About Me

I use a strength-based, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, collaborative approach in therapy.

I strongly believe in working together with each client to discover the best way forward based on their unique needs and circumstances. This includes identifying external factors, such as family expectations or societal norms, that create challenges and barriers. This also includes identifying external resources and forms of support.

My approach to counselling focuses on helping clients to:

• understand the connection between the mind, body and emotions

• develop skills to enhance their ability to tolerate stress and regulate their nervous systems

• take intentional actions towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life. 

I use a social justice lens based on my 20+ years in the non-profit sector, where I worked in environmental, youth and immigrant-serving organizations. I believe it is important to help create inclusive, respectful and compassionate communities.

This is why I worked in the non-profit sector for so long – because my professional career could align with my personal values. I loved non-profit work – the diversity of people, the collaboration with others, and the opportunity to make a positive difference. These values continue in my counselling career.

I have lived in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq, for most of my life. I am humbled by the kindness and wisdom of the Mi’kmaq to offer Peace and Friendship Treaties. Peace and Friendship are two key aspects of community – and incredibly impactful when we receive them from strangers in a new place.

My Qualifications

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate (RCT-C24-122) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. My supervisor is Jillian Rankin (jillian@calmingwaters.ca).

In addition, I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am also a Professional Member of CCPA.

I completed my Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University. My courses included:

• Advanced Counselling Skills

• Queer-Affirming Counselling

• Counselling for Social Justice & Culturally Responsive Service

• Crisis and Trauma Counselling

My previous university education includes:

• an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Acadia University

• a Master of Arts in Women Studies from Carleton University

• a Master of Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University.

I also completed my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, and taught yoga for about a year. I took additional training in:

• Trauma Sensitive Yoga

• Chair Yoga

• Prenatal Yoga