Welcome to a safe space. 

In 1998, I worked as a Support Worker front-line at a Transition House, supporting women and children who had experienced physical and emotional violence and associated trauma. I later led the development of the Specialized Victims Services Program in Langley before returning to school to obtain my Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology, which I completed in 2009 (Simon Fraser University).​

 

My work as a Therapist initially focused on providing assessment and therapy to children and families referred by the Ministry of Child and Family Development. I had the opportunity to work with families at risk of separation, and saw both children and parents in my practice. I then took on the role of a Family Counsellor at Family Services of Vancouver - working with children, parents and families in distress. Here, I also provided clinical supervision to graduate students and colleagues.

 

Since transitioning to my own clinical space 15 years ago, my practice has naturally expanded from a focus on children and family systems to working with the other most significant attachment relationship in families – intimate relationships. The primary focus of my current practice is providing therapy to couples and families, particularly those impacted by historical or current trauma, or where betrayal has impacted trust in the relationships.   

 

For many years, I also divided my time between counselling and teaching Human Behaviour as part-time Faculty at the British Columbia Institute of British Columbia (BCIT). In 2022, I shifted away from this teaching position to focus primarily on clinical work. This has been delicious and meaningful! I have been able to expand opportunities for writing, delivering workshops to parents and community, and providing clinical supervision to graduate students and agencies.​

 

And while professional growth matters, the personal growth matters too. 

 

A deep empathic connection is a necessary ingredient for meaningful clinical work. And we are all impacted by our own history and experience.

 

Sometimes clients wonder if I "get it".  For this reason, I share that I have the lived experience of being a parent and a spouse. I am also committed to attending my own counselling to support my ongoing growth. So - I do know what it is like to be a client!

 

A wise mentor once told me you can only go as deep as you have been yourself. I have found this to be true. The more mindful and attuned I am in my own life, the more present I am able to be as a Clinician. And I enjoy the work immensely.