Areas of Practice

Trauma is damage to the mind and body that occurs as a result of an event (or series of events) that is so stressful that it exceeds one’s ability to cope or integrate the emotions involved with that experience. While it is widely recognized that dramatic events like war, severe accidents, or sexual assault can lead to trauma, many are unaware that less dramatic events may also lead to trauma if they are experienced as threatening to survival. Some examples may include rejection, humiliation, or abandonment.

I am experienced at working with individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse, including working with the long-term impacts of trauma on relationships, sense of self, and sexuality. Whether immediately after the event or years later, support and connection are essential for healing from overwhelmingly stressful and distressing events. I understand the importance of creating a safe and secure relationship with you, which is the foundation for trauma recovery. For some individuals, I incorporate Somatic Experiencing, a mind-body approach to trauma recovery that fosters nervous system healing and body awareness.

Breakups are painful. After a relationship separation, people often feel sad, lost, empty, alone, and angry. Expecting yourself to just “bounce back” after heartbreak is unrealistic.

Recovering from the loss will take time and support. Seeing a counsellor is an effective way to learn to cope with the stressors associated with the loss.

I am experienced in working with sexual minorities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, and people practicing non-monogamy and BDSM. I also work with people in the sex industry on concerns related to relationships and identity.

I have seen many clients who have faced judgment for their sexual orientation or sexual practices in mainstream mental health services. For this reason, it is important to find non-judgmental professional support.

The journey of sexual self-discovery is not an easy or straightforward one. In some cases, clients can find it helpful to have a professional validate that their sexuality is not unhealthy and support them on this journey. In other cases, clients with non-standard sexualities seek counselling for issues that are not directly related to their sexual orientation and behaviour, however they find it helpful to have a non-judgmental and informed counsellor so that when they are discussing whatever issues they want to work on, they do not have to censor themselves or be judged on this part of their life.

I work with your sexual concerns, whether you come to me as an individual or as a couple.

Concerns about an aspect of your sexuality or sex life can often be difficult to understand and resolve because of the culture of shame and silence that surrounds sex and sexuality in our society. This shame is often internalized by us as individuals, making it difficult to find opportunities to work through a sexual issue.

I offer a safe, comfortable, non-judgemental space to discuss sexual concerns.

Sexuality is one of the most wonderful, complicated, scary, challenging and fun parts of being human. I can help you to find meaning in your sexuality and harmony in your sex life.

I use EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) which views emotions as important indicators of the normal and healthy needs that people experience in relationships. Although these emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, we believe that it is the act of honouring them, not overcoming them, that can help people to achieve relationships that are peaceful, caring, and passionate. I am experienced in working on relationship concerns with individuals and couples, and both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships.