I have always held the opinion that we do not learn enough about relationships in our younger years. This includes the relationships we have with friends, family and partners. How we interact with others has a lot to do with the dynamics we create. How our emotions function, why we say/do the things we do, and our sense of who we are all come in to play. We tend to lack foundational information to ensure we achieve all that we can in relationships.
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be part of the change when it comes to understanding our own bodies and emotions. Having a genuine interest in both sexuality and relationships, plus a desire to help others led me to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I now work with clients ages 15+ on a wide variety of concerns within topics of sexuality and relationships.
I had to go through my own transformation to end up where I am today. I had to do the hard work, too, and I continue to do that to this day. Having the desire to know myself was one of the most profound pieces to my own journey. Knowing who I am is the single most important aspect to being in a great relationship. Knowing yourself is the key to understanding the world around you.
Counsellors endeavour to help clients find their true self. In addition to this, our job is to help you understand the “why” so you can change the pieces that do not serve you. I work with clients from where they are starting from, and work towards their goals outlined in the early stages of therapy. Goals shift through time, so a collaborative process is how we will work together. I want you to understand yourself better than anyone else ever could.
My Background
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. My education includes a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Addictions Counselling from the University of Lethbridge, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Doctorate of Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University. I work with Individuals, those in Relationships, and Youth on topics around sex, sexuality, relationships, addictions and mental health/wellness.
My Approach & Philosophy
I am holistic in my approach to counselling, which means I know a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. By exploring goals, dreams and aspirations of the client, together we build an individualized plan.
My default approach to counselling Narrative and Jungian approaches with a feminist framework. By working through the story of your life, you are better able to understand where your ideals come from. The stories we are raised with become our truths and for many those do not serve a positive purpose. I believe people are doing the best they can, and aim to help clients see the complexities of their lives.
What Sets me Apart
- I am a kink friendly, aware, and knowledgeable counsellor fluent in power-exchange relationships and non-monogamous relationships. Counsellors provide a space that is inclusive, and finding one who can speak your language is invaluable
- Real comfort in talking about sex, including the education you never received in school or from your parents
- Ongoing education and training on relationships and sexuality
- Online counselling to reach those outside of the Okanagan
- Understanding than not all relationships are “couples”
- Long history and ongoing self-work that I do for me too; practice what you preach!
- Deep understanding that language matters