Practice information:

I am a Registered Psychologist providing therapy to children, youth, and their families in North Vancouver (at Nova Mental Health). My focus is on creating a warm, collaborative, and engaging atmosphere while incorporating the latest research evidence and best-practice guidelines to help families move through challenges. Drawing on principles of Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, I work with families to establish the goals important to them. I then focuses each session on helping children, youth, and their families learn new strategies and skills to overcome the issue at hand. Although I am effective at helping children and youth manage a number of issues, my main areas of practice are in Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tics, Depression, Self-Harm, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

When working with children, I use playful approaches and age appropriate language to engage children of all ages. My friendly, non-judgemental personally makes children, youth and young adults feel at ease in the work that we do together. My background, working in hospital, community, private, and school settings, provides me with a thorough understanding of the systems involved in children and youth's lives and it helps me provide effective advocacy and consultation when necessary. 

I am a mother of two amazing and spirited children. Being a mother has provided me with an additional layer of understanding of the challenges faced by families and the incredible strengths that can be discovered within each family. 

Treatment Areas:

• Anxiety
  • Panic and Agoraphobia
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Test and School Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Health Anxiety
  • Social Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention - CBT and ERP)
• Tics (Treated with Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics - CBIT)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Behavioural Concerns
• Sleep Difficulties
• Depression​​

Approach

I integrate a number of treatment modalities to provide children and youth with an individualized approach that will meet their unique needs. I apply techniques and approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.

Education

• Ph.D. Counselling Psychology; McGill University
• M.A. Counselling Psychology; Simon Fraser University
• B.A. (Psychology): First Class Honours; Simon Fraser University

I regularly seek opportunities to continue my training so that I can provide the most up-to-date best-practices in the field. My recent continuing education includes:

• Tourette Association of America: Behavior Therapy Institute's - CBIT Training
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Pediatric BTTI Intensive Training in OCD
• Behavioural Tech Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Training
• Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills with Sarah Ward
• Working with LGBTQ Clients - Vancouver Coastal Health
• Attachment Focused Parenting

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, all sessions are currently provided through online video or phone sessions. Financial assistance can be accessed through grants for mental health services. You can learn more here:https://www.novamentalhealth.ca/financial-assistance.html