Hidden Lessons

 

​ I invite you to take part in therapy with me to collaboratively explore the hidden lessons that surround you in your life. I offer a safe space for women to experience being heard and understood. It is from this space that I aim to help you gain the courage to live your life in full bloom.

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Professional Background

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I am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with extensive experience supporting women survivors of trauma and women with substance use and addiction disorders. I hold a Master of Social Work Degree with a Psychology Minor from Ryerson University. I have over 15 years of professional experience including private practice and community based mental health interventions for women, as well as public service employment within the province of Ontario’s family court and criminal justice systems; and experience working within federal and municipal government social service sectors. Having supported women from all walks of life, I have established a unique professional approach centered on psychotherapy best practices proven to result in a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Areas of Focus​

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• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety

• domestic violence, co-parenting, and family re-unification

• sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical or sexual violence against women

• motherhood and parenting challenges

• addiction and substance use disorders

 

Therapeutic Approach

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Bio-psycho-social

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I utilize a bio-psycho-social approach to psychotherapy. This framework takes into consideration a variety of aspects which may contribute to your presenting problem(s), including biological factors, psychological factors, social factors, and spiritual factors.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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I apply Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment models. CBT is an evidence-based form of therapy that examines how our thinking, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour are formed, and how they affect the ways in which we live, feel, and behave. CBT aims to help you to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and to learn more adaptive ways of thinking. This therapeutic approach provides many benefits including improvements in mood and emotional state and can also be an excellent tool to support you in uncovering your passions and purpose in life. CBT is an effective treatment method proven to be helpful to women experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other forms of mental distress.

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Compassion-Focused Therapy

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My professional approach is also grounded in the use of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). This is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that entails three core components: learning how to engage in self-kindness by overcoming harsh critical self judgement; recognizing our common humanity by engaging in connection with others in the experience of life; and practicing mindfulness by learning to take hold of personal experiences in balanced awareness.

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Group Therapy 

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I offer structured psychotherapy groups for women seeking to connect with other women along their healing journey.  My approach to group programming is based on principles of trauma-informed care. This includes safety (physical and emotional), trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

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Having many years of experience facilitating group programs for women healing from abuse,  I have developed expertise in creating a gentle and supportive environment where women from all walks of life are able to come together to be seen and heard, with guidance, sensitivity, care, and compassion. Psychoeducation is incorporated into group sessions allowing women to gain new perspectives and increase their knowledge of strategies for trauma recovery. 

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Group therapy can be a transformational experience for women. Participation in a structured group program can put an end to feelings of shame and guilt that so often accompany the secrecy and silence surrounding experiences of abuse. In group sessions with me, women are free to share their stories if they choose, and at their own pace. Open dialogue with other women is powerful and I invite you to reach out to me to learn more about upcoming group therapy programs being offered. 

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Seeking Safety Program - private one-on-one substance use treatment 

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For women who have experienced traumatic life events and struggle with substance use, I offer a distinct treatment program using a model called Seeking Safety. This integrated treatment model was developed by Lisa M. Najavits, PhD in 1993. The Seeking Safety program involves structured psychotherapy sessions held on a weekly basis. Each session is focused on a different topic with content centered on cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal skill development. A minimum 6-week commitment is required for participation in the Seeking Safety program.

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Contact me for a free consultation to learn more about ways I may be able to help you reach your goals.