I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (04424, BCCSW) with a Master of Social Work (UBC) and a Bachelor of Education (Dalhousie). I have a Certificate in Counselling from The Haven, a Registered Private Educational Institute on Gabriola Island. I am nearing completion of The Haven Diploma in Counselling, for me a life accomplishment.
I have a home-based practice in Duncan, where I am available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 4:30 pm. I am somewhat flexible regarding other dates and times, please let me know your preferences.
I am available for distance counselling by Zoom for Healthcare or phone.
In exceptional circumstances, I make home visits.
I offer clinical supervision.
I work with young people (age 12 and up) and adults throughout the developmental spectrum, including birth of a child and end of life transitions. You can access me for individual, couple or family counselling.
I see people from all walks of life: professionals, blue collar workers, veterans, self-employed, unemployed, carers, students and the retired. Some people access counselling because they are experiencing a crisis; others are stable and want to explore uncomfortable feelings, or the misuse of substances or electronic media.
All ethnicities, nationalities and sexual orientations are welcomed.
I provide EAP and Mental Health Services under contract to Health Canada, Veterans Affairs and the First Nations Health Authority.
I work experientially and relationally with an educational rather than a clinical focus. This means that together, during session, we will explore and process thoughts, feelings and sensations arising in you/ your body (and sometimes in me) as we talk. We will compassionately examine trauma and negative self-messaging with the intention of you gaining an understanding of maladaptive or self-limiting choices and behaviours resulting from trauma. We may examine the systems that you are a part of, familial and cultural.
We will look for behavioural patterns and core beliefs that operate below consciousness and that get in the way of you experiencing more of your potential or that are damaging to your relationships. We will reframe challenging experiences with the intention of shifting your awareness and building new skills to support positive change. I will provide you with personalized resources intended to support you in a growth/expansion process typically focusing on increasing self-worth and self-confidence and allowing for more pleasure in your life and in your personal and professional relationships.
I may guide you through energetic exercises to release stagnant energy or built up emotions; you will likely feel more spacious, alive and empowered. We will explore your capacity to feel and to emotionally self-regulate.
While pursuing my own healing and wellness over time, I have experienced various educational, counselling/ therapeutic, growth/ self-awareness and meditation practices. Having explored them, I have a pretty good idea of what can be helpful to whom and when.
My family of origin experience was largely shaped by unprocessed trauma reaching back through three generations, money and power were dominant themes showing up as divorce; adult addiction and mental health issues; parents, both intrusive and disinterested; family violence; broken homes; and my anxious attachment. As a young adult, belonging and mattering became central themes in my life.
Luckily, I am curious and persistent; I have been fortunate to encounter extraordinary Teachers, Mentors, Therapists and Friends who helped me to explore and edit my own narratives rather than restricting my focus to those of my family and culture.
Please see the Testimonials Page to see what others have said about my practice.
• Master’s degree in Social Work (University of British Columbia)
• registration with the BC College of Social Workers since 1998; Clinical registration 2014 (04424)
• registered for Private Practice with the BC Association of Social Workers (100227)
• completion of three undergraduate degrees at Dalhousie University. BA Honours; B.Ed; BSW equivalency
Current Studies
• enrolled in a Diploma in Counselling at The Haven, a Registered Educational Institution on Gabriola Island
• a student at The Haven for 30 years. In December of 2016 I Interned Phase 2 and came face to face with my profound fear of being seen in both my vulnerability and my competence. The experience was transformative. I am grateful to Haven and the many Haven leaders and teachers.
Current Interests
• a student of Eastern wisdom traditions and non-sectarian spirituality for the past decade
• neuroscience and neurofeedback and training the brain/ mind to rest in favor of health, wellness, and pleasure when not solving immediate problems
Experience
• combine my varied interests in human growth, development, resiliency, and consciousness with 25 years of experience
• worked for Ministry of Children and Family Development, Health Canada, Vancouver and Toronto Family Services and the Attorney General/ Ministry of Public Safety, as well as for non-profit and Aboriginal and First Nations individuals and communities
• provide counselling to individuals as well as couples, families, and groups
“ No one can give you better advice than yourself.” – Cicero