About Me

I made a career change to become a counselling therapist after working in the non-profit sector for over 20 years with environmental, youth and immigrant-serving organizations.

Helping to create inclusive, respectful and compassionate communities is important to me. This is why I worked in the non-profit sector for so long.

I loved non-profit work – the diversity of people, the collaboration with others, and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. These values continue in my counselling career.

In therapy, I use a strength-based, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, collaborative approach. I strongly believe in working together with each client to discover the best way forward based on their unique needs and circumstances.

In therapy, we will work collaboratively to help you to:

• explore your challenges and barriers

• identify your values and what’s important to you

• understand the connection between the mind, body and emotions

• develop skills to enhance your ability to tolerate stress (and distress) and regulate your nervous systems

• create and implement personalized tools and strategies

• identify resources and forms of support

• take intentional actions towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life where you feel authentic and aligned with your true self.

I live and work in Nova Scotia — and 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 Professional Certified Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) who holds a designation of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).

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