My Story

My story may sound a bit like your own – in my life I’ve seen hardship, stress, pain and disappointments. I’ve also had many joyful moments, success in surprising places, and many second chances.

With the help of counselling, I’ve found peace and fulfillment that in my darkest moments, I never thought was possible. I hope I can help you do the same.

I began working as a teenager because I had a strong need and desire to be independent and be successful on my own terms.

I believed that if I worked hard enough, I could gain the recognition I craved.

I started in a career that wasn’t typical for a woman at that time, but I worked my way through the ranks, ignoring the prejudices that many people had against women in that type of workplace.

Over the years, I was married and divorced, changed careers, put myself through university, and with a lot of effort, achieved senior positions in the world of commerce.

Even with my successes, I ended up falling into the same old patterns in my professional – and personal – life. I was nagged by self-doubt, always questioning my efforts, always trying to make sure all the bases were covered. Almost always taking on too much for too many.

It worked for a while – I did succeed in many ways, but the energy it took and the constant stress I put myself under eventually caught up to me.

Stress and anxiety ran my life.

My body began to break down. I had to temporarily stop working because I became so unwell. I lost much of my savings as well as an important relationship. Things were at an all-time low. I knew I had to change.

I tried yoga and getting in touch with my spiritual side. I explored my heritage through genetic testing and discovered that I had not only Scottish and Northern European roots, but Indigenous as well. I studied Shamanic healing practices. All of these discoveries and experiences helped me to reconnect with myself.

Even though I had made progress, I still found myself stuck in the same patterns. True and lasting change only began when I sought out professional support.

With the help of my counsellor, I was able to overcome the stress and burnout I had struggled with for so long.

My therapeutic journey helped me to finally discover who I was, and finally to feel confident and empowered.

Ultimately, this personal growth led to my decision to become a counsellor myself. I’ve been seeing clients in my own private practice now for over 20 years. I’ve walked along a similar path as you, and I’m here to support you on your healing journey.

You long for a life with more peace and less stress. Together, we’ll get clear on what stands in your way, learn new ways to break out of old patterns, and create the life you’ve been yearning for.

You’re in the right place and now is the right time. Take the first step and contact me here for a free phone consultation.

PROFESSIONAL BIO

I specialize in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anxiety-induced depression, trauma, PTSD, and chronic burnout (healthcare, finance, caregivers – anyone who has been overly responsible, and gives too much of themselves for too long).

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the CRPO, an EMDR practitioner, and a certified Gestalt Therapist.

I have been in practice since 2002, and am currently the President of IAAGT (International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy – formerly known as AAGT). Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked for over two decades as a senior executive in various managerial and business and project consultant roles in the finance and insurance industries. I hold additional certifications in Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Trauma & Attachment Psychotherapy.

I am a lover of nature and enjoy spending my free time cooking, walking, reading, crafting, gardening and being outdoors. I strongly believe in our essential connection to the earth, and have a spiritual practice based on that belief.

Contact me here for a free phone consultation.