A relational, integrative approach to therapy

Our relationships are what give colour to our lives, and both our relationship with our inner selves and our external relationships — and how and where these intersect — are necessary to living a life that is whole and aligned. I also believe that healing happens through relationship, and therapy with me means that our relationship as client and therapist is always at the heart of our work together and an experimental sandbox for change in other parts of your life.

I have trained in a wide variety of evidence-based psychotherapy modalities and locate my approach within a relational and experiential framework. In particular, my work draws heavily from Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP Level 1; Level 2 - in progress); Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFIT Level 1); Internal Family Systems; mindfulness, Hakomi, and trauma therapies. I have also trained under and been supervised by Dr. Hillary McBride, whose work influences and inspires my own.

In therapy together, we will explore with curiosity what is happening in the room, in your body, and between us. I frequently use the body as a resource to locate the truth of your experience that lives outside of the story: the experiences that may have felt too overwhelming or scary to look at on our own, or the truths that are so difficult to say out loud that we turn away. Turning toward our pain, with support, is what allows us to heal from and integrate past wounds, allowing us to move toward vitality and congruence in our lives.

I see my role as being invitational, co-creative, and curious, as we search for and witness growth together. All of my work is designed to be empowering and non-pathologizing.

As an occupational therapist, I also bring a holistic, functional lens to psychotherapy. What we experience is a sum of the many unique parts of ourselves: our bodies, our stories, our cultural and physical environments, our roles and relationships. These all deserve our attention.

Finally, it is important to me to integrate my own experience participating in therapy into my work. I understand the doubt and discomforts that arise in therapy, and also the incredible capacity for transformation when we are seen and accepted. Through careful attunement, collaboration, and trust, we can begin the important work of paying attention.