I know that it can be difficult to navigate life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, fluctuating emotions, parenting, pregnancy, and many other components of life without support. Each person is unique, and as such I work with you to create a tailored plan for therapy and support. Additionally, I believe that finding the right therapist for you is very important and that having a genuine and trusting professional relationship is key to successful outcomes. Please know that I am here to provide non-judgmental support and look forward to speaking with you about your life experiences and how we can work together.
I am a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working in mental health, and over 14 years working in developmental services. I have my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and have participated in extensive professional and personal development opportunities due to a passion for growth and learning. My background and areas of specialization are in adult, and youth mental health, perinatal/postpartum support, self-esteem, communication and assertiveness training, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
I have worked alongside primary health care teams for over 8 years and have also worked exclusively with children and families providing mental health services and support. Throughout my work with parents and families, as well as through my own experiences, my eyes were opened to the immense importance of perinatal mental health support for individuals and families. Also, while my experiences in health care have been wonderful and helped me gain a substantial amount of knowledge, I have often seen needs not being fully met due to program constraints and waitlists. Moving into private practice has been something I have been working towards for years so that I may provide more holistic services in line with what you need.
A little bit about me
I have a fondness and appreciation for all living things and work to support others in their journey to learn positive ways to cope and build resiliency, as this was and continues to be an essential part in my own journey towards ongoing health and wellness. I am also an avid reader, enjoy baking, watching movies and television shows, and love spending time with my family, large cat, and even larger Great Danes.
In both professional and personal aspects of my life, education, prevention, and intervention surrounding mental health, suicide, and wellness have been an active part of my life for over 12 years. Having lost an immediate family member to suicide many years ago I have learned first-hand the effects that stigma and taboo can have not only for those seeking support but also for those living with family members, friends, or co-workers who are struggling with thoughts of suicide and/or mental health challenges. My passion for working with others and supporting mental health needs comes from professional and personal experiences. I am here to hold space, provide support, and listen to what you want and need from therapy.
Therapeutic Approach
All therapies are evidence-based, client-centred modalities that are tailored to your individual needs and expressed areas of focus. I use a multi-modal approach to therapy which means that we will work together to find strategies that work best for you.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Gottman Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy
Mindfulness
Psychotherapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Solution Focused
Strength-Based
Narrative
Expressive Arts
Professional Development - Completed Certificates
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, University of Toronto
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Complex Disorders (Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Pain, Eating Disorders), University of Toronto
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Adler Institute
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Postpartum Support International
Trauma, Wilfrid Laurier University
Diversity and Inclusion, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Certified ASIST 11 Trainer, Livingworks
Certified safeTALK Trainer, Livingworks
Health and Safety Part1 and Part 2 Certification – PSHSA (including psychological health and safety)
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Gottman Leader - The Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work
Gottman Leader – Bringing Baby Home
Certified in Perinatal Mental Health
I have also completed ongoing cultural competency trainings, LGBTQ+ trainings though Rainbow Health Ontario, and trainings related to grief and loss, advanced care planning, memory concerns, motivational interviewing, etc.