YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW

Our work together will always recognize your strengths, and this will help guide us towards your current goals. My approach is relationally-oriented, and I deeply value the therapeutic relationship that is formed between us. I believe that a lot of healing can occur through relationships that feel authentic and secure enough to explore feelings, thoughts and concerns, without fear of judgement or shame.

Our counselling will be a collaborative process that prioritizes respect, non-judgment, compassion and curiosity. I will always strive to be a safe, inclusive and anti-oppressive place for you, and am committed to further learning in these areas.

I tailor my sessions towards each unique individual that I am working with, and I use an integrative and eclectic approach, to draw on different modalities, as appropriate. Some therapeutic approaches I use are from narrative therapy, AEDP (accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy), solution focused therapy, IFS (internal family systems), CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and mindfulness and compassion-based practices. I also practice from a trauma-informed and HAES (health at every size) lens.

Clinical Approaches to treating Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder- Jennifer Rollin LLC. 2021

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level 1 (CCTP)- Janina Fischer. 2021-2023

Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS)- Frank Anderson. 2023

Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry in Action: An Experiential Course for the Healing of Deep Traumatic Wounds-2025

WHAT TO EXPECT

When people engage in counselling, they are often ready for change in some aspect of their life.

Counselling can help you better understand your thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It can lead to improved mental health such as an increased sense of well-being, and a reduction of distressing symptoms. It can also improve your relationships, and how you relate to yourself, others, and the world

By the time we enter a counsellor’s office, many of us have been holding onto our pain, alone, for a long time. It can sometimes take time for people to feel safe and ready to open up or explore certain emotions or experiences that are interfering with their life. That is okay! You can progress at the pace that feels right for you. At the same time, some people find that they are able to address their specific goals relatively quickly and they feel well equipped to continue working on their own. I will work collaboratively with you to help you set and achieve your goals while facilitating personal growth through the counselling process.

When clients feel like they have achieved their goals for counselling, and they feel confident in their ability to use the tools and skills they possess to navigate life stressors, they may decide that they no longer need counselling sessions. Alternatively, clients may decide to take a break from counselling, and come back to it another time, or to tackle another issue. This can always be discussed with your counsellor.

A common concern for people attending counselling, is not always knowing what to bring up or talk about. Please do not worry about this. There is no “right” or “wrong” thing to talk about. Some people like to show up to sessions with something they have been thinking about and want to talk about with their counsellor. For people who like to journal (or wish to start), this can be a great way to reflect and process some of your thoughts, and you may choose to share some of those with your counsellor. Some people like to talk about their week, and what has been good or hard about it. Some people show up with nothing prepared to discuss, and just like to see where the session takes them. Counsellors are prepared and accustomed to all of this.

Although many people feel calmer, relieved or invigorated after sessions, it can also be normal to sometimes feel tired, drained and reflective after counselling sessions. If this is something you notice, you may decide to schedule counselling sessions in a way that allows you some time afterwards to go for a walk, journal, enjoy a tasty treat, or any other activity that feels supportive and helpful.

You are encouraged to share any feelings of fear, concern or doubt about the counselling process with me at any time during your sessions.