Counselling & Consultation
My Approach
During my time as a foster parent I cared for over 30 children with a variety of attachment, developmental and trauma based needs. These kids were resilient, wonderful, and often very difficult. I have lived with children that have been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, FASD, autism, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self harm and substance abuse difficulties. And I have learned first hand how often our systems ‘help’ with some backseat parenting advice that isn’t exactly helpful and leaves parents feeling blamed or shamed. I will work with you in your parenting journey to support you and your kids, but I will not blame. I believe that parents need to be supported first. When all the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents and caregivers feel support, so do the kids.
My approach to counselling is to first create an environment that feels safe for you and/or your children. I believe that safety is essential to integrate and process difficult emotions or experiences. I do not believe in ‘fixing’ anyone – we are not broken. But I do believe in building community and supporting you if there are areas in your life that are causing distress or if you have goals that you would like to achieve. It takes a village and the more involved families are, while maintaining a confidential and therapeutic environment for you or your child, the better.
Parents, if you would like to speak with someone about your own parenting challenges, or how best to support your kids please connect with us.
Counselling & Consultation in Practice
Client Centered
This is your life and I am here to support you. I strive for my clients to feel heard, supported and valued.
Animal Assisted
I am a huge animal lover and there are many ways we can incorporate the therapeutic healing power of animals into your session. I also have 3 dogs – Miko, Joy and Timber. They love it if they get to come to work with me and play. Just ask!
Trauma Informed
Trauma is not always about what has happened to an individual, but it is about how something was experienced. For kids, especially when they are young, they may not have the words to talk about it. And they don’t have to talk. There are other ways that counselling can be supportive, and regardless of the modality used, all sessions will be trauma informed.
Strengths Based
This approach is not problem focused (although yes, you may have some things that feel very much like a ‘problem’) but instead tackles difficulties from the perspective that all individuals have strengths. We are all different, we are not broken, and thank goodness diversity exists in our world. Be outrageous, be different, be you.
Nature & Play Therapy
Sometimes difficult experiences or feelings are hard to talk about. For children, they may not have the cognitive capacities to understand or put words to what they are struggling with. Play and nature-based therapeutic approaches offers children an environment where they can express their feelings, work through big emotions, and process difficult experiences.