Most of us have moments of wondering: “why isn’t my life working the way I want it to?”

Such thoughts may be the result of such things as stressful life events, bereavement or loss, infidelity, substance abuse, or gambling. Often when trying to answer this question, we turn against ourselves — sometimes with a harsh inner voice, sometimes building a wall of isolation – and the result is a diminished capacity to tolerate the challenges of everyday life. This leads to loneliness, emotional pain and an inability to reach out. Research suggests that ongoing stress can have a detrimental effect on a person’s physical health, as well as mental and emotional well-being.

I can help you develop resilience and emotional intelligence (the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and your reactions to the emotions of others.) Those skills lead to resolution and healing.

In the early years of my practice, I recognized that our emotional well-being and mental health likely had a strong relationship to our bodies. I sought training that offered insights into working with both the body and the mind, such as Psychodramatic Bodywork®, Trauma-Focused Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and others.

Over the course of my career, I immersed myself in a variety of work settings. For several years I worked at an agency that specialized in addictions, and I gained hands-on experience working with a variety of issues related to problem substance use. I also spent thirteen years working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (both male and female), and gained valuable insight into the complexities of trauma. And my work at a community agency allowed me to gather invaluable experience working with anxiety, stress, depression, grief and a broad spectrum of the day-to-day issues that bring people to counselling and psychotherapy.

Deciding to reach out for support takes courage, and I am respectful of and attuned to each client’s unique strengths and challenges. Together, we will explore your unique situation and you will learn ways to increase your happiness and life satisfaction.