I am a versatile Master of Social Work (MSW), Registered Social Worker (RSW), psychotherapist, with a strong clinical focus in working with individuals and groups from a trauma-informed perspective. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Adult Development from the University of Guelph, and received my Master degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. I have worked in community agency, university, and outpatient hospital settings, as well as consulted for various organizations to assist in implementing trauma-informed care approaches.
You may find that I do things a little differently than other talk-oriented therapists. Together we will work to explore the root of the issue, at a pace and within a practice that honours your story and where you are at. My approach to treatment is informed by a LGBTQ2S+ and neurodiversity affirming perspective, as well as my background in trauma-informed care. Treatment is primarily guided by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, however I regularly interweave my knowledge and training in Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, Somatic IFS and Mindfulness to find a combination that fits for you. Click here to learn more about the approaches I use.
I believe that we are all hardwired for healing and connection, even when our internal world seems chaotic, and a sense of peace seems out of reach. I operate from a lens that each of us inherently possess what is needed to restore a sense of wellbeing, if only we just create space for this natural process to unfold. Often, we need to be connected to others in order for this to occur, and that is where I may step in to help facilitate a shift.
I have worked with a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life, although I possess a clinical speciality in working with those with difficult pasts, complex trauma histories, abuse/neglect histories, and post traumatic stress. I also have extensive experience in addressing issues related to anxiety and depression, and in helping those who feel 'stuck' and unfulfilled get 'unstuck'.
My passion in psychotherapy lies in creating relationships built on safety, trust, and collaboration. I consider it a true privilege to guide and walk beside you in your healing journey. The process of coming home to oneself is rarely linear, and I honour the uniqueness of each person's right to carve out their own path to wellness and empowerment.
Outside of my individual work in private practice, I have many parts of me that love to teach. I have spent several years acting as a support staff for Derek Scott’s IFS Skills and Competency course, as well as the Stepping Stone course. In that time I have facilitated supervised group practice in the model and co-authored the course manual. I am extremely passionate about guiding others on their journey to learn the IFS model and help bring more Self energy into the world.
Certifications & Trainings
Relational Intelligence: Basic Level (Francois Le Doze, Self Thérapie Formation, April 2024).
Somatic IFS Practice Series (Susan McConnell, September 2021)
Internal Family Systems Level 3 Training (The IFS Institute, Lead Trainer: Richard Schwartz, August 2020)
Internal Family Systems Level 2 Training: Trauma & Neuroscience (The IFS Institute, Lead Trainer: Frank Anderson, May 2020)
Internal Family Systems Level 1 Training (The IFS Institute, Lead Trainer: Chris Burris, February 2019)
Accessing & Living from the Self: Meditation, Mindfulness, and IFS Psychotherapy (Richard Schwartz & Loch Kelly, The Center for Self Leadership, March-April 2018)
Internal Family Systems Skills and Competencies Training (IFSCA, April 2018)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Online Training (The Linehan Institute, June 2017)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Fundamental Skills (University of Toronto, OISE Continuing and Professional Education, January 2017)
EMDR Basic Training Certification (Buffalo EMDR Training Institute, Spring 2016)
Cognitive Processing Therapy: 2-day workshop (University at Buffalo, 2015)
Mandated Reporter: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment (New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 2014)