About Me
Education and Experience
I completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree at Yorkville University, and received my Honors Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto, completing a Specialist in Psychology and a Minor in Philosophy. I am a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and of the Ontario College of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP).
In addition to my schooling, I feel that life itself has been one of my biggest teachers. The things that I've been through and challenges I've faced have granted me a strong ability to empathize with my clients and to better understand what they are going through. I've tried different treatments and strategies, which has given me a knowledge about what treatment is for the individual experiencing it. I've learned that recovery is not a "cookie cutter" solution, and that each individual's pathway to that recovery is unique. This knowledge shapes the work I do with my clients, as I work to help them discover for themselves what their path will be.
My Approach
I work with a wide range of clients, including those dealing with feelings of anxiety, depression, and trauma, working through various life transitions, and learning stress/anger management strategies or other coping skills. I provide both individual and couples counselling.
I use an integrative approach with my clients, which is a fancy way of saying that I use a variety of approaches to help you realize and achieve your personal goals. Therapy for each of my clients is different, because each of my clients are different. I have experience using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Transactional Analysis, among other methodologies.
I also have a profound interest in the role that physical fitness and nutrition play in our mental health, and I advise and encourage my clients on developing optimum physical, as well as mental, health. I’m very flexible in my approach, and aim to arrive at the best treatment for each individual client.
What I Believe
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I believe in being fully present with my clients. In order to achieve this, I work hard to take excellent care of myself before coming into and after leaving the office, so I can focus completely on my client when we're there.
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I believe that the most important thing I can do for my client is to create a strong alliance and a safe environment for them to do their work. The relationship between therapist and client is the best predictor of success in therapy, and I aim to develop this however I can.
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I believe that I must practice what I preach. Topics like acceptance, self care, and all-around optimal health are topics that I find come up often for my clients, and as well are profoundly important to me. I am always looking for ways to learn, grow, and get stronger. I consistently try to challenge myself mentally, emotionally, and physically, in order to be the best version of myself I can be.