Find a Therapist in Port Moody, British Columbia.

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.).

I strongly believe that psychotherapy is an art. This is the reason I integrate different approaches and modalities when working with clients based on their goals and their current situation. In other words, I use my years of training and my clinical experience to make sure what we do is helpful to you. I have done training in approaches that focus on thoughts and cognitions such as CBT, approaches that are more emotionally focused such as AEDP and approaches that are more body focused such as SP. This helps us to give equal attention to all parts of your experience such as your feelings, your thoughts and your body. You will feel more integrated and whole as a result.

Patterns of self-sabotaging behavioural, disorganized thinking and overwhelming emotion make life very difficult. How can we move forward when our bodies seem to betray us and we just need a break from the buzzing anxiety or the numbing of depression? What you may not know is all these symptoms are the imprint of our unfinished business, stuck in the body and just begging to be seen, cared for and accepted. Working with me means looking with curiosity, compassion and an educated-eye at how old wounds of betrayal, abandonment and rejection show up to block living your best life. You are not alone and there is hope.

Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to take a step back from your life and reflect on what matters to you. It used to be thought that if you need a "shrink" i.e. head shrinker, there's something wrong with you! These days, we know that the demands of our fast paced lives can get us down and we may not be aware of the reasons. We may be too close to our own issues. In psychotherapy, we can slow down and have help to examine what comes up in the context of our difficulties. Our bodies and emotions register reactions that we may not understand. Psychotherapy can help open a space to let new realities unfold through honouring small reactions that can be understood in the larger context.

For every client that I see, I always offer an individualized and tailored approach by draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches in order to enable your mental health healing and functional recovery. Using a collaborative and client centered approach, I will walk alongside you and together, we will explore solutions to overcome life's obstacles.

In psychotherapy, I help clients gain a deeper understanding of their thought processes and the origins of these patterns. We explore childhood experiences, adolescence, and adulthood to uncover how their core beliefs were formed. This journey allows clients to recognize behavior patterns and the emotions tied to those experiences, empowering them to manage their feelings and cultivate positive self-beliefs.

Many people grow up feeling not good enough in themeselves. Their family of origins have taught them that who they were was not acceptable as they were, or not what their parents wanted them to be. As a result, many clients have buried parts of themselves in order to fit in and survive emotionally in their families. People are often fragmented when they come in for psychotherapy. I help clients uncover and reclaim the parts of themselves that they left behind, helping them to feel whole again and resdiscover their true essences and their core selves.

I help clients to understand the root cause of their depression and anxiety with Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Conflict and attachment based problems can arise between loved ones , coworkers and the people around you. A balanced social life is important to combat depression. I help my clients to find the key issues in their biggest problem areas. We will create a step by step plan improve and build on relationships and deal with grief.

For 20 years I have worked as a psychotherapist, helping people learn new communication skills, deal with difficult relationships, resolve issues from childhood, find ways to cope with anxiety and stress. In the past psychotherapy was done face to face but this is not always possible due to remote location, high cost and simply finding the time in a busy schedule (young children, work etc.). Counseling by telephone or video is convenient and at a more reasonable cost. Studies have shown also that it can be very effective in helping people through difficult times.

As a psychotherapist, I offer a safe and warm environment to explore your concerns with non judgmental approach. The work will inspire empowering conversations which will foster resiliency and change. The results of counselling can be an overall sense of strength and well being. My counselling style takes into account each persons unique needs, goals, and current challenges to develop lasting change.

My psychotherapy clients come with a range of concerns: people in job or relationship transitions, feeling "stuck" or limited in their lives, feeling “swept along,” disconnected, or worn out. People looking for direction, understanding, and change. Using open conversation and psychological tools, I help my clients learn the patterns that are holding them back and help them build new ways of thinking and living. Psychotherapy can help you gain insight into your life, make better decisions, feel happier and more in control, build more satisfying relationships, reduce stress, and feel more fulfilled in your life. If you’re ready to move toward change, please contact me.

It is my hope that through the process of exploring personal and relationship issues, clients will develop a greater self-awareness and understanding of their potential and capabilities. Clients will identify any limiting beliefs and thought patterns that may have blocked them from attaining goals in their personal relationships and/or professional lives. Clients will also address and work on any unhealed past experiences of emotional and/or physical trauma that may be negatively affecting their lives today. Clients will benefit from building effective communication skills to promote healthy relationships. It is my hope that clients will develop a loving acceptance of Self.

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.

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.

I offer a multidisciplinary and relational approach to psychotherapy that includes early attachment work and a sensitivity to intergenerational dynamics and trauma, with a holistic orientation and evidence-based techniques. The role of the body in healing is central to my work, as I draw on many somatic practices. I also work with the arts as a healing modality. On the part of my clients, no experience in the arts is necessary. Whichever therapeutic modality we choose as best suited to your current journey, we work with the fundamental creative drive that is present in all of us to encounter the many facets of your healing pilgrimage necessary for growth and lasting change.

In Psychotherapy, a deeper dive into your past to understand why you may feel. Think and act in a certain way that is not helpful to you. There will be lots of investigation into early childhood, beliefs, and assumptions made that no longer serve you. There will be a link between early environment and learning, how you coped, and how that may play out in your life in the present in how you think, feel, and act. This incorporates a blend of many counseling models. My most frequent question will be, " What happened to you?"

Many clients come to me with only having had talk therapy. They tell me that with their previous counsellor they just discussed their challenges and never really got anywhere. I personally believe that the difference lies in the distinction between the terms "counselling" and "therapy." In my opinion, counselling involves talking and gently exploring issues, whereas therapy involves teaching new concepts, applying specific tools and approaches, and making tailored plans. Clients brainstorm with me, apply new ideas at home, challenge themselves, and develop new insights and skills. This is how I work and what I offer, and my clients notice the difference in their daily lives.

At times, our lives may feel overwhelming and uncertain. Being human means that we will often experience pain, instability, and a seemingly never-ending list of to-dos. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I help people to experience more joy, connection, and fulfillment in their lives. I will work with you to address your stumbling blocks so that you can live a life of greater peace and freedom.

Life can be hard. Help is here for you. Challenges and problems are part of life. It's good to reach out for help. You are the expert in your life, in your goals, values and aspirations. I am here to provide tools, accountability, support, encouragement and help in revealing to you all your inner awesomeness. I have unwavering confidence in your capabilities and potential, even when you find it hard to see them. Together we create a place to step back and gain perspective, test ideas, create solutions and move towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and connected.

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 can empower you to create lasting positive change. Creating a safe, compassionate space for your own inner journey is in itself often a meaningful contradiction to how we have been alone with our pain. Through my guidance and gentle support, you will begin to examine and move through the places of pain and confusion that trouble you. Your path toward personal growth and expansion will reveal new possibilities and ways to achieve a life of joy and the connection you want. Call me or email for a free 15 minute consultation.

Through a warm and compassionate lens, I aim to provide a safe place where you can tell your story. I will partner with you to sort through what is going on in a way that allows for you to feel seen, heard and understood, and in a way that helps you see how much sense your thoughts, feelings and actions make. Using methods such as Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, Attachment, Mindfulness, Self-compassion, CBT and psychoeducation, I will act as a guide as to help you become unstuck and move forward. It can be challenging to reach out. Doing so gives you the opportunity to learn new tools, develop life skills and find healing. It would be privilege to meet with you.

Feelings need to be felt. Stories need to be told. Sometimes, a therapist takes the role of a highly trained audience. I know how to listen, with the curiosity and earnestness of someone newly in love. Listening is not the entire treatment, but it is definitely a necessary part of it. I'll quote Lou Reed here: "I'll be your mirror, reflect what you are, in case you don't know."

My professional credential is Registered Therapeutic Counsellor not psychotherapist. However I have extensive experience with the tools of psychotherapy including: attachment healing, somatic attunement, object relations, ego state therapy, and depth psychology. I integrate the Diamond Approach, a system for spiritual and psychological maturation, into my work with clients. A core tenet I experience daily is: we each have an individual soul with unlimited potential to free ourselves from limiting aspects of personality, inherited trauma and old beliefs. I've been a student of the Diamond Approach since 1989 and am grateful to the teachers, teachings, and our community of lovers of truth.

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