My Approach to Helping
I believe that people need self-acceptance and self-compassion in order to heal and live a meaningful and joyful life. I believe that emotions are an important source of information that can teach us much about who we are and what we value. In our work together, I will support you as you examine key relationships in your life so that you may become aware of any thinking patterns or coping strategies you have developed as a result. I help you to tune into your emotions so that you can get a deeper sense of your underlying feelings and needs. I support you as you make changes in your life by helping you adopt kinder and gentler ways of speaking to yourself and reminding you of your values and needs. My warmth, empathy and genuineness allow you to process past hurts and traumas in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
parenting, relationships, family, attachment, addictions, anxiety, depression, anger, disordered eating, career, identity, youth
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I was born into a family with a long history of anxiety and addictions. I remember attending family therapy at 5 years old and again at 12 when my parents finally divorced. I recall feeling sad, lonely, and scared for much of my childhood and was diagnosed with depression when I was 16. I was fortunate to attend individual therapy at that time which helped me recover from depression and begin to heal from my childhood. This inspired me to become a therapist.
During the course of my life, I have returned to therapy over and over again - individual and couples counselling. I have sat in that chair many times, feeling vulnerable and excited, heartened and angry, hopeful and despairing. I know how much courage it takes to look inside yourself when you have no idea where it will lead you. I've experienced the fear of telling someone things about me that I was ashamed of. And I've experienced the rewards of having someone hear me and accept me despite all my flaws. Therapy has taught me the value of accepting myself and being compassionate towards myself. And this is something I, in turn, offer to others.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.