I am a Registered Psychotherapist supporting adults (21+), across Ontario, Canada.
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. The focus of this work was to navigate the systemic and attitudinal barriers that lacked inclusion and consideration for social participation while working collaboratively with an individual to create opportunities that develop a sense of self, role and worth.
This immersion has offered diverse insight into the ways that grief and loss, stress, anxiety, burnout and trauma has been experienced. It lends to my non-pathologizing approach in counselling when working with any and all individuals (21+ years), while also acknowledging neurodivergence identity, and disability through a social model lens. I integrate theories and interventions that create a collaborative and adaptive therapeutic process tailored to the individuals strengths, resources and experiences.
Theories, interventions and modalities used in my practice include (but are not limited to); polyvagal theory, attachment theory, internal family systems (IFS), EMDR, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), 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 B.A 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) serving adults, across Ontario.
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.
Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to explore the underlying causes of stress, anxiety, and burnout. These conditions often lead to emotional dysregulation, extreme fatigue, and social withdrawal. Some individuals may experience burnout due to the constant effort of masking, particularly identity-related challenges that can lead to a sense of disconnection from their true selves. Chronic stress from grief, loss, or traumatic experiences can also contribute to burnout.
Counselling support for trauma should be in a safe, non judgemental and trusting space, that promotes healing.
Trauma-informed care in counselling considers the impact of trauma on an individual’s well-being, including their social, physical, mental, and emotional responses to distressing events or changes that overwhelm their ability to cope. This often leads to feelings of helplessness, fear, and sometimes a false sense of safety.
If you are neurodivergent, trauma symptoms can overlap or exacerbate existing neurodivergent traits, leading to higher levels of anxiety and stress from experiences and higher rates of vulnerability while navigating complex systems and values.
There are many intersections of grief. Not only dying or death.
Grief counselling in my practice considers the impact of a loss has had on an individual. These losses can include identity changes, significant life shifts, the challenges of navigating chronic conditions or disease, or the significant death or dying of a loved one.
If you’re neurodivergent, grief can stem from many experiences of being misunderstood, receiving a late diagnosis or suspected diagnosis, or feeling ‘othered’ as you struggle with identity. Ongoing stresses related to systemic and societal barriers, diverse losses, major life transitions, or relational changes can also contribute to grief. It’s important to explore these experiences as losses and the grief that accompanies them.
Counselling support for mental health, provides a safe space to address chronic conditions or health changes or challenges while navigating identity and or a sense of self.
This can be especially difficult for those in caregiving or highly supportive roles for others and/or for those who are neurodiverse. The focus of this work together is understanding the link between sense of self, hormonal changes and the nervous system while supporting ones emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Counselling can be helpful to identify triggers and stress responses and then integrate techniques and resources to emotionally, mentally and physically regulate and restore a sense of safety and balance.
Insurance and benefits (any) that offer coverage under psychotherapy.
Ontario Autism Program, Core Clinical Services can be used for therapy supports.
Community Assistance Program (CAP), with Autism Canada is a subsidy that can be applied for and will cover psychotherapy.
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.
