Areas of Expertise
Individual Therapy
While I have a strong interest in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, I also recognize that there are many paths to health, and this requires using a variety of tools to forge the way. This has lead me to ongoing education and professional development in a range of other modalities. I have completed all levels of Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy, and I have training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy and clinical hypnosis. This has lead me to approach my work with a focus on somatic integration, which I see as working with the whole individual through the whole experience. It's about more than just your thoughts.
I strive to create a welcoming space for all clients, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion.
First Responders and their significant others
Why do I work with First Responders?
Throughout history, there was a social contract between society and the people who protected them. The protectors would sacrifice and risk their lives and wellbeing, with the understanding that society would provide for and support them. I believe it is my duty to uphold this social contract by focusing my work on first responders, and those who support them.
How I frame the work
While first responders are some of societies most resilient, the pressures of balancing shift work and family life, on top of daily experiences of trauma (both direct experiences and exposure to the experiences of others) can all take a toll on well-being. This results in higher rates of post traumatic stress injuries than in the civilian population, despite having better than average mental health and coping at the start of their careers.
This is about more than resilience.
I have both direct first response experience as well as advanced training in the areas of first responder mental health. I draw on both to reduce symptoms and stigma, and improve overall quality of life. Some of the specific concerns I can help with are;
burnout, betrayal, anger, increases in alcohol or substance use, acute stress reactions (the changes that happen shortly after that one call or experience), PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and family stress.
EMDR Consultation
I have been an EMDRIA Approved Consultant since 2019. Since then, I have been a coach with EMDR Consulting, and provide support at EMDR basic trainings. Through this experience, I have recognized my passion for supporting the learning and continuing education of my peers. I am thoroughly energized supporting other therapists throughout every stage of their EMDR learning journey.
While I strongly believe in the protocol, my practice and how I see consultation is informed by my somatic training. I am also known to weave in the work of my brain-crushes from the EMDR world, which include Delores Mosquera, Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen, and Robin Shapiro.
I provide post-basic training consultation, individual consultation to deepen your understanding of EMDR as well as consultation for those interested in pursuing the Certification or Consultant paths. I also run consultation groups several times a year.
Please contact me directly if any of these are areas of interest for you, or click on the link below to see upcoming consultation groups.
Clinical Supervision
Since first exploring and grounding myself in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists , I saw the importance of gaining competence and providing clinical supervision as an ethical responsibility (Principle IV.4). Since that time I have pursued continued competence in the professional activity of clinical supervision, and along the way realized how much I love supporting the learning of others.
My approach to clinical supervision mirrors the foundation of my client work. I am firmly grounded in a person-centered approach, and believe in the growth of the self-as-therapist for the foundation for ethical clinical work. I work best with students and provisional psychologists who are interested in growth in the process of therapy, and not just what tools to use when.
At this time, I have the capacity to provide external, secondary supervision to provisional psychologist.
Please contact me directly if this is something that would be a fit for you.
