Counselling Services

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My Approach

I utilize and draw inspiration from psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, somatic practices that emphasize our body’s role in healing, and tools from Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), in addition to being an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Counsellor.

But what does this actually mean? This means that the approach to counselling is going to be uniquely tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all that tries to demand you fit into its expectations and projected outcomes. I will work with you to create the care that is right for you. This naturally leads to an ongoing conversation. If there is something that isn’t working for you in session, I invite you to ask for what you need. I believe in every human being’s ability to grow when given an environment that welcomes them and makes them feel like they belong; I hope to create that environment for you within counselling sessions and to empower you to find those spaces and relationships in your daily life. I believe in not only offering tools that can manage your symptoms and support your nervous system right now, but also in creating the space to dive deeper and look at the root causes of those symptoms.

Here are a few common topics that I often explore with clients:

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities

  • Ageing / Older Adults

  • Anxiety

  • Body Image

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

  • Self-Esteem

  • Spiritual Exploration / Religious Trauma

  • Stress

  • Trauma

See a further exploration of a few of these topics and therapy modalities down below.

Session Fees

50 minute individual session - $150

*Counselling services are GST-exempt so there will be no added tax

I am able to offer sliding scale prices based on income. If you are finding that you are facing financial difficulties, please reach out.

EMDR Therapy

One of the my priorities as a counsellor is to offer multiple levels of care based on your needs and goals for counselling. EMDR is one avenue that for many people can offer relief from their symptoms and experience of trauma. One of the main benefits of EMDR is that it does not require that you talk extensively about the traumatic or distressing experiences. Throughout sessions, it will be reinforced that you are in control and your body is strong as it does the work to heal. However, like all forms of counselling, EMDR may not be suited for every person. It will be discussed within the session to ensure that you are offered the best care possible; with full understanding of the risks and benefits, you will be empowered to make the choice that is right for you.

Have you heard about EMDR but aren’t sure what it is? “EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019).”*

“EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.”*

*Information taken from the EMDR International Association website.

Life Transitions

Major life changes can feel destabilizing. What once was your normal has suddenly shifted and you may need to process these changes and what life looks like now.

Life transitions can be expected: going from high school to university, committing to a partner, having a child, children moving out, menopause, or ageing. Life transitions can also be unexpected: accidents and disability, loss of a job, divorce, betrayal in relationships, or death of a loved one. These times in life can include many conflicting feelings and experiences; even positive life changes can include an adjustment period. Counselling offers a compassionate space to process these changes, and empower you to determine steps forward. This may include exploring setting boundaries, finding ways to care for yourself during stressful periods, grieving past versions of your life, and acknowledging times of uncertainty and what you have control over.

Spiritual Exploration / Religious Trauma

It can begin in many ways: a quiet thought, an expansion of your perspective, a doubt, an interaction, or maybe an abrupt and abrasive realization. Religion and spirituality can often offer peace, community, and a sense of purpose. And yet sometimes, harm occurs. If you find yourself wanting to disentangle your thoughts about your religious experiences, you are welcome here. I offer a perspective that looks to honour you: your experiences and your healing in your timing, with no preconceived notions of what your journey should look like.

I am able to offer support in processing the impact of fundamentalism, purity culture, high-control religions, and otherwise exclusionary spaces.

Whether you are exploring a new form of spirituality or looking to process past or current distressing experiences in religion, your journey is welcome here.

2SLGBTQIA+ Identities

Whether you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or you are looking for guidance in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ loved ones, you are welcome to explore your experiences within session.

I hold significant knowledge on queer history, as well as the impact of Minority Stress Theory which looks at the growing impact of daily discrimination and prejudice on all minority groups. I meet all clients with a humility that does not assume to know all aspects of your experiences. In this space, you are welcome to explore topics such as gender identity and transition, sexuality, internalized homophobia/transphobia, coming out, polyamory, experiences of exclusion/discrimination, and more.

For many people, a loved one (friend, child, etc.) coming out may be what encourages you to consider the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. This can be a time of processing, unlearning, and learning. Counselling can offer a supportive space as you explore shifts in your family or other relationships.