Title: Registered Psychologist Credentials: B.A., M.C
Services Offered: Counselling, Assessment, PACE/MTC (Brain Training & Reading Program)
Client Focus: Child & Adolescent Counselling, Parent Counselling, Individual Counseling for Young Adults, Assessment (starting at 6+)
Types of Therapy: Play Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Narrative & IFS-Based Therapy
How would you explain your style and approach to therapy when working with clients?
My practice revolves around creating a safe and nurturing environment where establishing a strong therapeutic bond is paramount. I understand that embarking on counseling can be a significant step for many individuals, and it’s crucial that it feels like the right fit. Therefore, I draw upon a diverse range of therapeutic approaches to customize our sessions to suit your unique needs. I deeply value and celebrate the individuality of each client, ensuring that our sessions become a journey of self-reconnection, with me serving as a supportive guide and tailoring practices/approaches as such.
In sessions with children and teens, my approach is infused with elements of fun, creativity, and empathy. I strive to create a space where they can openly share their thoughts and feelings, knowing that they have someone on their side. My goal is to empower young clients to develop the skills they need to navigate their lives beyond our sessions with confidence and resilience. Collaborating closely with their parents, I am privileged to offer support that nurtures and fosters their child and teen’s well-being.
In addition, I provide support for academic counselling and brain training for junior high to high school aged children. Supporting students with unique learning profiles (Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Gifted) one to one ensures every child is given the opportunity to reach their academic potential. Academic counselling differs notably from tutoring. The proverb ““If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Academic counselling teaches my students “how to fish” so that they begin to understand how to approach learning in a way that pulls from their strengths. I also ensure that my students discover how their cognitive processing and executive functioning skills can be strengthened, so that ‘disabilities’ are corrected wherever possible. Finally, my role with students is to teach them the skill of self-advocacy. Seeing my clients confident in asking for what they need that supports their learning fills me with joy.
What training and expertise do you bring to your sessions?
I have worked alongside children and adolescents in the mental health space for over twelve years, a large component of why I chose to pursue my current career path. I have specialized training in counselling and assessment, including the ADOS-2 (the diagnostic measure used for Autism).
Furthermore, I am trained in Play Therapy and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy and trauma-informed practices. I have particular interest, and commitment to clients who identify as neurodiverse and I am an expert supporting children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). I also have extensive training in psychoeducational assessments (see below for details).
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment can identify learning challenges in students of all ages, from young children to adults.
Learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or depression often stay hidden and impact a student’s performance and behaviour both in and outside of the classroom. Gifted students may find themselves under stimulated and once identified, can receive enriched programming.
A psychoeducational assessment identifies areas of strength and weakness in a student’s learning profile and provides a deeper understanding of their educational abilities. It can also identify Gifted Abilities, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities, reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and mathematic (dyscalculia) challenges and other mental health issues that can interfere with learning. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive assessment services. Myself, and my team of experienced psychologists utilize state-of-the-art assessment tools, provide clear written reports, and ensure our clients have a positive experience during the whole process.
Our reports act as a road map for adult learners, parents and/or teachers, providing clear ideas on learning strategies, social/emotional supports, academic accommodations, and assistive technology needed to help the student thrive.
Outside of your therapist role, what are some ways in which you express your uniqueness as a person?
You will likely find me outdoors or in a yoga class; or browsing the internet to score the latest travel deals! I find myself being in awe of the wonderful humans that inhabit this earth during my travels, from close by in our beautiful city to the other side of the world.
One of the many quotes in Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist, I find myself often coming back to is “Don’t give into your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.” Through the challenging, sticky, hard times in our lives, it is the bridge for connection back to ourselves.
