Individual Therapy
18+ | $175 per 50-minute session | video
Do you already know that your existence—who and how you are—is in and of itself a contribution to the people and place around you?
— adrienne maree brown
I get it. You feel stuck, afraid of failing, disconnected, and never good enough.
Been there—& still find myself there sometimes. I specialize in supporting those navigating burnout, anxiety, bodily disconnection, trauma, stress, perfectionism, and life transitions.
Many of my clients are sensitive folks, creatives, high achievers, providers and care workers.
My perspective
I approach this work as a human first, therapist second—acknowledging you as the expert on your life (even if you don’t feel that’s true right now). I see myself not as an advice wizard but a supportive facilitator committed to helping you reach your goals.
I will be with you exactly as you are. I use presence, honesty, and humour to help you understand your parts; connect with your body, needs and values; increase self compassion & acceptance; and take actions aligned with what you care about. If you’re open to being in an effortful & collaborative process as well as trying new things, we’ll likely be a good fit. I prioritize clients willing to engage in deep mindful and somatic exploration.
I am LGBTQ+, body, sex and ENM (ethical non-monogamy) positive. I acknowledge the impacts of structural oppression & work with you to engage in a life you find meaningful.
My approach
Integrative
I primarily draw from relational therapy, IFS/parts work, Somatic Experiencing, and ACT; all from an anti-oppressive, biopsychosocial perspective. Sessions are tailored to your personality & goals, but everyone can expect body-based practices, present moment awareness, & goal setting as part of the process.
Collaborative
Therapy is a service I provide, but I’m not doing it all on my own. You’re doing the harder work. And you’ll never be doing it on your own either. We’re doing it together. No technique or discussion proceeds without your “yes.”
Experiential
Talking is very helpful in therapy and it’s also important to embody new practices. So I’m big on us trying things together in real time. Plus, research shows it’s more effective than me just making suggestions.
Meaningful
Life feels pretty bleak when we’re disconnected from a sense of purpose or meaning. In addition to setting goals around your challenges, we’ll also connect with your values—what matters to you, what makes life rich & fulfilling—to create more alignment.
Modalities used
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IFS (Internal Family Systems) uses a parts framework to help us make sense of our inner experiences. It is an experiential therapy that focuses on increasing presence, compassion and awareness, to improve relationships with all aspects of ourselves. In IFS sessions, you will be asked to connect with your parts and participate in releasing them from their pain. It is not a talk therapy—it is a way of being with yourself and builds skills that you can use outside of sessions.
My approach to IFS includes somatics and is influenced by polyvagal theory. This means we will attend to what’s happening in your body as we work with your parts.
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SE is a body-focused approach to addressing physical and emotional trauma. Its ultimate goal is to support folks in identifying if they are stuck in stress responses (flight, fight, freeze) and safely discharge these responses. SE sessions involve bringing awareness to bodily sensations and using practices to support a sense of safety and capacity. Over time, this allows the nervous system to become more flexible and resourced.
I also occasionally draw from other somatic lineages like generative somatics, Hakomi, and sensorimotor. These approaches use movement , touch, and environment to create embodied experiments where we can strengthen your sense of center, safety, consent, and boundaries.
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My practice is also influenced by relational and modern psychodynamic therapies. These therapies value connection, relationship, and our early experiences. I will be mindful of dynamics within our relationship, and how this might mimic what happens in your broader life. The goal is to bring awareness to unconscious patterns, beliefs, and dynamics.
I occasionally draw from two mindfulness-based therapies: ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), which promotes increasing psychological flexibility through taking mindful, valued action; and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), which provides skills for emotion regulation.
About my practice
Virtual
Sessions are provided via video for the foreseeable future. Phone sessions are not offered unless we have tech issues.
Individual
I do not currently provide family or relationship therapy. Therapy services are available to adults 18+ living in Ontario.
Fees
Sessions are $175 (50 minutes), payable at the beginning of the session by e-transfer. I also keep a credit card on file.
Trauma-informed
I bring specialized understanding and training in the impacts of trauma, even if we aren’t actively discussing your story.
First steps & what to expect
I offer a free 20-minute consultation via phone or video for you to get to know me, ask questions, and see if I’m someone you might want to work with. Consider this an opportunity for us both to determine if we feel there’s a good “fit” between us. If afterwards you choose to book a session, I will send you electronic intake information to complete.
The first session will mostly involve going over your intake form, getting to know each other, and discussing your hopes for our time together. It typically takes a few sessions for us to “pick up speed,” so to speak. It can take between 1-5 sessions to fully cover your history. While this may seem cumbersome, it’s an important way to begin.
A lot of the time, we’ll do more than just talk (awareness exercises, role plays, movement, etc.). I pay attention to what happens during the session, not just your past, and will draw attention to those moments when they’re relevant to our work. I’m committed to understanding you, what’s important to you, and bearing witness to your experiences. From time to time, I may invite you to consider alternate perspectives or approaches and/or suggest potential areas for change that seem related to your goals for therapy, but you’re in the driver’s seat.
Please note: As a registered social worker, I am unable to provide assessments, diagnoses, or medical advice. If you’re seeking medical treatment or assessment, speak with your physician.