarly, living with anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge can feel lonely and limiting, but it doesn’t have to be this way. I use evidence-based approaches to support people in setting and achieving their personal recovery goals.

CAREER COUNSELLING

For many of us, our work is closely linked to our mental health. I integrate mental health counselling with career counselling and knowledge of labour market trends and local resources. Whether you are looking to explore new career paths or bring life into an existing one, we can work together to find the path that is right for you.

COUPLES COUNSELLING

Our intimate relationships sometimes need a little bit of help. I work with couples in diverse relationship styles to highlight and build upon their strengths while also identifying areas for growth and development. My approach is strongly influenced by the Gottman Method and incorporates CBT/DBT principles and practices.