I align myself with Carl Roger’s position that all humans are oriented towards growth and self-awareness. Behaviours which once served to nurture and protect us, can become habitual and no longer useful. You are the expert in your life, and if you are seeking counselling, it is likely because what once worked is no longer serving you. In times of transition, whether by choice or demand, we often find ourselves needing new skills to cope with anxiety, depression, panic or burnout. Our relationships are deeply impacted by our ability to communicate our needs, desires, and boundaries, and yet we are taught so few of these skills. Relationship and communication skills are essential tools for navigating the complexities of life, and are a particular focus of my practise.

Existential angst, and the often accompanying anxiety or depression, can be seen as a message from your authentic self. I can support you in clarifying what really matters to you so you can move forward with courage and confidence. Often, our biggest misconception is that we are alone in our difficulties, and reaching out for support can be difficult at the best of times, more so when we are suffering. Perhaps we believe that we are the problem, broken, or unloveable, and so we suffer alone and isolated in this delusion. As a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapist, I extend my hand. 

I am a cis-hetero woman and my pronouns are she/her. I have been trained through Options for Sexual Health as a sexual health educator, and ally myself with an inclusive and expansive sexual framework based on pleasure and consent, not the dominant binary narrative. I believe that creativity is a quality we all possess, and that it is an essential ingredient in our mental health and well-being, directly linked to our capacity to experience joy and wonder in our lives. My experience with The Haven, on Gabriola Island, has reinforced to me that we live and learn best in relationship with one another, and that compassionate education, coupled with developing communication skills, can transform lives and relationships. My training in both Satir Therapy and Internal Family Systems provides a direct route to self-compassion and acceptance. If you would like to learn more about my background and training please visit my website artfulexistence.ca