I take an existential-phenomenological view when working with clients—which means that I seek to be open to whatever issues you bring to our sessions, without judgement or applying my interpretation. Together we enter into a conversation that examines your experiences, emotions, and thoughts, from which you can make decisions that enable you to respond and react to life and its challenges.
Some of the reasons that someone might seek counselling include:
Grief and loss
Life changes (adolescence, career, divorce, parenting)
Stress and anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Relationships and couples
Identity (gender, sexual orientation, personal)
Issues are treated according to your experiences of them using a variety of techniques. In addition to grounding my approach in existentialism, I also draw from multiple theories as needed (cognitive behavioural therapy, Adlerian, mindfulness, etc.). How we go about things is always personalized and always within your control. Consider me a guide, rather than a guru.
Counselling is usually either brief or long-term. Although this is best determined by the particular issue, it is often determined by cost and other practicalities. I therefore offer both short-term counselling and long-term psychotherapy.
Short-Term Counselling
The aim of short-term counselling is to resolve a specific concern, which is typically triggered by an event or a sudden awareness of something not “fitting” with who you are or who you want to be. Usually lasting between four and six sessions, this type of counselling is more practical, where we work on a specific action plan and goal setting to address that concern.
Long-Term Psychotherapy
Long-term counselling or psychotherapy is useful when the issue is more complicated and requires a deeper and broader exploration into its source, impact, and resolution. Examples include issues stemming from childhood and adolescence, unresolved traumatic events, and unprocessed information that is a major obstacle to enjoying a fulfilling life. This counselling is paced, with no definite session count.
Bilingual in French and English, I have a master’s degree in counselling psychology from Adler University and am in the process of completing a graduate diploma in existential counselling from Austrian-based GLE International—Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis. Though I currently live in Canada, I have previously worked and studied in South Africa (Cape Town) and the United Kingdom (London). Before deciding to become a counsellor, I worked in corporate environments in the legal and human rights fields.
For the last three years, I have volunteered with the Vancouver Crisis Centre, and now work there as a staff member in a supervisory role. I also worked with Vancouver Coastal Health Child and Youth Mental Health as part of a practicum placement. In my counselling practice I have worked with individuals, couples, and groups struggling with addiction, identity, anxiety, and depression. Clients include professionals, musicians, young people, and survivors of abuse and trauma.
Outside of counselling, I am a keen participant in several sports, including water polo, curling, cross-country skiing, running, cycling, and hiking. I serve as a member of the board of directors of the Society of Existential Analysis of Canada, and continue to be involved in a project around community mental health resources that started during one of my degree practicum placements.
