My main area of training and specialization is in helping people recover from abuse and trauma. People who have experienced trauma and/or abuse may be struggling with any number of symptoms or mental health concerns; things like depression, anxiety, anger, self-harm or suicidal ideation, issues with body image, sexuality, self-esteem, and trouble with boundaries or communication in relationships, to name a few. Trauma-informed practice is important to me. I recognize the importance of feeling safe and accepted in the counselling relationship. Trust, empathy, authenticity, and curiosity are all key components of my counselling practice. I practice primarily from a person-centered approach, but I do have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and other modalities, which means that I am able to tailor my approach to fit your needs.

Since completing my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2012 at the University of Regina, I have acquired a decade of experience working with people who have gone through things like abuse and violence, physical injury, sexual abuse, illness, and loss. While I have spent most of my career working for non-profit organizations that provide counselling and support to survivors of sexual violence, I have also worked in healthcare supporting folks facing sudden or chronic illness, pain management issues, and end-of-life. Back in 2014, I was one of the founding members of NourishYXE; a volunteer-based organization with a goal of providing public education and opportunities for people to learn about body acceptance and challenging weight stigma, which are areas I am very passionate about. Prior to COVID-19, NourishYXE was able to host two successful conferences in Saskatoon, SK, along with many other public talks at libraries, schools, and other venues. I feel that ongoing learning is an essential part of good counselling practice, so I am currently completing my Master of Social Work degree through the University of Regina, with a focus on mental health and substance use issues among helping professionals.

At the beginning of our journey together, we will discuss what you are hoping to get out of your counselling experience and what issues or areas you feel you need help with. You are the expert on you! I am here to facilitate your goals and to offer tools, care, and an outside perspective to help you identify problematic patterns, but also to point out your strengths and help you cultivate self-compassion. Together, we will identify what thriving means and looks like to you and work towards getting you there.

I believe that healing comes through connection with people who can offer us unconditional respect and freedom to be vulnerable. Those connections can help release us from shame, allowing us to see ourselves (our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) through a fresh, and often more compassionate lens. I believe that change comes from building awareness of troublesome patterns and finding ways to take action to interrupt or alter those patterns. Change and healing often go hand in hand – healing can lead to change, and change can lead to healing. Like pulling a thread on a spider’s web, when we work on one thing, other parts are affected too!

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.” – Shah Rukh Khan