Registered Psychotherapist supporting adults through grief and trauma, with a specialization in working with the neurodiverse community: ADHD, cPTSD, Anxiety, Autism, Disability.
In 2008, I founded Recreational Respite, a national organization that uniquely supports the disability and neurodiverse community, those who face mental health struggles and other vulnerable individuals. As a national team we supported those facing barriers to participation by collaboratively finding ways to reduce isolation that can often accompany these experiences and rediscover a sense of self.
My approach in counselling integrates various theories and interventions based on an individual’s strengths, experience and resources. Taking a strong focus on solution and strengths-based therapies that are offered with compassion, are culturally sensitive and are socially just. This might include (but is not limited to); attachment theory, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to process traumatic experiences, internal family systems (IFS), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness practice and narrative therapy. I am trauma-informed in my counselling approach and trained to support those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies (with honours and distinction) from the Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in good standing, and a professional practice member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I value the opportunity to collaborate with clients in the therapeutic space, working in a non-judgemental manner, that ensures acceptance, safety, and trust.
There are many intersections of trauma and grief in the disability and or neurodiverse (anxiety, ADHD, autism, cPTSD) community.
Trauma can happen from life events, the experience of ‘othering’ and or ongoing stress related to societal barriers. Those that have received a diagnosis or a late diagnosis in life, may also experience grief as they navigate a new sense of self. Many of these individuals are sometimes navigating complex systems or relational challenges within family and care dynamics.
My deep understanding of the neurodiverse and disability community, has contributed to the development of a neuro-affirming practice.
Other areas of focus includes exploring neurodiverse identities and experiences
i.e.: parenthood, life transitions/changes, menopause, grief and loss or late diagnosis.
Counselling support in trauma experiences and grief includes helping to understand an individual’s experience.
Trauma often causes intense grief experiences for an individual who might feel stuck in the grief process and or feels unable to adapt to life after a loss or traumatic event. Personal experiences of grief and loss are uniquely individual and should be supported as such. Trauma-informed care in counselling considers the impact that trauma has had on an individual’s wellbeing and their ability to cope. Grief counselling may focus on re-establishing emotional regulation, reduce trauma symptoms, build skills and strategies to cope and process losses associated with the grief.
Grief and loss are experienced by the death, dying, a life changing diagnosis, chronic illness or disease, a major life transition or change.
Grief and loss can feel isolating and is often tangled in pain and confusion. Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something that is important to us, however for the grieving individual, family or community, it can be hard to find emotional regulation and meaning from a loss.
A loss, death or dying event, a complicated diagnosis and or a major life transition or change that has caused grief, can create isolation that contributes to unique grief struggles for both the individual and or their family. Counselling can include building coping strategies, strengthening emotional and social supports and reduce isolation.
Equine assisted therapy is a type of counselling approach that supports an individual and involves the presence and interaction with horses.
Joining the mental health team at PRANCE Therapeutic Equestrian Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario in September 2024, I now bring both my clinical experience in private practice and specialized training with equine (with certification from EAGALA) to provide an in-person, evidence-based model of counselling with equine. Complimenting the variety of equine therapeutic programs PRANCE offers, equine assisted therapy is now recognized and supported by most major insurance companies and provides a unique alternative form of counselling as it incorporates horses experientially for healing, personal growth, development and learning. It is a collaborative team approach involving an individual, a mental health professional, an equine specialist and a horse(s).
For more information and or to schedule with me, please contact Equine Facilitated Therapy (EFT): [email protected]
Insurance and benefits coverage under psychotherapy.
Ontario Autism Program, Core Clinical Services can be used for therapy supports.
Video Resources
Videos and other audio resources can sometimes offer a common and often comforting voice with a shared message about the human experience in grief.
If you are in immediate crisis, please call 911, or call or text 988 for the suicide crisis hotline, available 24/7.
