Hi!

It is a great pleasure to work with people who are ready willing and able to look at the obstacles in their lives. I am humbled by the trust people place in me, and I bring to counselling a profound belief in the worth of each and every person I work with.

I have done a lot of my own personal work. I mention this because I believe it is important that the people I work with understand that I have followed my own path, which at times has been very hard. I know it can be difficult to ask for help, but I have done it and so can others. I know the difference counselling and healing my own issues has made in my life. I congratulate you on your courage. I truly believe that positive change results from counselling.

As a counsellor I work with people, on the issues they are struggling with in the moment. We develop a plan or goals and work from there. I like to incorporate all aspects of life in this plan. For example we figure out where you want to be financially, spiritually, physically and emotionally. I believe in balance and each of these aspects of life requires consideration in counselling.

I have worked in various agencies and institutions in Ontario. Specifically, I have worked with people who were dealing with some of the following Mental Health aspects: Trauma, Violence, Depression, Oppression, Sexual Orientation, Suicide, Anxiety, Stress, Emotions, Disability, Acquired brain injury, Crisis, Bereavement and Loss, PTSD, and severe Mental Health disorders, such as schizophrenia.

I use a Harm reduction approach to substance use, which means I do not actively promote abstinence, but rather work on goals towards reaching a more health lifestyle. That does not mean that I think that abstinence can't or doesn't work, but rather in my experience, people need a plan with steps towards a healthier way of coping with whatever addiction they are struggling with.

I work from a Solution Focused perspective, which really just means that, like you, I want to help figure out the blocks and try to move through them as efficiently as possible. Part of the plan or goals also includes a suggestion of how many sessions we might work together. This can range from 6 sessions - every week or bi-weekly, to a number of sessions over the course of a few months. We will decide together what will work best for you.

Some reasons to consider Counselling

Not everyone who begins counselling is really clear about what it is they want to work on. Often people are not sure why they are unhappy. I hear people say they can't even remember what it is like to be happy. There could be numerous reasons for feeling this way.

Sometimes people would like to improve their relationship, or make changes in their work life. Sometimes people want to make more money or understand why they don't handle the money they make in a responsible way. Sometimes people are experiencing anxiety or depression and are not sure why they feel this way.

Other people come to counselling for very specific reasons. They want to work on their childhood experiences or need support during a divorce, or while they are attempting to become pregnant.

Regardless of the reason, seeking help can be a difficult choice. I know that sometimes there is shame in asking for help, or in admitting the whole truth in a situation. I offer a free half-hour first time meeting, during which you get to ask me questions, and get to know me a little and I get to hear you. I feel this is important because if you are not comfortable with your counsellor, you won't get much work done. The first meeting ensures that we agree that we can work together. If you are not comfortable with me, or your issue is not in an area which I have experience in, I will be very happy to refer you to a colleague of mine who is qualified and available to work with people on the issues you want to explore.

Learn about the Five Flower Rescue Remedy.
Some people decide to take “Five Flower Rescue Remedy” prior to counselling, to open them selves up and to comfort themselves after doing emotional work. Five Flower Rescue Remedy is a combination of essences that can be used in emergency situations to stabilize trauma situations. It eases fear and restores one's state of calm and confidence. It can be found in Natural Health Stores and recently in some Loblaws Super Stores.

To view my resume, click here.

To learn more about fees and booking a counselling sessions, please click on Appointments.