Psychotherapy∙Coaching∙ Consulting

My Counselling Approach

My therapeutic approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I believe that we are all resilient beings and carry the capacity to direct our own journeys.  My approach is distinctly centred around you and your needs. I operate based on a feminist, anti-oppression framework that acknowledges that mental health is impacted by systemic inequalities. 

 

I have over fifteen years of experience in counselling, support services, harm reduction, and advocacy, working alongside marginalized populations: sex workers; people with a history of homelessness; people who use drugs; and those who have been impacted by the prison system. Currently, I am in the process of becoming a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and have completed Beginners Level 1 & 2. I am also studying Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) and look forward to adding these new skills to my therapeutic practice.

 

I draw from various modalities in my practices including the following:

 

Acupuncture Detoxification

Ear acupressure and acupuncture intervention are used for processing trauma, substance use, withdrawal, also known to help with anxiety and other mental health conditions. Due to Covid-19 acupuncture treatment is put on hold. 

 

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as tapping

Tapping is a revolutionary approach to therapeutic healing that gifts individuals with a tool that they can take away with them. EFT is a model that is on ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology that aims to offer healing from emotional and physical pain and processing traumatic events.

 

Emotionally Focused Therapy 

This approach focuses on the role emotion plays in our lives and healing. EFT promotes awareness, acceptance, expression, utilization, regulation and transformation of emotions with the goal of strengthening self by creating acceptance, awareness and understanding of our emotions. Our emotions are valid and play an important role in survival and at times even keep us alive, EFT aims at honouring the role our emotions have played while believing that our emotions are transformative and adaptive, and this process can promote therapeutic change. 

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) – In the process

EMDR developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, combines imagery, mindfulness and cognitive techniques in a structured treatment plan designed to meet each client’s specific needs. EMDR is often used in the treatment of trauma, anxiety through focusing on a traumatic or disturbing memory while doing bilateral eye movements, listening to alternating tones, and/ or holding tappers that create alternating vibrations. The process enables the brain to resolve emotional trauma while gaining more insight. 

 

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

SE is a body-oriented therapeutic model that supports the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. This model is based on the life’s work of Peter A. Levine which aims at releasing traumatic shock allowing one to transform PTSD and trauma. The SE approach facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of thwarted survival energy bound in the body, addressing the root of the cause of trauma symptoms by gently guiding individuals to develop increased tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and trauma symptoms. 

 

Qualifications

• Somatic Experience Beginner (2021) SE Training London

• Somatic Experience Practitioner (2022) In training: SE Training London

• EMDR in process (November 2021) EMDR Centre of The Rockis

• Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (2013) National Acupuncture Detoxification Association

 

In order to stay committed to you, I work closely with my supervisor, who lends support, challenges me and directs me to look at things from other perspectives. 

 

Confidentiality

As I offer support to women who often have a history of stigmatization, marginalization and are often captured by criminalization, anonymity and confidentiality are held with utmost importance. All communication between us is confidential and will only release information about our work together at your request or required by law.

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 Memberships

•  Member of Ontario Association of Mental Health Professional

•  Member of International Coaching Federation

• Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

 

 Achievements & Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker (2021) OCSWSSW

• Somatic Experience Intermediate (2022)

• Somatic Experience Beginner (2021)

• Certified International Coach ACC (2021) Canada Coach Academy

• Safer Stronger Grant Canada Women’s Foundation (2021)

• Starter Company Plus Business Grant (2021)

• Alumni Achievement Award Algoma University (2017)

• The City of Toronto Vital People Award (2016)

• Master of Political Policy Administration & Law (2015) York University

• NADA Acudetox Specialist (2013)

• Community Economics and Social Development Certificate (2007)

• Bachelor of Arts Political Science (2007) Laurentian University