As a therapist, I really believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is everything. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before we officially start our sessions. Hopefully the information on this page gives you a good sense of who I am and what it could be like to work together. I’m glad you’re here!
I love being a therapist, but first, I was a client — and still am. I started therapy at age 8 after moving across the country, and I've returned to it during difficult times throughout my life. Therapy gave me a safe space to make sense of things that felt confusing, with someone who really listened. That care, along with my own commitment to my wellbeing, helped me acknowledge and honour the truth of my experiences and grow into a more authentic version of myself. Learning to invite more calm, connection, and compassion into my own life ultimately made me want to help others do the same.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent 10 years of my career working in the non-profit sector primarily with seniors, people living with dementia and their families, and caregivers. I first learned about dementia by watching my mom lead support groups and education workshops as a child. What struck me then — and what I've seen again and again over nearly 20 years — is that even when someone struggles with memory, language, or communication, the essence of who they are remains. Connection is always possible and we become the holders of their story.
I know from experience that therapy isn't always easy, but I do believe it can be helpful and empowering when we’re ready to listen to what’s calling our attention and have a supportive other by our side. My goal is to support you to reconnect to authenticity, navigate changes and transitions with more ease and understanding, and unpack life's tender moments with curiosity and compassion. It's an honour to be invited into your world, and I hope that when our time together ends, you’ll leave feeling supported, encouraged, and with an experience of being truly cared for.
Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology (Minors in Counselling and Gerontology)
Simon Fraser University
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
BC Association of Clinic Counsellors (BCACC) #22320
I take a warm, open, and collaborative approach to counselling, using a blend of theoretical orientations that speak to how I understand human nature, relationships, and growth. I believe you know yourself best, so although I’ll have ideas or questions to share with you, I’ll check in to see if we’re on the right path with where you want to go.
I position trust at the centre of our relationship and also like to make room for shared experiences of humour as life is tough enough. My practice is strength-based, trauma-informed, and aligned with building your existing skills, strengths, and resilience. I am guided by:
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Parts Work and Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Somatic Therapies
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice
Neuroaffirming and gender affirming care
Mindful Self-Compassion
Part of my ongoing commitment to being an ethical, trauma-informed, and affirming therapist is remaining open and curious to new insights, learnings, and orientations that I can integrate in my practice. This includes ongoing professional development (e.g., books, podcasts, academic articles, and research, including engaging with stories of lived experience and different ways of knowing), self-reflection, and regular supervision. Some of the learning opportunities that I’ve participated in are:
Emotion Focused Therapy for Individuals (Level 1)
Grief, Loss and Moving Forward with David Kessler (Training)
Frank Anderson’s Internal Family Systems Trauma Treatment Program (4-Month Online Intensive)
Trauma Treatment Certification Training (CCTP) with Janina Fisher
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Certification (3-day Training)
Crisis Intervention Training with Fraser Health Crisis Line
10 years working in community non-profits with seniors, immigrants, adults living with a disability, gender diverse folks, and people living with dementia and their families.
Publication of a journal article titled: Fostering trust and sharing responsibility to increase access to dementia care for immigrant older adults.
When we meet together, there will be a good mix of me asking you questions and you talking. I believe you are the expert in yourself and genuinely want to know how you see and experience yourself, your situation, your relationships, and the world around you.
I’ll also invite conversations on how various social identities (like race, gender, class, age, disability etc.) overlap and create unique, complex experiences of discrimination, privilege, and oppression that shape your experience. At the heart of my work is compassion and support for your struggle; alongside my curiosity is deep care.
One of my goals when working with people is to help them connect to a broader range or supports and services tailored to their needs and situation. I will check in to see if it’s helpful if I share resources and information to support you outside of sessions. Resources I might share include psychoeducation, books, podcasts, community agency contacts and groups, and professional referrals.
I have a strong understanding of dementia, including its progression and impact on families. If this is what you’re navigating, my hope is that you won’t need to explain it to me, and that you’ll feel that I truly “get it”.
I believe our relationship matters. I'll tell you when I feel close to you and when something feels right between us. If I make a mistake, I'll work to repair. I'll ask what feels comfortable for you and what doesn't. Sometimes I'll share things about myself, and I'll check first if that feels okay to you.
My hope is that together we can create a space where you feel safe and comfortable being yourself — whatever that looks like. What we learn about connecting in our sessions might also help in your other relationships.
