I am trained in multiple therapy modalities, and my work is grounded in integrative psychodynamic and existential theories. I am also heavily influenced by attachment-based, harm reduction, critical multicultural, and trauma models, and frequently draw from mindfulness, somatic, narrative, and emotion-focused (EFT) therapies. I believe that structural violence, marginalization, and stigma have a profound effect on mental health and I incorporate an awareness of these contextual factors as you deem them relevant to your experience. If none of these words mean anything to you, that’s absolutely okay, too. We can work together to find the best way to support your goals.
I work predominantly as a long-term therapist. While I can and do provide techniques and interventions to support symptom reduction and therapeutic change in a time-limited way, my main method of working uses the interpersonal therapist-client relationship as the fundamental engine for change. This is deeper “heart work” that occurs over many sessions (and often years), and ultimately alters both client and therapist in the process. What is experienced in the therapy room—new ways of being, connecting, responding, seeing and being seen—can then be generalized to relationships and contexts outside the therapeutic space.
Psychotherapy can provide an opportunity for reflection in which to examine aspects of your life that you’d like to be different, and help you take stock of your own strengths and resources. Together, we’ll look at the patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to explore what isn’t working, and develop a plan for change that meets your needs. I regularly draw from theoretical literature and current research to support our work together, and where possible and appropriate I use evidence-based interventions to ensure we are working effectively to meet your particular needs. We’ll check in regularly throughout our sessions to make sure that therapy is feeling safe and useful for you.