My Approach to Helping
Are you overwhelmed or shutdown or struggling? Are you unable to let go of the trauma that keeps you stuck in the past or stuck in 'survival mode'? Are your relationships strained? It take courage to recognize something isn't right & embark on a healing journey. I am a licensed Psychotherapist, who specializes in PTSD, complex trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, maladaptive anger, addiction, relationship issues, crisis, life transitions, chronic pain, and more. I can help you gain valuable insights into your challenges, heal emotional wounds, restore a sense of safety & connection, & learn transformative coping skills. Also, clinical supervision and consultation are available.
I have over 15 yrs. experience (in private practice, Women's College Hospital, CAMH), incorporating elements from various mind-body therapies into unique treatment plans that help clients embark on true transformation: EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Structural Dissociation, CBT, DBT, Somatic Practices, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Addiction Counselling.
Moreover, my practice is compassionate, sensitive, and collaborative. I aim to provide expert and thoughtful guidance & insight, while empowering you to take meaningful steps towards greater self-worth, present-mindedness, healthier & more satisfying relationships, resiliency to navigate change, and conscious living—so you can grow and flourish during and beyond therapy.
More Info About My Practice
As an integrative psychotherapist I draw from several evidence-based approaches to meet your unique characteristics, preferences, needs and goals. I know one treatment doesn’t work for all individuals, problems, and contexts. I look at the ‘whole’ person. This also means I seek to promote wellness in all areas of life - mind, body, brain, emotions, behavior, relationships— while attempting to help you understand and address how issues in one aspect can lead to concerns in other areas. In short, ‘Integrative Psychotherapy’ allows me to be flexible, inclusive, and holistic. I am passionate about and committed to on-going professional development, and so stay up to date in research and best practices so that I can provide you with the best in mental health care. Also, not only is my practice trauma informed, but it is also strength based, culturally sensitive, LBGTQ+ supportive, and anti-oppressive.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I know the strength and courage it takes to acknowledge that something in your life just isn't working; explore and examine yourself, your relationships, and your world; and embark on a journey of self-discovery and conscious change. I have had my own experience with complex trauma and I know how you can get stuck living in 'survival mode,' hypervigilance, emotional reactivity or numbness, and unhealthy interpersonal dynamics, but I also know that it has led me to profound personal growth.
I wouldn?t be who I am without it and more importantly, I wouldn?t want to be anyone else. While trauma and adversity can be painful and cause one to feel hopeless, overwhelmed and stuck, it can also come with profound positive outcomes (e.g., it has given me greater self-awareness and self-compassion, new priorities, closer and healthier relationships, an increased appreciation of life, and the determination to truly live me values.).
I believe you are able to renew and regenerate yourself again and again, transforming even your most painful and traumatic experiences into something beautiful and meaningful that others can benefit from as well. You can have a deep sense of 'allowing' and hold even the most painful feelings with compassion and sensitivity--whether your own or someone else?s.
I am committed to collaborating with you so you can gain a deeper awareness of who you are, what you want, and the barriers that are holding you back from living your fullest life. Together we will help you get in touch with that inner source of wisdom within you and develop the skills and strategies to heal from pain and suffering so that you can make more conscious and effective choices and live the life you truly want e.g., safety, choice, empowerment, connection and community.
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.