Practice information:

I am a graduate of the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. I am a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. My counselling experience is in the area of integrating physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.

I have specialized training and experience in the following: 

• Psychosocial Oncology (Cancer Treatment and Survivorship),
• Clinical Hypnotherapy,
• Mindfulness Based Therapy,
• Solution Focused Therapy,
• Critical Incident Stress Management,
• Grief and Loss,
• Relationships (Couples and Families),
• Resolving Workplace Conflict,
• Sexuality,
• Self Esteem,
• and Life Transitions.

My practice is strongly influenced by the work of Virginia Satir (family systems), Stephen Gilligan (self relations theory), Jon Kabat-Zinn (mindfulness), and a variety of others.  I have a systemic, holistic and process oriented approach to my work which integrates principles from behavioural/cognitive theory, psychodynamic theory and mindfulness. 

My most recent training includes certificates in Critical Incident Stress Management, Solution Focused Therapy, and Post Traumatic Stress. 

I incorporate an attitude of curiosity and openness to personal transformation in my counselling practice.  This approach enables people to regain control of "automatic" or reactive thoughts/ behaviours and move towards "mindful" and more responsive thoughts/behaviours. I work with individuals, couples and families (as defined by the client). 

My approach comes from the perspective that the symptom of any problem contains the solution. The therapeutic "re-definition" of who we are can allow us to free ourselves from attachment to our "problems".This helps us move on to a deeper level of personal integration. Our own personal awareness of the inter-relation of body, mind, heart and spirit also helps create meaning, as well as a deeper level of awareness and acceptance of life. This enables us to move through the various stages of our lives with grace and respect for ourselves and others. It is my goal to assist my clients therapeutically with this understanding in mind.