Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling Services

I take an integrative approach using various modalities developed through my training and years of experience.  Psychotherapeutic interventions and modalities I offer from a patient-centered, humanistic approach include narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), clinical hypnosis, Gestalt therapy, Gottman method therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprrocessing (EMDR), reality-testing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic coping and relaxation techniques, psycho-education, harm reduction, and safety planning. 

My experience treating those living with various forms of depression and anxiety is extensive.  Whether your symptoms are those of major depressive disorder, persistent mild depression, seasonal depression, bipolar disorder, or stem from grief and loss, or low self-esteem, I can help you recogize your triggers, and develop tools to help you cope and heal, so you can process what has caused your depression, and live happier.  For years I have treated those experiencing generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, performance anxiety, work-related anxiety, panic disorders and phobias.

Trauma takes many forms and can occur to anyone at any age; men, women, children, military personnel, veterans, and those who suffer occupational trauma, which may include but is not limited to first responders.  Taruma may be vicarious; the witnessing of a traumatic event, even if you were not directly involved.  Trauma may also be cumulative and occur from repeated exposures to adverse events.  I see many adults who are grappling with trauma that may have occurred decades ago, when they were children or adolescents, but have never processed the adverse events.  It's never too late to process a trauma and find relief from carrying the burden of the memory.  Trauma may be emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological.  I am trained in trauma-informed therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  I also have experience with other techniques for treating trauma, including narrative therapy and Gestalt approaches.

I have broad clinical inpatient and outpatient experience treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and various other generalized and social anxiety concerns in men, women, and adolescents.  Approaches include the development of practical tools to help individuals manage their feelings when obsessions persist, when doubt sets in, and when compulsions and anxieties overwhelm.  I often take a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, coupled with exposure and response prevention (ERP), to assist people with OCD recognize, cope with, and change unwanted and intrusive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.  Though living with OCD can be exhausting and overwhelming, with time, effort and the right approach and tools, OCD may be managed effectively.

Related to OCD, I have also treated individuals living with phobias, fears, and hoarding concerns.

Sometimes family members wish to accompany an individual to treatment for OCD and related concerns, because the obsession or fear can become so maladaptive in the individual, often the entire household is affected. 

I have extensive experience treating all types of couples and partnered relationships, including those who are struggling with infidelity, addictions, intimacy concerns, and disagreements over finances, family and child-rearing as well as working with couples who have already made the decision to separate, but are seeking help with the process, or wanting to co-parent effectively, so the separation has as little impact on children as possible.  Regardless of your specific concerns, it is critical that your differences in your relationship, marriage and family conflict are dealt with in a manner that fosters mutual respect and healthier communication.  I can help create a safe space for that. 

I have also worked with many families who are grappling with a mental health concern affecting one member of the family, or who have been struggling with estrangement.  Many families I work with include parents and their adult children, but I also treat families with minor children as well.  If your children are under age 18, please contact me for a consultation prior to booking. 

When people think of grief and loss, indeed it often relates to the passing of an individual to whom one is close.  However, there are other types of loss that may trigger feelings of emptiness and grief, including loss of relationships and opportunities. All types of loss are equally valid and need to be processed so healing may occur, and you may learn to live with the loss in a way that fosters a greater sense of peace.

I have considerable experience working with and treating those living with various mental health concerns.  Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia conditions are some of the mood, personality, and delusional disorders I have treated.

Over the years, I have worked with many men and women grappling with addiction in inpatient and outpatient settings. I belive it is as important to look at the catalyst of an addiction as it is to treat the addiction itself, and to look at the whole person, as well as the system in which he or she lives.  Whether it is alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography or another adiction, I can help you to explore the reasons behind your struggle, and hold you accountable in maintaining a healthier lifestyle.  As I have said previously, you are not alone.