Areas of Expertise
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation can be incorporated into any therapeutic encounter. It is the practice of being fully present in the moment, which in turn, can help us to be more present throughout daily living. Consistent engagement in mindfulness meditation can improve attention, mood, and quality of life, assist in controlling overwhelming and recurrent thoughts, and help to regulate our emotions. Clinically, mindfulness has been proven to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, provide a sense of calmness, peace, and balance, and to reduce stress. Physiologically, mindfulness can reduce pain and enhance the body’s immune system, slow heart rate, assist in reversing heart disease, and increase energy.
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Mindfulness meditation may be helpful for clients who have experienced trauma, and are experiencing anxiety, depression, and/or difficulties with emotion regulation. Mindfulness meditation is also helpful for clients who have acute pain, chronic pain, or a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses primarily on the cognitive and behavioural dimensions of your emotional and behavioural concerns (i.e., the way that your thoughts, beliefs or thinking influences your emotional and behavioural responses). CBT also focuses on problem solving, finding solutions, improving coping, helping clients to challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs, and change problematic behaviours.
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CBT is an evidence-based treatment for symptoms of anxiety (i.e., including avoidance behaviours and disproportionate fear), panic, stress, depression, and chronic pain.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical-behaviour therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that addresses emotional distress by focusing on enhancing distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal skills, and by supporting individuals to enhance mindfulness practice and mindful living. The ultimate goal of DBT is to assist clients in “building a life worth living”.
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DBT is an evidence-based treatment for clients experiencing difficulties with emotion regulation and anger, mood disorders, personality disorders, and suicidality.
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About Me
I have been involved in the psychotherapy profession for a number of years providing counselling to individuals and groups, and I have had an even longer relationship with the field of psychology in different capacities (e.g., as a researcher and advocate). I have provided counselling for community- and hospital-based services and for the non-profit sector. My professional development in psychotherapy includes training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Honours in Forensic Psychology from Ontario Tech University, and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Seneca College. I am a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
