My Approach to Helping
I have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health and addictions field. I worked at CAMH in addictions, mental health as well as tobacco and vaping cessation. I use various approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Structured Relapse Prevention and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I provide a warm, safe and accepting environment to help my clients face the challenges that prevent them from living a rich and meaning life. I work from a trauma-informed perspective and would welcome the opportunity to explore how I can support you in your mental health journey.
I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and am a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists and the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
More Info About My Practice
I am available to clients virtually or in-person (in Toronto).
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapists help people identify specific challenges in their life that interfere with living the life they want. We can help you set specific goals and teach you skills that help you achieve your goals. We identify you understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions and behaviours and how changing one can lead to changes in the others.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Therapy can be scary for many people. If you are not sure what to expect, or how to choose the right therapist, set up a free consultation to see if we are a good fit. Ask all your questions to help you decide if you are ready to proceed.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
It can be overwhelming when choosing a therapist especially if it is your first time. While years of experience does indicate that someone has skills, it does not always guarantee it will be a good fit. Always consider a consultation before making an appointment to start therapy. Use this consultation to see if you and the therapist "click". Look for someone who is authentic and communicates clearly. You should feel safe with your therapist and never feel judged. It is important to ask about their credentials and license. A psychotherapist should be registered with a College (e.g. CRPO) that has Code of Ethics for the therapist's practice. The therapist should also have the skills required to help you achieve your goals, as many therapists specialize in specific areas but do not have the qualifications to address all concerns. Ask the therapist about the approach they use to make sure it is what you are looking for. And be aware of therapists who make guarantees that they can solve your problems. Therapy is hard work and is a process that can take time.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
It is difficult to predict how many sessions a person might need and the time can vary depending on the problem, severity, and other circumstances. In CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for example, we usually estimate that a person might need between 8 to 20 sessions. Of course some may need longer and there are times where less sessions are enough. Ask your therapist how they will assess progress in your treatment. I like to check after a couple of sessions to see if it is still a good fit. I also administer standard questionnaires (if appropriate) to measure change objectively.
