My Background

I believe that each individual is inherently motivated to grow and find personal meaning. Tuning in to our capacity for growth can be difficult, particularly as we move through an increasingly confusing and difficult world. As a psychotherapist, I believe it is my privilege to support adults, adolescents, and couples as they work to navigate life’s challenges and seek to discover their authentic selves.

I also believe that each of us has a story, and that our stories shape and define our individual identities. Stories are personal and powerful, and they can be explored to gain a deeper understanding of how beliefs and values influence our present experience. My own story includes a career in music performance and education; I hold degrees in piano performance (MMus, BMus) from the University of Ottawa and Acadia University, as well as a DMus in choral conducting from the University of Alberta. It was a wonderful and intense process that led me to work in the field of mental wellness. I also hold a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from the University of Lethbridge and am now a fully registered psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

My desire is to give you a space where you can be heard and empowered as we develop tools to help manage life’s challenges. As a psychotherapist, I work from a client-centred orientation and make it my goal to provide a safe and open environment in which you can work toward self-discovery and healing.

I hold training in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical-behaviour therapy (DBT), internal family systems therapy (IFS) Gottman couples therapy, and sex therapy. I also draw inspiration from emotional-focused therapy (EFT), narrative therapy, and an attachment therapeutic framework. I am also committed to person-centred and trauma-informed practice. My life experiences have led me to specialize in musician mental wellness as well as prenatal and postpartum mental health.

I am currently based in Waterloo, Ontario, and practice as a Registered Psychotherapist at Exhale Therapy in Kitchener, ON.

My Mission and Professional Commitment

My mission is to create a space of safety, trust, and respect in order to facilitate growth and healing for each client. I seek to support clients as they move toward greater self-awareness and value-guided living. I am committed to an ethical and reflective practice and adopt evidence-based interventions that are targeted to the specific needs of each client.

It is a privilege to hold space for each client, valuing a collaborative, compassionate, and open relationship.

My professional commitment:

To empower and promote client autonomy

To respect and celebrate all aspects of a client’s identity, including those of culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious and spiritual beliefs

To adopt a holistic approach to healing and wellness

To an ethical practice, including regular devotion to personal reflection and supervision

To offer those skills which I have carefully and conscientiously developed, and to regularly expand my skills through continued training