Reaching out for support when you’re experiencing difficulties or feeling vulnerable isn’t easy but sometimes it’s the only way to gain some relief and move forward.    I strive to create a welcoming environment where people feel safe and comfortable to talk about their true thoughts and feelings.  I like to take time to get to know you over a few sessions.  Through this process we can explore goals for counselling and together create a tailor-made plan that works best for you.  Overall, my approach is positive, optimistic, strengths-based and flexible.  I draw on counselling tools from motivational interviewing, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), narrative therapy, emotional focused/attachment therapy, internal family systems (IFS) and the like.   

Currently I am an Intern Counsellor at Stewart & Associates Counselling in Yaletown.  I am completing my Master of Counselling at City University.  I have many years of experience working in adult mental health and substance use. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work (UVIC & UBC ) and I’m a Registered Social Worker (RSW/#13021). 

I have worked in the field of mental health and substance use for 30 years. I started working in mental health group homes as well as emergency shelters/services on the Downtown East side and then worked for 20 years in health authorities, including Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).   I have held various positions, such as hospital psychiatric social worker, mental health casemanager and intake & assessment clinician. I have experience working with adults with major mental health issues (bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective and the like) as well as experience working with clients with personality issues, anxiety, depression, thoughts of self-harm/suicide, substance use and the like.  

Call or email me to arrange a free 15 min consultation.