I use an integrative approach, which draws on several different therapeutic modalities.  Integrative therapy is a progressive style of psychotherapy that allows the therapist to offer a more inclusive and flexible style of treatment than more traditional, single-approach style psychotherapy.  

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
AEDP focuses on bringing about healing by exploring difficult experiences that have had a profound relational or emotional effect on a client’s life experience. The goal of AEDP is to help individuals tap into inner resources for healing and confront and deal with emotional traumas, instead of resorting to defensive tactics. It allows individuals to see their own internal coping skills that were previously hidden, and to awaken those inner strengths as a natural response to life's circumstances. By processing emotions, healing and transformation begins, leading to better coping mechanisms and feelings of relief, hope and empowerment. As an AEDP therapist, I seek to develop a genuine, affirmative, supportive relationship while accompanying you to freely experience your emotions and regain your sense of true self.  

Family Systems Theory / Internal Family Systems
Family systems theory holds that we are uniquely shaped by our family of origin. Who we are in our current relationships is a product of this larger family system. By learning more about the family we come from, we begin to understand ourselves more fully. A central tenet of this approach is that a family is an emotional unit and individual behavior must be considered from the context of the family. People are influenced by their family but each person also influences their entire family. 

This differs from Internal Family Systems, which believes our mind is naturally multiple and this is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. 

Transpersonal Psychology
Transpersonal psychology is a transformative psychology of mind and body, and of the individual in felt connection with a diverse, interconnected, and evolving world.  Unlike most forms of psychotherapy that concentrate on improving mental health alone, transpersonal therapy addresses mental, physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual needs, with an emphasis on the role of a healthy spirit in healing.
It holds that relationships are the foundation for an optimal life and that the quality of our life experience shifts dramatically when we make connection our goal, on a social, emotional, and spiritual level.

Gestalt
Gestalt Theory is a method of giving voice to our internal struggles. It focuses on what we are experiencing in the here and now – through active expression of sadness, anger, anxieties, and other feelings. Instead of simply talking about past situations, clients are encouraged to experience them, perhaps through imaginative portrayals. Through the gestalt process, clients learn to become more aware of how their own negative thought patterns and behaviors are blocking true self-awareness and making them unhappy.

Person Centered
Person-centered therapy uses a non-authoritative approach that allows clients to take more of a lead in discussions so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions. The therapist acts as a compassionate facilitator, listening without judgment and acknowledging the client’s experience without moving the conversation in another direction. The therapist is there to encourage and support the client and to guide the therapeutic process without interrupting or interfering with the client’s process of self-discovery. 

Attachment-Based
According to attachment theory, a secure attachment develops when parents are sensitive to the needs of their children and consistently available. This is the type of belonging "that invites another to be fully known and understood, that invites all parts in… not just the good, but also all the worries, the sadness, the confusion, the anger – the vulnerability that makes us fully human". (The Neufeld Institute)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is designed to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression and chronic unhappiness. It combines the ideas of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes based on the cultivation of mindfulness.

Trauma-Informed
Trauma-Informed Practice is a strengths-based framework grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma. 

The client/therapist relationship is confidential and no information about your sessions will be shared with anyone without your written consent. There are legal requirements where I am obligated, by law, to break confidentiality. If you share with me that you intend to imminently harm yourself or someone else I am required to report to the proper authorities. If child abuse is suspected, or an elderly individual or person with additional needs is being neglected, I will contact the appropriate government or community authorities. I am required to release your client records if I am subpoenaed to do so by a court of law. In all cases you will be notified before any of the above occurring.

Further information regarding confidentiality can be found in the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists Standards of Practice.

There is no "one size fits all" method for therapy.  Some people feel their issue(s) is(are) resolved after a few sessions, others request longer term support, while still others like to have ongoing "check-ins" as a way of prioritizing their well-being.  What brings you to therapy, the length of time you have been struggling, the nature of your concern(s) and your finances / extended health benefit coverage may all impact your therapeutic journey.  

Online therapy is very similar to in person sessions, with some important differences.  You get to be in whatever location works best for you - whether that be your home, office, parked car or sitting on a bench by the side of a creek.  Meeting online offers increased access to psychotherapy for people who might otherwise struggle to receive the support they deserve, such as people with transportation or mobility barriers, caregivers, people who do not have the time or desire to travel to and from in person sessions and people who simply prefer to meet in the location of their choice.  I have experienced the benefits of online counseling as both a client and a therapist.

I have extensive training and experience working online and firmly believe online therapy can be as effective as in-person, and for some people even more so.  We will meet using Zoom.  Users simply need to have a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device with (as reliable as possible) access to the internet.  Zoom is a fully encrypted platform between the two parties protecting data in transit by TLS 1.2 using 256-bitAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES-256).  There is no need for clients to download anything onto their personal device.  

The benefit of working online is increased flexibility for both myself and my clients.  My typical work days are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  Session times can be requested outside of these days and I will accommodate them whenever possible.  Future sessions are booked either at the end of each session, or via email, WhatsApp or text.  

People come to therapy for a wide range of reasons, but one common theme is a desire for change.  Some may be going through a major life transition (such as moving to a new city, marriage, new job, expecting a child, entering midlife etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people might seek support for their anxiety, depression, low self esteem, addictions, struggles in relationships, or not being fully satisfied and fulfilled with their life. Therapy can provide a safe, nurturing space to explore who you are, learn about why you might be reacting as you are and help with skills to shift patterns you want to change. Other people may not feeling anything is "wrong"...  they are here to learn more about themselves in order to more fully embrace life.

Whomever you choose as your counselor - you are entering into a very important therapeutic relationship.  As a client you have the right to be heard, respected and held in a space of trust and compassion.  Therapy will not always be comfortable, and for good reason.  It is our work to talk about hard topics, explore areas that might uncomfortable and shine the light on patterns which may no longer be serving you. Working with a therapeutic counselor can help you pinpoint the patterns and beliefs in your life that are holding you back and open the doors of possibility.