I received my doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Ph.D.) at the University of Ottawa, and currently hold a license for autonomous clinical practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
I am a former Olympic coach (PyeongChang, 2018), and hold the designation of Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) with the Coaching Association of Canada (NCCP#: 60823280).
I provide assessment and psychotherapy services in English. I focus much of my clinical practice on providing services to those working in health care (i.e., physicians, nurses, other regulated health professionals), government, as well as providing services for high performance athletes, and those in the creative arts (musicians, actors, visual artists, etc.).
I have a passion to help people explore their motivations, increase their awareness and overall levels of focus, attention, and concentration. Although I have a special interest in working with elite athletes, I believe that a strengths-based approach rooted in the principles of high-performance are directly applicable to all of us in our daily lives. Whether one is working in a demanding profession, an athlete, or any individual desiring to make a behavioural change – there is limitless potential in all to self-examine, focus on what is truly important, and live meaningful lives guided by personal values.
Approach:
The core of my approach is person-centered which, to me, means that I will always strive to meet you where you are with genuineness and compassion. In early sessions, we will collaboratively set goals based on what you identify is most important and as your therapist, I will bring in evidence-based practices to support and empower you in your pursuit of these goals. Know that I will be tailoring my approach to suit you and will regularly seek your feedback about how to better integrate your values and preferences into our work together. I will also demonstrate great respect for your existing strengths, your culture and spirituality or religion, as well as your courage to let yourself be seen.
Together we will explore your concerns from a place of safety, and I will encourage you to meet moments of difficulty with openness and curiosity. In sessions we will contextualize these difficulties and practice increasing your awareness of inner experiences (e.g., thoughts and feelings) with the intention of holding these with non-judgmental acceptance. Often our minds are stuck in the past or worrying about an uncertain future; this is why I wish nothing more than to help you develop strategies to have a present relationship with yourself. Integrating these experiences will give you greater capacity to gain new perspectives, clarity and confidence to act in alignment with your heart and mind.
While my integrative approach is evolving, I am trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. My approach is also informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as best-practices from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other third-wave approaches.
People with whom I work:
At this time, I provide individual psychotherapy to adults (18+) coping with concerns such as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, self-criticism, control and perfectionism, workplace issues, relationship difficulties, as well as difficulties adjusting to life transitions. I work with individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, healthcare professionals including mental health workers, educators, creative professionals, post-secondary students and others.
For those becoming increasingly aware of our changing climate and biodiversity loss, I offer services for eco-related anxiety, grief and trauma. If receiving services outdoors in nature is of interest to you, please inquire about the possibility of this option.
