About Me
Hello and welcome! Here is a little more information about my background and how I work with clients so you can get a sense of who I am! Currently in my late 30’s and am a Registered Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, spanning various community, supportive and clinical roles with children, adolescents, families and adults. I have been in private practice full-time since May 2019.
I grew up in a super small town in Northwestern Ontario and went on to complete my BA in Waterloo, ON. I ventured west and after four years in Calgary, I decided to come to Kelowna in 2017 to complete my Master of Social Work. I fell in love with the mountains, water, and overall lifestyle that Kelowna offers and chose to make it my home after graduating. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking the beautiful trails of the Okanagan and throughout BC, getting lost in a good book, listening to podcasts, rewatching my favourite comfort shows, and spending time with my loved ones.
Education:
Master of Social Work, Clinical Specialization, University of British Columbia Okanagan, 2019
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Social Development Studies, University of Waterloo, 2010
Professional Registration:
British Columbia College of Social Workers, #14183
My Approach to Counselling
I provide my clients a warm, trusting and accepting space where they feel safe to explore their feelings and experiences and grow through life’s challenges. I will meet you, your child or your family exactly where you are in your journey and help you feel understood, respected and supported. My counselling style is deeply empathetic and relational while also equipping clients with the tools and skills best suited to their unique needs.
The therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of client change and progress. With this in mind, I prioritize fostering a meaningful, positive and genuine connection with every client, whether they are a child, teen or adult. My practice is rooted in collaboration and flexibility, ensuring that we make decisions together in alignment with your or your child’s goals for therapy while adapting as needed. I provide compassionate guidance and evidence-based strategies to support your needs, however it’s important to me that you maintain autonomy over your therapeutic experience. This means that I will make suggestions and recommendations, however you/your child set the goals, direction and pace we take.
Client feedback is very important to me. If you are ever feeling unsatisfied or disappointed with your/your child’s therapy, please feel free to raise your concerns with me and we will determine a different approach. In the event I am not the best fit for your needs, please let me know and I will gladly make referrals to another therapist who may be better suited.
I use an integrative approach by infusing my clinical work with the following modalities and frameworks:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Flash Technique
Parts Work: Internal Family Systems and Ego States
Play Therapy
Sand Tray Therapy
Attachment-Focused Play Therapy (Theraplay)
Circle of Security Parenting (trained facilitator)
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (trained facilitator)
Nurturing Parenting Program (trained facilitator)