My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
I wouldn’t have had any idea that I would become a Psychologist when I was 5 years old, 15 years old or even 19 years old. I wanted to be a teacher. I am sure this came from having my own challenges while growing up. Friends would come to me because I really listened. I heard them.
I bring my own personal experience to my work. I believe this is part of why I have genuine compassion for those that I work with. I have overcome my own eating disorder. I was bulimic from the ages of 15 to 27. I struggled in knowing myself and never felt truly understood or accepted by friends or family. I looked to things outside of me but they never worked.
I then found a therapist, who since my work with her has become my mentor, even after all these years. She listened, accepted me, and created a safe space for me to express my emotions and not feel terrified of what might happen.
I was then diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. With a lot of support from family, friends, and a therapist I was able to grieve the losses that came with this diagnosis and have learned to adapt to the uncertainty.
Recovery was tough, but I got better.
I learned to feel joy again. I know that you can recover. I know that you can adapt. I can help you find peace with yourself, relationships, and feel zest for life.
I am authentic and genuinely care. Social Justice is very important to me. I have been active in various ways with the LGBTQ Community, Literacy Programs, homelessness, and domestic violence.
My Counselling Style
My style is gentle, genuine, and direct, which creates a safe and supportive environment. My relational approach emphasizes the importance of connection, and it is these aspects of my work that will lead you into a journey of emotional well being.
I integrate evidence based therapy approaches into my work. The foundation of my work with you is client-centered. I have found that there are certain approaches that can be key to moving through difficult situations. See my “How I Work” page for more detail on these approaches.
Background
I have been practicing in the field of psychology for over three decades. It began in in Denver, Colorado with a focus on women’s issues, domestic violence, and eating disorders.
I followed my passion and moved back to my roots in Canada and after a decade of work in the not-for-profit world felt it was time to reconnect with my earlier work as a Psychologist.
This journey in my professional life has taught me perseverance. I have never lost sight of what is truly important to me. I learned that whatever barriers I am faced with, I can overcome them.
I am curious and inquisitive. I want to help but I need to know that what I offer is effective in overcoming the challenges you face in your struggles.
It is critical for me to be ethical in all of my work. This is what helps build trust between the two of us.
Counselling Credentials
- M.A., Counseling Psychology, Lesley University
- B.A., Psychology, Women’s Studies, University of Colorado
- Dip. Rehabilitation Services, Grant MacEwan University
Specialized Training
I have extensive training in EMDR and EFT as well as other methods of therapy and find these tools to be extremely beneficial with my clients.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing):
I was first trained in EMDR in 1993 by the founder of EMDR, Francine Shapiro. I did further training in EMDR in 2018. I am continuing to train in this method to advance my skills.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique):
I trained with the founder of EFT, Gary Craig in 1995 and did further training in EFT in 2017.
Professional Memberships
College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
Psychologists Association of Alberta (PAA)
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
On a Personal Note
I am married and have a son who I love dearly. I try to get out to the mountains or to the ocean as much as I can, but not enough. I find nature to be healing. Being present in my world is critical. I achieve this through my practice of Yoga and Meditation. This is an integral part of my daily life, but as for most people it can be a struggle to find balance with self-care, work, and life.
I also find music and dancing very healing, especially blues and jazz music. These are all about connection with nature, friends, family, or myself. It is healthy connections that I believe are critical to our sense of joy in life.