"I provide a safe and supportive space so that you can explore the issue in your life and work toward your goals. I invite you to take a step with me to find your better you.”
Approach
Ever since I can remember, I've always been the type of person who loves seeing people beat the odds, overcome challenges and reach their personal goals. Stories of hope and inspiration are important not only because they encourage us when we are down but also because they reveal the reality of life being really hard. There are seasons in life where it feels dark and hopeless. It can be confusing to navigate and really overwhelming. My approach to therapy is rooted in the idea that your life can also get better and counselling can help.
My hopeful outlook to see you experience positive changes in your everyday life is foundational to my approach to counselling and psychotherapy. I apply an integrative theoretical orientation that is person-centred and experiential. I believe that you have great worth and the potential to move forward in the areas that are most troubling. Perhaps the problem is distracting you from what you want to achieve and who you want to become. You may find yourself so frustrated by the problem that it keeps you up at night or you notice it affecting the relationships most important to you. The counselling experience offers you a place where you can open up and talk about the issue in your life. You have the opportunity to gain personal insight, self-awareness, clear values, new ways of coping, and/or change unwanted behaviours. No matter where you're at right now, you can find your better you.
As a counsellor, I value your perspective and insight into the problem that you share with me. By working together, I believe that change is possible. I provide a safe and supportive space so that you can explore the issue in your life and work toward your goals. I invite you to take a step with me to find your better you. I would be honoured to walk alongside you and cheer you on as you face the most difficult parts of your world. I encourage you to not struggle alone and instead, come and see what is possible for you by making an appointment today.
Counsellor
I'm a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Having completed my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University, I'm a trained counsellor and therapist with a private practice based in Vancouver. I specialize in helping youth and young adults with mental health concerns that include anxiety and depression.
My background in counselling consists of serving university students at the TWU Wellness Centre. Providing individual counselling and facilitating mental health workshops for students continues to be one of my biggest passions, as I get to help students experience personal and academic success . I have also contributed to the mental health team with the Ministry of Children and Family Development where I've had the pleasure of working with youths and families. I've also enjoyed my active role within the community by developing and delivering mental health initiatives throughout the province that focus on group support for children, teens and young adults in both school and community settings.
I've also completed additional training in a variety of counselling and psychotherapy approaches. As someone who values teaching and learning, I also enjoy the challenge to keep up with the most up to date research and practices. Additionally, I am trained in Observed Experiential Therapy (OEI), Lifespan Integration (LI), the Gottman Method, Expressive Therapies and Mindfulness. In addition, I've also received supervision to practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A).
Educator
One thing I especially love about being a counsellor is providing the public with relevant mental health information. Opportunities that create a space to deliver workshops and presentations to support personal development and growth is something I continue to be very passionate about . I've supported young people in this capacity in various educational settings including elementary, high school, university and community agency contexts.
I also possess a background as an educator, as I've taught both locally and abroad. My extensive work with international students, who often have to adjust to a new city and culture, has informed a lot of the counselling work that I do. I'm constantly driven to share relevant information with those who need it most and continue to be inspired by the young people who work through these types of challenges.
I truly believe that education is a powerful tool that can be used in counselling to help others learn about themselves and equip them for their future and calling.
Researcher
My research in the area of mental health literacy for children and adolescents reflects my heart for supporting young people to make a difference in their communities.
My involvement in the Human Services Enrichment Program, as a researcher, is dear to my heart as I've dedicated my graduate-level research on shedding a light on the value and effectiveness of mindfulness training that is delivered by youth. The program continues to be implemented in local BC schools and so further inquiry about this and other related research is welcomed. If you would like more information about this program, please feel free to contact me.