About Me
I have a master's degree in Counselling and extensive training in several different approaches to counselling that I lean on in my work (see below). I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
At my core, I'm a solution-focused therapist who focuses on developing a strong relationship with clients in order to help you process difficult emotions and navigate life's challenges. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution and so I hold each approach lightly, aware each one might not connect with every client.
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Counselling wasn't my first career but after years of trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I finally feel fulfilled in my work and like I'm in the right place. My past experience includes many years in journalism, where I found joy in giving a voice to the voiceless. Later, I spent time coaching youth sports and volunteering on a crisis support line, which led me back to school and into my career as a clinical counsellor.
When I'm not at work, I'm watching or playing sports, binge-watching a new TV series, or obsessing over one of my more nerdy hobbies.
Approaches to Counselling
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I have completed Level 1 and 2 training of the Gottman Method for relationship counselling. I integrate this approach with emotion-focused couples therapy in order to help couples navigate conflict and communicate more effectively. I work as an unbiased mediator to help couples learn new ways of relating to their partners. In addition, I have completed the Competent and Affirming LGBTQ2IA+ Couples and Partners Therapy training through Our Landing Place.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
I have been studying and training in ACT, which I really connect with and find useful for many different presenting concerns. Most importantly ACT helps clients build psychological flexibility, which is the ability to stay present and engaged in life even when faced with difficult thoughts or emotions. ACT focuses on values-based action, encouraging clients to accept what is out of their control while committing to actions that align with what truly matters to them. This approach supports meaningful change, not by eliminating discomfort, but by learning how to respond to it and re-engage with their life in a healthy way.
Outdoor Therapy
I offer walk and talk therapy or outdoor therapy sessions to clients at a local park in East Vancouver (or in Kits at Jericho Beach). We can spend the hour walking around the park, or simply sitting on a bench if that's more your style. This type of counselling has different confidentiality concerns given that it is in public and it isn't for everyone. I have training in Nature-Based Therapy through Human Nature Counselling and I believe that processing difficult emotions in nature can be just as if not more therapeutic than in an office setting.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is the first type of therapy I latched onto in graduate school. My previous career as a writer made Narrative Therapy appealing to me. In Narrative Therapy, we identify the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and how those stories were formed over our lifetimes. Then we work to create a new narrative for your life, amplifying your strengths and re-writing your future. I received training through the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy.
Learn about Counselling Services
Reach out for a free consultation or contact me to see if we are a good fit to work together.