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ABOUT ME

I was drawn to work as a therapist because I have an insatiable interest in stories, and am fascinated by the ways in which the stories that we tell about ourselves can impact our sense of well-being.  For the past fourteen years, I have supported individuals, families and couples discover their preferred stories about themselves and each other, and provided tools and strategies to support the embodiment of these preferred ways of being.  

 

Drawing upon a variety of therapeutic approaches, I offer both structured treatments that will equip you with the skills to manage the problems that you identify, as well as an organic approach that will focus on self-exploration and increased awareness. 

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I have worked with individuals, families, couples and groups in a variety of settings, including community based agencies, primary care offices, and hospital. Prior to opening Oakwood Counselling, I worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington providing individual and group based counselling and psychotherapy to individuals and families, for over seven years.

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Personally, I am a nature lover and a cycling enthusiast, and find both bring me peace and clarity.  I have two young children who are my biggest inspiration, challenge, and joy.   I have spent much time travelling for long stretches and living abroad, and continue to make travel part of my life.  My curiosity and interest in people and the world around me has me typically enrolled in a course or workshop and reading a book. 

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QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

  • University of Toronto: Master's Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Specialization - 2009

  • Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Reg. #816829

  • Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

AREAS OF TREATMENT EXPERTISE

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma 

  • Grief and Loss

  • Family therapy 

  • Mood Disorders 

  • Psychosis 

  • Addictions

  • Emotion Dysregulation

  • Self-harm and Suicidality

SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)  - Hincks Dellcrest Centre (2011)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (2019) 

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (Dr. Candice Monson) (2022) 

    • Two day workshop and 20 week consultation 

  • Addictions Certificate (2022) - Lyle Hellman Faculty of Social Work - Wilfred Laurier University 

    • Working with Complex Clients (2019)

    • Fundamentals of Addiction (2020)​

    • Pharmacology (2021)

    • Addictions and Families (2021)

    • Behavioural Addictions: Gambling and Technology  (2021)

    • Motivational Interviewing (2022)

    • Mapping the Brain: A Neuroplasticity Approach to Mental Health and Addictions (2022)

  • Narrative Therapy 

    • Trauma ​ (2010)

    • Children and Adolescents (2010)

    • Outsider Witness / Reflecting Team Clinical Volunteer Program (2010)

    • Supervised Practice (2010-11) / (2021 - ongoing)

    • Grief and Loss (2021)

    • Narrative Approaches to Trauma (2022)

    • Outsider Witness Practices:  Bringing Hope, Action and Connection to Our Work (2022)

    • Escaping Blame: Helping Couples Develop Account-Ability (2023)

  • Mindfulness Based Therapy 

    • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction​ (Practice based training) (2019)

    • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (Group delivery training) (2017)

  • Emotion-Focussed Couples Therapy (Sue Johnson) (2012)

  • Trauma Treatment

    • Attachment Based Therapy​ (David Wallin)  (2011)

    • Neuroplasticity in Trauma Treatment (Janina Fisher) (2012)

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Workshop Series ​(2017 and 2019)

    • Addiction and Trauma (Gabor Mate) (2011)

    • Attachment and Trauma (Kim Barthel) (2018)

  • Indigenous Cultural Safety (2020)

  • Hoarding Interventions (2019)

  • Introduction to Expressive Arts - Sir Sanford Fleming College (2013)

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