About Kristen.

I'm a mother of three school-aged boys who keep my on my toes and have taught me a lot about parenting. I'm also a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario. I have a Bachelor's degree in Child, Youth, and Family studies from the University of Guelph (2008) and a 2-year Masters degree in Social Work from Carleton University (2010).

My clients generally find me to be warm and compassionate, genuine, and down-to-earth. My primary strength is in engaging children and youth. I aim to create a supportive space for you and/or your child or teen to show up exactly how you are.

Please note: As of December 2024, I am no longer accepting new clients.

My Experience and Approach.

I began my paid career working as a Child and Youth Worker in schools and within a community program and an Early Childhood Educator in daycare/preschool. My psychotherapy experience began in schools and my initial training focused on play therapy, sand tray, CBT and narrative therapy. I then spent a number of years working at a community agency with children and families facing a variety of struggles and trauma before opening this private practice.

I am licensed with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) in good standing and am a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I continually update my professional skills by participating in multiple trainings each year.

I tailor my approach to what best fits you or your child's needs and preferences. I am quite eclectic in my approach, utilizing evidence-based modalities. My work is strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma informed and is primarily influenced by Attachment theory and Systems Theory.

I primarily utilize the following approaches in my work:

-Play Therapy/ Sand Tray (I am trained through multiple trainings but not a Certified Play Therapist at this time)

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as needed

-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

-Somatic and Polyvagal Theory Informed

Most Recent Trainings:

-SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

-Adlerian Play Therapy through LEAPT (retraining/refocusing on Adlerian)

-Executive Functioning for Success by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan

-Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

-Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy: Foundation by Cathy Malchiodi

-Trauma Informed CBT by Dr. Robert Lusk