Many of us at times have encountered difficult, perhaps overwhelming, life experiences. This may include feelings of being stuck, or having experienced pain or shame in some way. As I get to know my clients more closely, what continues to inspire me is their courage and resiliency as we explore the vulnerable areas of their lives.
I received my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University and have a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Seminary of Christ the King. I am a member of good standing with both the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (see CCPA for more information) as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#10000542) and with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (see BCACC for more information) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#15150). I am a registered service provider with the Crime Victims Assistance Program (see CVAP for more information) and with the First Nations Health Authority (see FNHA for more information).
Therapeutic Approach
I seek to connect with the client wherever they are at. I believe that clients will thrive most in therapy through having an authentic, safe, and attuned therapeutic relationship. I also believe that at our core, we are beings who desire to be meaningfully connected to others. We long to fully integrate the emotional, intellectual, behavioural, and spiritual parts in ourselves. Walking alongside my clients in this way is an honour for me as a counsellor.
My approach to therapy is primarily informed by Gestalt therapy and Attachment theory. I also integrate techniques from Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT), Emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour therapy (DBT). I gladly welcome couples and individual clients.
I am also committed to my professional development. I do so to be better prepared to offer clients effective treatment supported by research. I have completed the Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) Level 1, as well as completed training to be a Gottman Seven Principles Workshop Presenter. I have taken part in training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Therapeutic Enactments. My ongoing training includes Level I and II for Gottman Couples Therapy.
Professional Experience
My clinical experience includes working with clients in private practice, high schools, and the Mood Disorders Association of BC. I have worked with those who have struggled with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Various dependencies (substance use, Internet, etc.)
- Managing anger
- Grief or loss
- Bipolar
- Self-esteem
- Exposure to or direct trauma
- Issues related to Post-traumatic stress
- Abuse (Sexual, Physical, Emotional)
- Emotional and interpersonal concerns
- Life transitions
- Men’s issues
- Concerns from a Catholic/Christian faith perspective
In my spare time, being a beginner beekeeper and playing hockey are some of my hobbies. For questions about my services and availability, please contact me.
Fees
Individual sessions: 50 minutes, $135 + GST
Session fees follow the guidelines recommended by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. Fees are collected at the beginning of the session, and are accepted via cash, cheque, credit card, debit, or bank e-transfer. An electronic receipt will be provided each session, if requested.
Session fees cover phone calls, handouts, preparation time, continuing professional development, clinical consultation, profession certification, and operating costs. A small percentage of clients will be taken for a reduced fee.
Locations
The office in Vancouver is located on the second floor of 4676 Main St. It is located within the office space of Justea. The office is several blocks away from Queen Elizabeth Park. There is free 1 hour parking available around the building or the closest bus stop is Main and 30th.
Cancellation Policy
There is a 24 hour notice to cancel a session. If there is a late-notice cancellation (within 24 hours to the session), clients are asked to be responsible for 50% of the session fee.
There may be occasions where the counsellor must cancel an appointment. Every effort will be made to inform clients well in advance of the need to cancel an appointment but sometimes appointments have to be cancelled with short notice. In these cases, clients will be informed as soon as possible and efforts will be made to reschedule the cancelled appointment promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people come to counselling? Do I really need counselling?
Clients come in for all sorts of goals and hopes, and for a multitude of reasons. Clients often report feeling stuck, whether it is with anxiety, depression, a loss, or stress. Counselling can help us understand why we are stuck and how to move forward. Other clients come in to process their trauma or past hurts. These past hurts may be affecting our current or future relationships. Some clients come in to learn skills to manage anxiety or alleviate depressive symptoms. There are many ways counselling can help you.
Coming in to counselling doesn’t mean needing to hit rock bottom before reaching out for help. Counselling may be helpful at any stage of your life. There are many benefits in seeking a well-balanced and meaningful life. Counselling may be a way to fix a bigger issue, or something as small as a ‘tune up’ to get back to feeling our best.
How is a counsellor different from talking to a friend?
Friends are often a great resource in our lives. Friends can be supportive and helpful, kind, and are there to listen to us. So how can you still benefit from counselling?
The counselling relationship is different than a friendship. Registered Counsellors are trained to help you work through your challenges, without bringing our ‘stuff’ in. In counselling, our attention is focused on building safety and a therapeutic relationship with you, to help you reach your goals. We are trained in building safety, helping you work through trauma, building couple skills, and feeling more confident. We aren’t simply giving out advice or what might have worked for us. We take the time to learn about you, free from judgement. We typically don’t know other people in your lives the way you do, and that can help us look at situations and events in your life more neutrally than a friend who may be involved. We can help guide you to explore the problem, may suggest a different perspective, and work with you to brainstorm solutions.
How long will it take until I feel better or meet my goals?
The number of sessions depends on many factors. Depending on client history, counselling needs/goals, and the complexity of the treatment, the length of time spent in counselling varies with every client. Lasting change takes time and work. Some clients find it beneficial to keep working together for months and years. During our first session, you’ll have an opportunity to share about yourself and what you’d like to accomplish, so we can create a treatment plan together.
What is the first session like?
At the start of the session, there will be an introduction and some paperwork. It is also important that we first discuss confidentiality so that it is understood what you share with us remains within the therapeutic relationship. The conversation then heads towards what brings you into counselling and what your goals may be. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’d like. Since trust is built over time in therapy, sharing your experience for the first time may feel uncomfortable or awkward, which is normal. This is an ongoing process – building openness and trust will unfold over weeks and months for many clients.
How often should I go to counselling?
For many clients, attending weekly appointments is best. For some clients with variable work schedules or limited finances, bi-weekly or monthly appointments can also be done. Some clients may start with weekly appointments, but drop down to appointments once every 2-3 weeks when they feel they’ve reached many of their goals. Others come in for a check-in every few weeks or months as needed. This is a conversation that’s important to have in therapy, so we can create a plan that suits your needs.
How do I know that you are the right therapist for me?
I encourage anyone looking for a therapist to search around. Therapists have different approaches, and it can take some time to get the right fit. When looking for any therapist, taking the time to read through their website and see how their information fits for you. Many therapists also offer a free consultation. Feel free to ask about therapeutic orientation: what perspective do I work from? Some therapists are cognitive, behavioural, experiential, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and the list goes on. It can be overwhelming at times, so I encourage prospective clients to ask any questions they have prior to starting their first session. Everyone has unique personalities and needs, so a great therapist for one person may not always be the best fit for another.
If it’s important to you, it may be important to know their education and credentials. Since the titles ‘therapist’ and ‘counsellor’ can mean different things to different people, it can be really helpful to clarify if they have studied in this area.
You may also want to ask if they have registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Having registered with these professional associations mean your counsellor is bound to adhere to high level of professional conduct and practice and to a code of ethics.