Find a Therapist in Bowen Island, British Columbia.

I offer psychotherapy that will help you create meaning in your life that you can be proud of and excited by. I believe that as we look inward and gain insight, we begin to makes choices that are true to ourselves. This is when we are living an authentic, healthy life. I will help you to gain that insight and improve your confidence, intuition and choices. Contact me to start making changes today.

Psychotherapy is a big word, that really just means talking through your thoughts, feelings and behaviours with someone that is trained in helping you understand them and then how you can change them to live the life you desire. Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of individuals who have shared with me their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and together we worked on individualized steps to create a new, more desired future. It takes honesty and a desire to make small steps and the results are amazing.

My qualifications include a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. My trauma-informed theoretical framework is anchored in Internal Family Systems (IFS), while integrating the attachment principles and relational lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Both of these methodologies are evidence-based practices that have been demonstrated to be effective with a variety of situations and symptoms. I recognize that each individual has a unique set of circumstances and perspectives, so with this in mind, I will work collaboratively with you to determine your strengths, needs, areas of growth, and go

Life and relationships become painful, sometimes paralyzing when our emotions overwhelm us. Emotions are actually intended for good - they are intended to give us motivation and information; specifically they inform us of how to act in the way that is in keeping with who we are. I help people to face their emotions, take from them the lessons that they offer and move forward positively in their lives. You do not have to be stuck, paralyzed and fearful, you can be peaceful, productive and motivated.

Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods to help a person change behavior and overcome problems in a positive manner. Its aim is to help people understand the thoughts behind feeling anxious or depressed and addressing these thinking patterns. Psychotherapy will help you change behaviors and habits that are limiting you, to experiencing your fullest potential.

Psychotherapy with me will offer you a secure non-judgmental relationship to grow in your goals. Together we will explore what is bringing you into therapy and with compassion and curiousity notice what comes up for you when you seek to make change. As we explore what comes up, we will use tools to get to the roots of those blocks and discover deeper part of you that can provide you with that felt sense of relief and new found energy.

My approach in psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship between client and therapist, respecting your presenting issues, your choices, and pace for change. I often integrate a body-oriented approach in order to engage all parts of the brain and accelerate and deepen the healing process. I may suggest we work using cognitive behavioral therapy and/or sensorimotor psychotherapy (primarily for trauma), along with a variety of other techniques that work well with your presenting problem. I find that many clients are surprised at how quickly they make progress.

Psychotherapy is an interactive process between a clinician and a client. By examining and challenging thoughts, feelings and behaviour, one can affect change, solve problems and reach maximum potential. As a clinician, I help to facilitate this process by implementing interventions such as Neurofeedback (NFB), EMDR and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). NFB retrains your brains ability to act rather than react. EMDR is a powerful tool that goes to the roots of barriers to functioning by affecting neural processes with eye movements. CBT allows you to actively engage in examining your thoughts and behaviours to effect change.

My approach to psychotherapy is person-centered and collaborative, focusing on each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. I integrate insights from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and psychodynamic and attachment perspectives to understand how past experiences shape present patterns. I am also influenced by existential philosophy, which emphasizes authenticity, freedom, and responsibility in shaping one’s life. In addition, I draw on René Girard’s theory of imitation (mimesis) to explore how social pressures and comparisons can influence identity, relationships, and personal goals.

My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe in the power of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, serving as a foundation for the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approaches, I tailor my methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By fostering a non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower clients to openly express themselves and work towards understanding the underlying factors influencing their behaviours.

A holistic approach is used, integrating empathetic listening, evidence-based techniques, and collaborative goal-setting. Clients are encouraged to explore the interaction between our thoughts, feelings (emotions and physical sensations) and actions. Cognitive-behavioural strategies can be used to address patterns, while psychodynamic insights delve into underlying issues. Mindfulness practices may be used to enhance self-awareness and increase our capacity to sit with our feelings and notice our thoughts. The therapeutic relationship, with well defined boundaries, is pivotal in the work we do together.

Psychotherapy (or counselling) is ‘talk therapy’ – where you, as the client, share: your experiences, goals, challenges, presenting concerns, both verbally and nonverbally. Through this communication a therapeutic relationship (or alliance) is formed. This relationship acts a safe space for you to explore, excavate, evaluate, take new risks, etc. In a large way, engaging in the therapeutic relationship is ‘practise’ for the real world. I, as the therapist, will work with multiple modalities (or theoretical orientations) within our dialogue and engagement, which will serve to help us reflect, challenge, bear to light, collaborate, as well as model things (such as security, compassion, etc.).

Counselling is my life's work. I am in love with learning and do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. My first priority is to establish a good relationship with my client(s), to listen and create a safe space for them. I use my instincts, my years of experience and wisdom to customize treatment for each of my clients. I respect the wisdom of each person and believe that counselling can be a collaborative process between therapist and client. I am there to support, encourage, listen with compassion and to guide clients to find their own direction and empowerment. I also teach specific skills for communication, managing depression and anxiety and trauma symptoms.