Licensed Psychologist (# PY60410848)
Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC, #05-183)
Certified EMDR practitioner

MY SPECIALTIES

I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety, social anxiety, introversion in an extrovert preferred culture, challenges with being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), urges and thoughts that are hard to control, difficulties communicating, and struggles navigating changes in their lives. Some of these experiences may be influenced by past experiences of trauma, which is a primary focus of my work.

Trauma. A large number of people that I work with have experienced a major event (e.g., an accident, an assault, a loss, or a natural disaster) or a series of smaller events (e.g., childhood bullying, public speaking challenges) that were traumatic. Not only was the experience painful but people often find that they feel stuck or as if thoughts and feelings from the past are creeping into their present. They understand what the problem is and know what they need to do to move forward, yet that forward motion just doesn't seem possible.  

Intergenerational Trauma. Not only are we impacted by cultures we grew up in and our life experiences but we are also impacted by the experiences of generations that came before us. The concept of intergenerational trauma considers that the trauma or struggle experienced by one generation can influence generations to come. For example, the after effects and coping strategies that come from the experience of slavery, displacement, immigration, poverty, or war in one generation can ripple forward to influence the experiences of decedents.

Medical trauma and chronic pain. A special area of interest for me is working with people who have had a traumatizing medical experience (e.g., a difficult birthing experience, surgery, experiences with difficult medical providers) or are living with chronic pain following a traumatic event or series of traumas. I have also been able to provide adjunctive care for people dealing with treatment resistant migraine.

My Training & Experience

  • BA Honours Psychology, University of Regina (1998)

  • MA Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Art Therapy, Antioch University (2001)

  • PsyD, Doctorate of Psychology, Antioch University (2012)

  • Experience working in an in-patient psychiatric hospital, community out-patient clinics, a university counseling clinic, an eating disorder clinic, & a medical practice.

  • Over 10 years of teaching at the graduate level.

  • Supervision of students and early career counselors and psychologists.

  • Member of the American Psychological Association and the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association.