I work with individuals and couples ages 15 and up to work towards knowing freedom from all forms of suffering often due to past trauma; neglect; separation/divorce; grief; health issues; chronic pain; depression; anxiety. I use a variety of approaches including mindfulness meditation; yoga; psychotherapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing; Emotional Freedom Technique.
Clients say that I have a soothing voice and a comfortable peaceful office. They say that I am a good listener; compassionate; attuned; gentle yet direct and at times challenging.
I teach an 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Zindel Segal that includes a full one-day silent meditation retreat. The program is based on
In the beginning stages of counselling my goal is to help people create stability, which can be achieved by developing or enhancing existing coping skills and finding balance through an expanded support system eating mindfully; and learning to incorporate quiet time for meditation and self-care.
Once life has become more stable - some people may choose to leave therapy while others may enter the second phase which involves change from the inside out. This stage may include processing past traumatic events, painful experiences, the development of negative self-esteem while learning to recognize unskilful habits and thought patterns that negatively impact self-esteem and confidence. This stage may include EMDR, EFT, a deeper mindfulness meditation practice; and/or restorative yoga. Changing from the inside out can result in freedom from the past; an ability to live in the present; and the skills to manage the inevitable storms of life that will present themselves in the future.
In the final phase of therapy everything gets tied together and often leads people to other practices that will be maintained throughout life (ie meditation; faith; exercise; yoga....). Although clients are already well on their way to freedom, the third phase is a time in therapy when people can really begin to experience more fullfilling relationships with themselves and with others. |
Master of Social Work: Wilfrid Laurier University, 1999
Fundamentals of Volunteer Management Certificate: St. Clair College, 1991
Honours BA, International Relations: University of Windsor, 1989
200-Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training at Eastside Yoga with Dianne Bondy, (2011-2012)
The New Rules of Marriage with Terry Real (2 days), 2011
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Mind-Body Medicine with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli, 2011
Certification, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association, with Cindy Shrigley 2010
When the Body Says No, The Cost of Hidden Stress with Dr. Gabor Maté (1 day), 2010
In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts, Close Encounters with Addiction with Dr. Gabor Maté (2 days), 2010
Mindfulness Meditation in Clinical Practice (10-months – 22 days), 2009
Seeking Safety, An Evidence-Based Practice for Trauma and Substance Abuse (2 days), 2009
Tuning in to your Client, Zen and the Art of Engagement (1 day), 2009
Insight Meditation Silent Retreat with Molly Swan and Norman Feldman (7 days), 2009
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: A Primer for Direct Service Workers (1/2 day), 2008
Dissociative Disorders and EMDR, Advanced Practice (1 day), 2007
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Advanced Training (5 days), 2006
Emotional Freedom Technique, Level II (2 days), 2006
Emotional Freedom Technique, Level I (1 day), 2006
Narrative Ideas in Therapeutic Practice, led by Judith Myers Avis, 2002
Therapy with Adolescents with Sam Osherson, 2001
Doing Therapy with Men with Sam Osherson, 2000
Hidden Wisdom of Parents with Sam Osherson, 2000
Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, Summer Advanced Training Institute, Relational/Cultural Resilience, Wellesley College MA (5 days), 2000
Spirituality and Psychotherapy, 1999
Jean Baker Miller Intensive Training Institute, level I, Wellesley College MA (3 days), 1999.
Anti-Racism: Train the Trainer (4 days), 1997 |