416-319-9960

About Me


I am an experienced therapist with more than 20 years of social worker experience.  I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based focus within a trauma informed care framework to facilitate your assessment.  I offer to work with you to deal with issues from the past or matters that are present within an individually designed and implemented program created to address your expressed need.  Support is provided in a professional, peaceful and therapeutic environment.

Education

My formal education includes a Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Toronto – Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work with a clinical specialization in Health and Mental Health.  A Bachelors Degree in Social Work from The University of Victoria – which provided a structural, feminist, First Nations approach to social work practice. I am a Registered Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers OCCSWSSW and The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Teaching about social work, crisis, trauma and recovery is an interest for which I have been awarded and recognized. I have mentored, lectured and provided workshops to many students over the years through my academic connection with the University of Toronto – Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.  

Training

My training and expertise is expressed within a Trauma Informed Practice using a Strength Based approach.  I draw upon cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and neuro-based mindfulness to promote empowerment and self-advocacy to improve the quality of life for individuals, couples and families. I provide Cognitive Processing Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy and Interpersonal Process Psychotherapy among other techniques. I utilize techniques from a wide range of modalities to best assist clients with creating meaningful change, facilitating emotional healing and promoting recovery.

My couple therapy work is informed by Family Mediation and draws on Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) a leading-edge approach for helping couples to build stronger relationships. As an experienced grief and trauma therapist, I am uniquely qualified in working with people who are bereaved, grieving and have experienced loss or trauma.

Area of Practice Experience:

I have advanced training in a variety of evidenced-based modalities to address clinical issues with the expertise necessary to provide effective treatment interventions that meet your needs.

Practice areas include:

  • Trauma and Post-Trauma Recovery,
  • PTSD,
  • Crisis intervention
  • Adjustment to new or serious health challenges,
  • Advanced care planning
  • Grief and Loss,
  • Bereavement,
  • Life Transitions,
  • Personal, relational, or interpersonal issues,
  • Substance Use,
  • Harm reduction
  • Current or historic family dysfunction
  • Self-esteem/Self-harm,
  • Depression,
  • Anxiety,
  • Compassion Fatigue,
  • LGBTTIQ2S issues or questions
  • Transitioning genders,
  • ..and more

How I Work:

I believe in every individual’s ability to make change.  I offer a non-judgmental presence to help you feel relaxed and clear about the obstacles you want to overcome. I assist you in setting and achieving therapeutic goals. I am aware that painful emotions often provide useful clues into beliefs about ourselves, other people and the world. Throughout, we will work together to better understand and relieve the inner pain while opening up to new choices.  This process can help you to move beyond what no longer serves you. Using empirical techniques adapted to your needs and mutually established goals, we will work together on practical ways to develop and create the changes you may desire in areas such as communication patterns, emotion regulation, inner resources and flexibility that can inspire you to approach life from a new vantage point.

I am an active therapist who will offer deep listening, compassion and respectful inquiry, and practical strategies, to explore your experience, access your inner wisdom, and address your goals. I will listen deeply and responding throughout our discussion in order to facilitate your process.  At times, I will suggest active homework assignments and strategies for you to practice in between our appointments.

Therapy provides you with opportunities to make remarkable changes in yourself that you didn't think were possible.

As a member of the LGBTTIQ2S community, I offer an informed insider perspective on issues that face members of this community.