EDUCATION

• Wilfrid Laurier University, MSW

• University of Guelph Humber, Hon. BaSc in Family and Community Social Services

WORK EXPERIENCE

Reflection Counselling Services

• Therapist

Sexual Assault Centre of Waterloo Region

• Counsellor /Advocate

• Family Court Support Intern

Sexual Assault Centre of Brant

• Sexual Assault Counsellor

The Jean Tweed Centre

• Intake Counsellor

• Residential Counsellor

Victim Services of Peel

• Crisis Intervention Counsellor

I believe that we all have the capacity for happiness and that certain valid things in life get in the way of us achieving it. The cause for this might be past hurts, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-doubt, the state of the world, and/or systems of oppression. For some people it could be a sense that things are "good enough" just as they are, or even a fear of hoping for better. These hurt feelings and barriers weigh us down and can prevent us from forming healthy relationships, engaging in fulfilling careers or activities, or even identifying what we truly want out of life. Therapy can be a beneficial way to remove some of those barriers and work towards the life you hope to live. 

I have a Masters in Social Work (MSW), 17 years of experience, and am a registered member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I have continued my education by learning about different modalities, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and ongoing trauma training.

As a white, cishet woman, I also ensure that my education incorporates learning directly from marginalized communities. This has included anti-racism training, discussions on the rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, and learning from those who share their lived experiences through different mediums.

One of the reasons I chose social work is its emphasis on not just individual well-being, but also on our collective well-being and the consideration of how systems of oppression influence society. However, I am also aware of the systemic harm that social work has historically caused communities (and continues to do so) and am in the ongoing process of integrating this awareness into my practice.

I also believe in practicing what you preach and have gone to therapy myself for several years. (I can't ask you to do work that I wouldn't be willing to do myself, right?) This means that I've been on the other side of the couch and know what kind of reservations can come up in regards to pursuing counselling services. You are welcome to connect and share with me any concerns that you might have about starting therapy, as well. 

Finally, I spend my personal time connecting with nature, trying to “out read” Stephanie from last year, and wondering what to eat next. I have also apparently made it my personal mission to watch every wholesome baking show I can find.

If you’d like to know more about my approach, click here.