Life often has a way of reminding us that hard as we may try, we are not in control of how it goes. Life can be like the waves in the sea, unpredictable, sometimes huge and overwhelming or static and seemingly lifeless with no end in sight. In my past days as an infrequent surfer, I remember how hard it was to stand there in the ocean with a massive board, trying to gauge and steady myself for the roaring waves approaching the shore. At first they all seemed frightening, fast, slow, large, small, one after the other. With practice and guidance, I slowly became aware of how I could be and what I could do to feel like I wasn’t just surviving the oncoming waves, but feeling a sense of flow and groundedness, even in water. Similarly, counselling can be a safe place to slow down and unpack the waves of your life. A place where you no longer feel alone with the weight of suffering and can feel more connected with how you feel, what you need, and who you truly are.
I work with teens, adults, couples, parents, and families in navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, thoughts of suicide, grief, loss, difficulties in relationships with classmates, coworkers, and loved ones and much more including the experience of being neurodivergent as an individual or within a couple or family. With heartfelt compassion, nonjudgement, and respect, I work collaboratively with each individual, couple, and family to build a space that feels safe to explore their inner world and relationships with others. In my trauma-informed, attachment-based, and person-centred approach, we build upon your strengths and at your pace, explore and shift unhelpful patterns. We work towards the things that you want to see in your life that may include feeling more aware of your emotions, improving communication with yourself and others, living more authentically in the seat of who you are, and deepening your connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.
In my work with couples, I am honoured to work with all couples, many of whom are often at a juncture in the road of their relationship. This may include couples who want to reflect on their relationship to refine how they move forward, discussions about marriage, having or adopting children, navigating the difficulties of family life; extended family dynamics impacting the couple; diagnoses and how they’re experienced in their relationship; past issues in the relationship that are impacting them in the present; contemplating the future of their relationship and what that may look like, what the structure may be like, and so much more. I welcome all couples just as they are, whether content, satisfied, frustrated, fraught with conflict, silent, or distant from one another. I support couples in further understanding where they are at in the present and where they want to be in the future.
With families, I work to understand the interactions between family members. As a system of people, families are interconnected in many ways, for example, what one person in a family does impacts the others and vice versa. I support families in increasing their understanding of one another, how they influence each other, and practical aspects like communication, family rules (spoken and unspoken), and much more. Family therapy may include 2-3 members of a family and may include extended family members as well. Family therapy can help decrease conflict, improve communication, process life events like death, illness, or mental health diagnoses that impact the family, and enhance overall wellbeing within the family. Family therapy is unlike individual therapy in many ways, feel free to connect with me to learn more about the process.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (RCC, 22835) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. I have over 10 years experience in both the public and private sector working with adults and families, and a background in child development and family life. In working with teens, parents, couples, and individuals, I provide compassionate and evidence-based care from therapeutic models that are trauma-informed, relational, somatic and integrative of attachment theory and neuroscience.
My areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, neurodiversity, grief, loss, parenting, relationship issues, and family dynamics.
I would be honoured to join you in the waters of your life, whether stormy or static, whether you are a teen or adult, individual, couple, parents, or a family, book your free 20 minute consultation to further see if we’d be a good fit. I know how tough it can be to find a counsellor and to share your story. It would be my privilege to get to know you and support you towards your experience of wellness and meaning.
Individual & Couples $150/ 50min Session