Philosophy and Experience

I obtained my BA in Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and began my career overseas in Community Development. I travelled widely and was privileged to work with individuals and groups in the homeless, anti-violence and micro-economic sectors.

I returned to Canada and have been working as a therapist in private practice for 18 years and teaching yoga as a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher for 20 years. I am a graduate of the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy and have completed my Level 2 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Training. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), registration 005923, and am a member of the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy. I live and work in Hamilton, Ontario.

I’ve worked for the past 23 years with survivors of trauma – sexual, physical, mental, emotional – and/or neglect. Often these traumatic injuries appear in life as anxiety, depression, addictions, flashbacks, unhealthy relationships and/or unexplained body pain. (sometimes – but not always – these experiences result in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder) I understand that these symptoms can feel overwhelming and complicated. Whether your current challenges have their roots in trauma or elsewhere, my approach is collaborative and compassionate; and whether it’s in a therapy office or on a yoga mat, I do my best to understand your experiences from your perspective.

While now in private practice full time, over the years I have balanced my private psychotherapy practice and yoga teaching with agency work which has included sexual assault counselling; program coordination; and facilitation with the Lochaber Citizens Advice Bureau, Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services, The Community YWCA of Muskoka, Muskoka Victim Services and Kitchener’s Community Justice Initiatives.