My areas of expertise
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Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (postpartum depression and anxiety)
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Family building including fertility/infertility, adoption, donor conception, solo parenthood by choice or by chance, pregnancy and pregnancy loss
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Parenting support including adjusting to parenthood or step-parenting, blending families and navigating separation
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Life transitions
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Women's issues
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Anxiety, stress and burnout
Therapeutic modalities I use
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Client-centred and strengths-based
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Integrative Approach
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Existential therapy
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Narrative therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Solution Focused Therapy
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Mindfulness-based approaches
My qualifications
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BSc in Psychology and Life Sciences from University of Toronto
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MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
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Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).
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Completed practicum at the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network
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I have completed training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
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I specialize in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, alternative routes to family building (donor conception, single parenthood, adoption), parenting concerns and supporting individuals facing life transitions associated with parenthood.
My counselling journey
My path towards becoming a therapist has been a winding one, beginning in childhood when I first became fascinated with understanding how the human mind works and how we relate to each other. I went on to study psychology and life sciences at the University of Toronto, where I gained an appreciation for human behaviour and development.
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Previous to becoming a therapist, I've enjoyed a long career in real estate and property development, where I was entrusted with supporting individuals during what is often a very emotionally heightened times in their lives. I had the privilege of helping clients discover their needs and desires, compromise with both themselves and with a partner, face disappointment and grieve loss, and face the uncertainty of change. I have been fortunate to be in a supporting role with clients as they enter new life stages and make these life transitions.
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I rediscovered my passion for mental health while I was in the process of building my own family as a solo parent by choice which led me to pursue a Master’s degree in counselling psychology through Yorkville University. I've been a volunteer with the Families Matter organisation for more than two years providing peer support to parents who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This work is near and dear to my heart following my own experiences during the perinatal period and adjustment to the early stages of parenthood.
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Outside of counselling, I am a solo parent to two young daughters who keep me on my toes! I enjoy spending time outside with my girls and look forward to taking them on adventures to the mountains and travelling the world with them when they’re older. In the meantime, my happy place is puttering in my garden while listening to music, watching obscure sporting events, and playing music when I find the opportunity.
My views and approach
I approach counselling from a client-centred, strength-based perspective. I aim to provide a safe, open, and non-judgemental therapeutic space within which you can share and explore your own stories while feeling heard and validated. I offer an integrative approach to counselling, drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Solution-Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and Existential therapy as well as integrating mindfulness-based skills throughout sessions. As a trauma-informed therapist, I hope to gain insight into how your physical, psychological, and social experiences have shaped you and I aim to remain sensitive to your lived experiences as you navigate the path to improved wellness.
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I really enjoy working with folks who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, anger, isolation, or relationship difficulties, among others. I have a particular interest in perinatal mental health as well as supporting individuals and couples who are experiencing infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, birth trauma, and difficulties adjusting to life transitions associated with parenthood.
I am especially well versed in alternative routes to family building, including fertility treatments, donor conception, surrogacy, solo parenthood by choice or chance and adoption.
Diversity and inclusion:
​I strive to enter the counselling relationship with curiosity and believe in providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive to all aspects of diversity.
I'm experienced in working with individuals of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicity, and religions and look forward to learning about your unique identity as a client and your lived experiences.
I would love to learn about your culture and diversity, and embrace hearing feedback from clients to ensure I am genuinely aligned with them.