Your story, your pain and your collection of struggles and memories are unique to you. My goal in therapy is to build a grounded relationship with my clients and facilitate them. My approach is interactive, warm, and accepting; helping the clients, which includes children, youth, young adults, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe.
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.