About Your Counsellor
I'm a mother of three school-aged children and 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 Masters degree in Social Work from Carleton University (2010).
I began my paid career working with children and youth as a Child and Youth Worker in schools, an Early Childhood Educator in daycare/preschool, and through working with teenaged parents within a community program. I also had some experience through a school practicum working with youth on probation through a community diversion program.
I later began my counselling/psychotherapy experience in various elementary and secondary schools in the Guelph and later Ottawa area working with children, youth and their parents. 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 also volunteered from 2016-2022 with the Distress Line of Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville.
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 ongoing training.
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I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and am in the process of becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), completing my mentorship hours in preparation for the licensing exam.
What to Expect and My Approach
Therapy is not "one size fits all" and I tailor my approach to what best fits you or your child's needs and preferences. I am quite eclectic in my approach. Child sessions can be more structured, with various activities completed during a session that facilitate discussion and learning new skills. If we are engaging in play therapy or sand tray, the sessions are much more open ended and led by the child. Teen sessions can really vary from youth to youth, with many choosing to engage in expressive art activities. Others enjoy sitting on the comfy couches playing with fidgets and talking things through. I always provide some education and the teaching of different skills as becomes appropriate.
I aim to create a supportive space for you and/or your child or teen to show up exactly how you are. I will not be shocked by what you may be thinking or experiencing. I want to normalize the true experiences and struggles of raising children. My work is strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma informed. My clients generally find me to be warm and compassionate, genuine, and down-to-earth. My primary strength is in engaging children and youth.
You may be interested in knowing which theories influence my work and which therapeutic approaches I utilize. My work is primarily influenced by Attachment theory and Systems Theory.
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I 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)
-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-Expressive Arts Therapy (primarily visual arts)
-Internal Family Systems (IFS)
-Narrative Therapy
-Somatic and Polyvagal Theory Informed
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