Practice information:

Everyone is unique in how they process life challenges and make meaning of them. Talk therapy is great for some people and issues, but I also offer play therapy, sand tray, clay work, art and writing to clients of all ages to explore their inner worlds. I often combine expressive arts with an Internal Family Systems approach so clients can use metaphors and creative expression to identify and harmonize the various parts of themselves that might be pulling different directions or holding them stuck. I encourage clients to use their creativity to shift their perspective and find hope sprouting out of loss.

I particularly enjoy working with students, having taught music at an international high school in Germany and at a private college in Ontario. I understand the student mindset firsthand having returned to studies a few times as a mature student to obtain a Masters of Music in choral conducting, and a Masters of Theological Studies, in addition to my MA in Counselling and Psychology from St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton. I have worked as a therapist since 2018, but prior to that I have been informally listening, mentoring and guiding individuals through life's challenges through my 15 years of teaching music and 16 years of working as music director of a church. While working at the church I led a faith-based support group for those suffering with mood disorders and gained a lot of insight into how to support those with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.

Through teaching music I saw that people's negative inner dialogue and perfectionism often held them back from reaching their goals and enjoying the journey. I seek to be an empathetic presence in the counselling process helping clients move towards self-acceptance calm and 'play on the same team with themselves' in life goals and relationships. I am honoured to accompany clients on their journeys from a strengths-based approach, respecting each person as a unique individual who will author their own healing in collaboration with me as a witness to their pain and guide towards hope.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor working with children age 10 and up, adolescents and individual adults affected by anxiety, depression, abuse, grief, low self-esteem, shame, eating disorders, OCD, relationship issues, spiritual questions, decision making and life transitions.