Associate Counsellors

I believe in a counselling setting where we work together to explore and discover your individual strengths and develop skills to overcome life’s challenges and adversities to ultimately achieve fulfilment and overall well-being.

I can offer counselling and support in the following areas:

• Relationship difficulties
• Trauma
• Losses
• Life transitions
• Stress and Anxiety
• Process addictions
• Emotion Regulation
• Burnout
• Self-Esteem
• Anger Management 

I decided to pursue a career in counselling when I was standing with a sales client trying to navigate his recent separation from his spouse. I remember standing there desperate to help and feeling completely helpless. That was the day I discovered my passion for people and helping them realise their absolute potential in mitigating difficult situations.

As an Immigrant to Canada, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the therapy room and understand the importance of being able navigate life’s uncertainties and changes. Immigration has also taught me the importance of relationships and community and how difficult it can be to adapt to a new culture or surroundings.

I use an integrative trauma informed approach to therapy which includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy and Person Centered, to best suit your needs. I see humans as holistic beings through a biopsychosocial lens, acknowledging the interplay of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of our contexts. I have had the privilege of working with an array of clients and their challenges, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, ADHD, processing grief, and life transitions. At the heart of my approach is the therapeutic relationship, which is built on unconditional positive regard, non-judgment, empathy and safety.

I have a background in Psychology and World Literature from Simon Fraser University, and currently at the end of my Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling Psychology thesis program at Adler University. Prior to graduate training, I worked as researcher within the field which influenced my keen interest in understanding the human experience, along with supporting and advocating for individuals in crisis and at risk. I take it to be the greatest honor to be a witness to and have the opportunity to hold people’s stories in a therapeutic setting. Most importantly I would like to acknowledge the important first step you are taking in seeking therapy.

These are some examples of areas I can support you with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Mood Disorders
• ADHD/Neurodivergence
• Self Confidence and Self-Esteem
• Life Transitions
• Body Image
• Grief and Loss
• Emotional Regulation
• Wellness
• Divorce/ Separation
• Assertiveness/Boundary Setting
• Cultural/Racial Identity
• LGBTQ+ Challenges
• Family Dynamics/Conflict
• Relationship Challenges
• Time Management
• Addiction

As an empathic listener for my clients, I treat them with kindness and a non-judgemental approach. I believe that all people pose an internal drive towards positive change and growth. Let me assist you in reaching new goals for your child/youth and family. I have had experience working with a wide range of children and families, blended, or separated.

Some of the diagnoses that I have worked with are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Stress, Autism, Grief. I have helped families in all these areas, plus more. I have a passion for teaching, playing, learning, and bringing out the best in all. Let me assist you on your journey or your child’s journey. We are in this together!

I follow an eclectic approach to therapy because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We will spend time understanding exactly what you are experiencing and why, so they will stick when you start making changes to improve your life.

As a counsellor specializing in play therapy for children and youth, I am devoted to creating a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can express and understand their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play. With a background in psychology and specialized training in play therapy techniques, I closely collaborate with children dealing with various challenges to aid them in developing coping strategies, building resilience, and enhancing their emotional well-being. Whether a child is dealing with trauma, anxiety, behavioural issues, or family conflict, my goal is to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters growth, healing, and positive change.

By utilizing play as a therapeutic tool, I help children and youth communicate their inner world, learn problem-solving skills, and build confidence in themselves. My passion lies in helping young individuals navigate life’s challenges and thrive in their emotional and mental well-being.

I have a bachelor’s in human development, a master’s in psychology, and am about to graduate with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. I am trained in Play Therapy and have completed certificate programs in the Foundations of Play Therapy Certificate.

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

• Child play therapy using play therapy techniques and other play therapy interventions such as 

• Sandtray therapy: Using miniature figures and a tray of sand to create scenes that reflect the child’s thoughts and feelings.

• Therapeutic games: Using board games or other structured activities to facilitate emotional expression and problem-solving.

• Storytelling: Encouraging the child to create or narrate stories that reflect their experiences and emotions.

• Role-playing: Engaging in pretend play scenarios to explore different perspectives and practice new coping skills.

• Movement or dance therapy: Incorporating movement and dance to help children release pent-up emotions and enhance self-expression.
• Symbolic play: Encouraging the child to use toys and objects symbolically to work through conflicts or challenges.
• Children experiencing behavioural, emotional issues or sleep-related concerns
• Self-esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in forming or maintaining peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Trauma and Abuse
• Grief and Loss
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
• Children with developmental delays or disabilities
• Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) or with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD, ASD, and ADD

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

• Informal Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
• Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
• Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources:  CKNW, Variety Club.

I am an Art Therapist and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with training in individual and group counselling and work with children, teens and adults. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with the University of British Columbia and my postgraduate diploma with the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. My theoretical lens is Humanistic and Person Centered and I take a Strengths-based approach to therapy. 

As a parent with a child in the local school district I also have an intimate awareness of the limitations and challenges of navigating the system while advocating for their needs and dealing with the constant turnover in staff. I support kids and their families in pursuing assessment, meeting their education goals and managing difficult behaviours. In addition to neurodiversity and learning disabilities, I also support kids and their families through separation and divorce and provide a stable and consistent environment through this difficult transition. 

If you are looking for support with the following issues, please reach out for a free information session:

• Major life transitions (pregnancy, illness, career changes, loss)
• Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Past or recent trauma or abuse
• Substance Use Disorders
• Grief and loss
• Divorce and Separation
• Relationship Issues
• Personal development and Identity Exploration
• Sexuality Conflicts/Questions
• Self Harming and Suicidality
• Mental Health Concerns due to Chronic Pain, Illness and Injury

In our work together, we will identify and transform the patterns you developed to survive, but are no longer serving you. This will look like exploring your behaviours, emotions, thoughts, expectations, and the meaning you make of your concerns. We will also explore the impact of the systems in which you exist, such as your family and cultural contexts.

By looking at each layer of your experience, we can identify your stuck points and help you feel empowered to make choices in alignment with who you are. I take a collaborative and anti-oppressive approach to therapy, so throughout the process, I will always emphasize choice and safety.

Some of the areas I can support you with include:

• Anxiety
• Self-Esteem
• Depression
• Burnout
• Emotion Regulation
• Relationship Issues
• Men’s Issues
• Anger Management 
• Perfectionism

I am completing my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). If you think we may be a good fit, please reach out to Crossroads Collective. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.