The hardest part is behind you

Seeking support from a therapist can be a stressful and sometimes confusing process. Taking that first step is a positive choice towards a journey for changing something that maybe doesn’t feel quite right. Together we can look at new perspectives and strategies, and have an opportunity to reflect on what is important to you and how you’d like to live your life. If you’ve experienced the recent death of someone close to you, experiencing another form of grief, or are managing challenges around anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult emotions, let’s get into a relaxing setting where we can make sense of it all.

What you can expect

Have you ever noticed that when you try to untie a knot in a hurry, it only gets more tangled?  You’re more likely to figure it out if you give yourself just a little more time.  I’m here to help you think through your challenges and reactions in a deliberate way, and at the pace that’s right for you.  My clients tend to report a sense of grounding and calm when they’ve worked with me. I welcome you to a space where we can slow things down, anchor ourselves in the present moment, and explore some new perspectives together.

Credentials

I am a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Following a career in IT, I returned to school and received my Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have participated in specialized training in Narrative Therapy practice, EMDR, grief counselling, and suicide bereavement. I utilize an eclectic mix of therapeutic approaches drawing on elements of CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused therapies, while my core framework is a Narrative Therapy practice framework.

Grief can take many forms

Regardless of the therapy approach, my technique is client-centred and collaborative in nature, and unique to each person’s circumstances, strengths and abilities. I have supported clients with challenges that include brain injury, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, self-esteem and self-confidence, trauma, and more. My previous work with clients has been with individuals, couples, children and families, and some work tailored to first-responders. I am currently focused on working with individual or first-responder adult clients in the areas of death and dying, grief and trauma.

Grief is not something that needs to be fixed, or something we need to get over. It’s about finding ways to incorporate these losses and experiences into our lives in the space that follows. Grief is also not always about someone’s death. For example, we may experience grief when we lose a pet, or we’re on the job and witness something terrible, have lost a relationship, or have lost a job, or get a diagnosis that means the life we planned doesn’t look the same.

My clients have included first-responders, medical personnel, teachers, their spouses, their family members, and their friends. You may count yourself in one of those categories, or not. Either way, you’re not alone, and I’m here to listen.

The next step

Wherever you are on your journey, let’s walk together and navigate the challenges that have brought you here. I offer free consultation appointments, where we can talk about any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting with you.