Play Therapists

As a counselor specializing in play therapy for children, I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where young individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play. With a background in psychology and specialized training in play therapy techniques, I work closely with children facing various challenges to help them develop coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Through the use of creative and interactive play activities, I support children in expressing themselves, processing difficult emotions, and developing crucial social and emotional skills. Whether a child is dealing with trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, or family conflict, I aim to create a trusting therapeutic relationship that encourages growth, healing, and positive change.

My role as a counselor involves listening actively, providing empathy, and guiding children towards self-discovery and empowerment. By utilizing play as a therapeutic tool, I help children 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 am a Registered Clinical Counselor and licensed with the BCACC with an RCC designation.  I am also registered with the CCPA and have a CCC designation.  I have various advanced training in Play Therapy and have completed certificate programs in the following areas:

• Foundations of Play Therapy Certificate
• Specialization Certificate 
• Intervention Certificate
• Play Therapy Supervision 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.
• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.
• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.
• 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.

I specialize working with families and children in the following areas:

• Children experiencing behavioral challenges or emotional issues
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Career exploration with youth
• 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 and ADD
• Informal Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

• Access to informal assessments and diagnosis
• Informal Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
• Referral to local psychologists for formal assessments and testing and diagnosis
• Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
• Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
• Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
• Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources:  CKNW, Variety Club and CRA Child Tax Credit
• Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult
• Working with CLBC and adulthood transitions meetings

My purpose in life has always been to help others.  I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor through BCACC and have a MEd in Counselling. In addition, I have completed my Bachelor of Education, Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education and my BA in Child and Youth Care.

In my practice, I believe in using a Person-Centered and Solution-Focused approach to help guide my clients to discover their abilities, skills and strategies that are useful as they move forward in their healing. Working with my clients has granted me the opportunity to build positive connections using a strength-based approach and mindful strategies to help them regulate their emotions, problem-solve, and increase self-confidence and self-esteem.

Over the past 20 years, I have supported students in the school system in my current and past careers from elementary to high school. My current role as a School Counsellor allows me to support children and youth to ensure they have a valuable, inclusive, educational experience. Some areas of support include helping the student who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, or regarding their social-emotional, or behavioural needs. I may support my students in a variety of ways including one-to-one or small group sessions or use an in-class approach. Some therapeutic strategies include Sand Tray Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and strength-based, person-centred methods. My previous role as an Integration Support Teacher gave me the opportunity to work alongside students, families, school teams and community partners to support children with neurodiverse needs such as autism, FASD, and ADHD.

Some of the areas where I can support you are:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Abuse
• Anger Management
• Stress management
• Emotional regulation
• Relationships
• Personal development
• School issues
• Career planning
• Burnout
• Phobias
• Communication
• Setting Boundaries
• Self-Esteem
• Grief and loss

With a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and the CCC and RCC designation, I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, youth, adults, and families.

My approach is rooted in neuro-affirmation, which recognizes and celebrates each individual’s unique strengths and perspectives. I believe that neurodiversity is a valuable aspect of human experience, and my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in their identities.

With over seven years of experience in counselling in Canada and India, I utilize a blend of Person-Centered Therapy and strengths-based approaches. I work collaboratively with clients to set goals that align with their values and aspirations. I emphasize communication and creativity in therapy, incorporating art, mindfulness, and other expressive modalities to ensure that each session is tailored to the individual’s needs.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective counselling. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings. My approach is collaborative, tailored to each client’s unique needs, and grounded in compassion and understanding.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with my family. My own journey into counselling was inspired by a desire to help others overcome adversity and find joy in their lives..

I have a bachelor’s in Human Development, a master’s in Psychology, and a second 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.
• Emotional regulation strategies: using CBT, DBT and cultural adaptations of the modalities

Some of the areas where I can support individuals and families are:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Abuse
• Anger Management
• Stress management
• Emotional regulation
• Relationships
• Personal development
• School issues
• Sleep concerns
• Career planning
• Burnout
• Communication
• Setting Boundaries
• Self-Esteem
• Grief and loss
• Post-partum Depression

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. I also received specialized play therapy training from Crossroads Collective’s Foundations of Play Therapy program. My desire to work with people of all ages in an emotionally therapeutic capacity arose both from my studies as well as my prior volunteer experiences in the community. However, my passion to pursue working in this capacity as a clinical counsellor was solidified during my time as a volunteer crisis line call-taker.

While working with your child in play therapy, I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with them by creating a space of acceptance, safety, and unconditional positive regard. I also meet your child where they are at as I draw upon several play-adapted therapeutic approaches and techniques to advance their goals. 

I work with children in the following areas:

• Anxiety and Fear
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Emotional Regulation
• Life Transitions
• LGBTQIA+
• Communication
• Boundaries
• Self-Esteem
• Guilt and Shame
• Bullying

I am here to partner with you in your child’s journey toward a brighter, more balanced future. Together, we can navigate their challenges and celebrate their growth in a warm and supportive setting.

I specialize working with families and children in the following areas:

• Children experiencing behavioral challenges or emotional issues
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Career exploration with youth
• Grief and Loss
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents’ perspective
• Children with learning disabilities
• Children having difficulty in academic and school settings
• 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 and ADD

In my practice, I believe in the power of play as a natural language for children to express themselves, process their experiences, and work through difficulties. Through a child-centered approach, I utilize play therapy techniques to meet each child where they are and support their emotional growth and development. 

I specialize in assisting both neurotypical and neurodiverse children in navigating various challenges, including anxiety, trauma, behavioral difficulties, family transitions, academic struggles, and social skills development. 

I understand the importance of collaboration and maintaining communication with parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the child’s life. Together, we work as a team to provide holistic support and promote positive outcomes for the child. 

I am dedicated to staying updated on the latest research and best practices in child therapy. Through ongoing training and professional development, I strive to enhance my skills and tailor my approach to meet the needs of the children and families that I serve. 

If you are seeking support for your child’s emotional well-being or have any questions about my services, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to create a nurturing environment where your child can flourish and thrive. 

I invite you to connect with me to discover how play therapy can benefit your child. I look forward to being part of your child’s journey toward healing and growth. 

My areas of expertise include: 

• Depression, anxiety, and panic disorders
• Trauma and abuse
• Divorce and separation
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Gender dysphoria and LGBTQ transitions
• Children and youth with MCFD involvement
• Communication building
• Addiction
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Boundaries
• Early childhood development
• Parenting and family dynamics
• Career planning
• Self-esteem

I am a Master of Social Work student at Wilfrid Laurier University. While embarking on the journey to become a private counsellor, I also work with Fraser Health Authority as a Clinician Social Worker with an Assertive Community Treatment Team, supporting people daily with acute mental health struggles. Before this, I lived in Saskatchewan and worked as a crisis counsellor for over seven years, and have extensive experience in crisis intervention, solution-focused, and family-centred practice. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work through the University of Regina in 2010, and have been a registered social worker in good standing for many years with the provincial bodies.

I have gained experience in counselling families and individuals through crisis situations. What brings me the most joy is supporting families, especially parents and children, to learn new ways of interacting and engaging with each other, to create more positive family dynamics and happy home lives. All behaviour has meaning and is an attempt to communicate.

Feel free to reach out if you are looking for assistance in navigating a difficult time in your family. I would love to provide guidance and empathy to help explore alternate perspectives and to heal and move forward toward a new, optimistic, hopeful path, for you and your child.

Areas I can support include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Parenting support
• ADHD & Neurodiversity
• Relationships
• Behaviour issues
• Women’s issues
• Self-esteem/self-worth
• Self-harming
• Self-care
• Coping skills
• Trauma
• Grief and loss
• Parenting support

I am a Master of Counselling Psychology graduate student from Yorkville University. Prior to pursuing my master’s, I completed my Bachelor of Psychology degree at Simon Fraser University, where I worked in a research lab focusing on memory and learning, as well as with Options BC as a crisis line volunteer. my passion for helping others grew with each experience in this field, and I have seen how powerful and transformative therapeutic conversations can be. Aside from schooling, I have over 10 years of experience in hospitality and more than 5 years in the fitness and health industry. My personal experience with body image and disordered eating, as well as my certification in exercise and nutrition, have given me insight into how to navigate difficulties with self-image.  

I believe in an integrative approach to counselling, which incorporates exploring mental narratives, bodily awareness, and self-care strategies in the process of healing. I implement a person-centred approach to empower the client, build inner resources, and use collaboration to cultivate a counselling experience uniquely suited to your needs. I am eager to help and support you in your mental health journey. 

Some areas I can help you with include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Body Image
• Self-Esteem
• Boundaries
• Communication-Building
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Boundaries
• Burnout
• Women’s Issues

My therapeutic approach integrates cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment based therapy and somatic therapy. 

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in counselling. Following, I obtained a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am currently fulfilling supervision hours to register with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, shopping, exercising, and being outdoors – especially going for walks and appreciating nature

I offer counselling to support children and youth in the following areas:

• Trauma
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Grief/loss
• Depression
• Anger management 
• Social skills
• Self-esteem
• Emotion regulation

My background in Psychology in both undergraduate and graduate educational training and research and my experience in working with children with diverse needs in an educational and clinical setting has given me a foundation in appreciating the unique developmental struggles of young clients. I use a strengths based approach to empower and cultivate self-awareness, healthy patterns of communication and emotions processing. I am passionate in creating a safe therapeutic space for each child and youth, where they can experience warmth and non- judgment, ultimately giving them a place where they can cultivate self-acceptance, healthy communication, and healing. It is important for me to collaborate with each parent to best meet their child’s needs.

Some areas I can offer support in are but not limited to:

• ADHD
• Life Transitions
• Divorce/Separation
• Trauma
• ASD
• Self-Esteem
• Emotional Regulation

I have experience working with children and youth with various challenges stemming from parental separation, anxiety disorders, grief and loss and especially difficulties with social inclusion and feeling outcasted. I encourage you to reach out and start your wellness journey. I truly look forward to showing you how Art Therapy can help better your life.

I am an Art Therapist with over six years of experience providing trauma informed mental health and addictions support to vulnerable clients in Surrey. Art Therapy is a treatment approach that combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding.

A common misconception is that artistic ‘skill’ or ‘talent’ is required to benefit from art therapy. In fact, many artists find that their perfectionistic attitude towards their skill level promotes anxiety and a sense of failure. The purpose of Art Therapy is to promote wellness by engaging your creativity, playfulness and problem solving skills.

I have a Masters Level Diploma in Art Therapy from Vancouver Art Therapy Institute which followed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of British Columbia. My training background and experience includes community outreach, addictions and trauma work and family counselling. I have extensive experience working with children, teens and families and have a personal interest in connecting with families who are newly arrived in Canada.

As a young person who experienced uprooting one’s life and moving across the world to start over, I quickly found my passion working with children and youth in Surrey neighbourhoods where the kids often acted as English interpreters for their parents. These families had the unique challenge of finding that their children were more independent and capable of navigating their new environment and culture than they were. The disconnection and alienation they experienced created large gaps in communication causing anger and hurt on both sides. The youth centre programs I ran helped bridge this gap allowing the kids to draw strength from their resilience and find creative ways of engaging their parents and bringing the community together. I also participated in community outreach, forging alliances with at risk youth vulnerable to homelessness and addiction.

More recently I have been working with women struggling with trauma and multiple barriers (justice system involvement, homelessness, generational trauma, addiction) and found that Art Therapy provided something that regular psychotherapy couldn’t – a way to own their story and become authors of their own experience, creating something tangible out of their pain and self-advocating in the process.

How I work with clients:

I work with clients in a variety of ways and I cater my methods to my client’s needs and therapeutic goals. Often, I will introduce a client to a theme and suggest a directive which will touch on or evoke a response in that theme.

An example would be working with the theme of identity. I would ask the client to create a sculptural lifeline which would showcase their life journey, major life events, accomplishments etc. The client will have an opportunity to choose the size of the sculpture, materials used (wire, paper mache, cardboard, string) and which events or information to include. Some clients prefer to talk about their process while they are creating, while others prefer to discuss their results upon completion. A theme can be explored over a number of sessions and through various directives like masks, photos, body tracings, sculpture.

The resulting artistic product is the property of the client and retains the same confidentiality protection as the context discussed in a session. It is up to the client how the art is handled, stored or disposed of. As well, a client’s permission is required to share the art with others outside of the scope of supervision.

Here are some specific examples of clients I work with/have worked with in the past:

• Child whose parents have recently separated and is experiencing extreme separation anxiety
• Mother and young (4) child, fleeing domestic abuse and child acting out through aggression towards Mom
• Young adult woman recently moved out from home due to Mom’s substance use, struggling with self-worth and depression.
• Young woman awaiting trial for robbery, with multiple childhood trauma incidents, survivor of incest.
• Autistic child experiencing alienation from peers and loneliness, rejection.
• Autistic adult, exploring their authentic self and wanting to delve into their masking behaviour and repression of their intrinsic self regulation mechanisms.
• Child who recently experienced the loss of an estranged parent due to suicide.

I believe that a therapeutic relationship built on trust, warmth, and acceptance is crucial for fostering your child’s growth and sense of autonomy. Through the language of play, I aim to step into your child’s world to explore their behaviour, emotions, thoughts, expectations, and the meaning they make of their concerns. I also consider the impact of the systems in which they exist, such as their relational, family, and cultural contexts. In a collaborative and strength-based manner, your child and I will identify their stuck points and develop strategies to support their goals and development.

I am trained at a Master’s level in Counselling Psychology through Adler University, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I have received specialized training in child and youth therapy through Crossroads Collective’s Foundations of Play Therapy program. Informed by my educational background and previous experience as a youth worker and gymnastics coach, I aim to create a fun, supportive, and affirming environment for your child.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, self-worth, stress, or other life challenges, counselling can be a space to process emotions, learn regulation and coping skills, and develop healthy self-esteem. Some of the areas I can support your child with include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Emotion Regulation
• Self-Esteem
• Coping Skills
• Communication 

It is my hope that counselling can be a space for your child or youth to feel heard and supported while gaining the skills to take on life’s challenges with confidence. If you think your child and I would be a good fit, please reach out to Crossroads Collective. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your family.

I can offer support in the following areas:

• Child play therapy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Separation and divorce
• Bullying
• Self-Esteem
• School-related Stress
• Communication
• Parent-Child Relationships
• Life Transitions 
• Emotion regulation

I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University and plan to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors shortly after graduating. In addition, I have been trained in the Foundations in Play Therapy at Crossroads Collective. As an intern, I am supervised by an accredited clinical counselling supervisor who provides consistent and insightful support throughout my internship.

As a counselling intern in play therapy, I am committed to providing an atmosphere of warmth and safety where your child can begin to understand their thoughts and emotions through play. With a varied background of instructing children and working alongside youth, as well as having specialized training in play therapy, I can work with children and youth to help them through their current challenges and build resiliency and coping sills to strengthen their emotional wellness for the future. 

By using interactive play therapy techniques such as sand trays, art therapy, puppets, storytelling, role playing and symbolic play, I can help children express and process their emotions by listening attentively and empathically. Through these interactions, children learn important interpersonal and social skills, how to problem-solve, understand and communicate their inner thoughts and feelings, and have confidence in their own unique, innate abilities.

My role as an intern counsellor also involves supporting parents and new moms through their parenting journey with individual or family counselling. With an understanding of children’s behaviours and development, I am passionate about supporting you as you learn about and grow with your child.   

Areas of Support:

• Children experiencing behavioural or emotional challenges
• Self -esteem
• Social skills and peer relationships
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns
• Dealing with separating and divorce
• Parenting support
• Life as a new mom and post-partum depression

As an empathetic and nurturing individual, I am passionate about supporting your child to work through any issues they may be struggling with by developing a trusting relationship that fosters growth and healing. My main goal is to support your child using creative and interactive activities while ensuring they have a safe environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. Together, we will develop healthy coping strategies to process difficult emotions and experiences that will enhance their mental, social, and emotional well-being. 

To ensure your child is cared for in a way that best suits them, I utilize a trauma-informed, strength-based, person-centered approach that encourages them to focus on the positives while building their confidence. Using a variety of techniques including sandtray therapy, board games, storytelling, painting and drawing, it is my desire to help your children work through their challenges and achieve their goals. With previous experience as a youth support worker and babysitter, I have the skills needed to make your child feel safe and comfortable while they express themselves in a friendly and fun environment.  

As a Play Therapist, I can offer support in the following areas:

Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Bullying

Self-Esteem

Parent-Child Relationships

With a passion for helping all learn to express themselves and navigate emotions I come with a background in psychology and sociology, I have knowledge and experience in how society and mental health can affect an individual. I work closely with clients to help them develop strategies, build resilience and enhance their emotional well-being. Whether the client is dealing with life-transitions, trauma. depression, anxiety, conflict or behavioural issues, I am here to create a trusting therapeutic relationship to foster positive change and growth and to encourage self-discovery and empowerment all through the use of creative and interactive play activities.

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.
• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.
• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.
• 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 behavioral challenges or emotional issues
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Children with social skills deficits or difficulties in peer relationships
• Anxiety and depression and other mental health conditions
• Career exploration with youth
• 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.

As a play therapist, I am committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment where children and youth can practice creative, tactile ways to:

• Explore and process their thoughts and feelings, 
• Improve self-awareness and confidence,
• Heal from experiences and trauma, 
• Develop skills such as communication, emotional regulation, & problem-solving, and grow while doing activities that are stimulating and fun!

Having been a professional artist and art instructor for the past twenty years, and a swim instructor and coach prior for ten years prior, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique benefits of creative, kinesthetic, inspired learning. In honour of your child’s individuality, I aim to tailor the approaches and interventions to those that best suit their process, preferences, personality, and cultural identities, balanced with your values, circumstances, and preferred outcomes.

I am completing my practicum for my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, and my previous degree is an Honours BA in Philosophy. As an intern, I receive quality supervision to ensure you experience a high standard and consistency of care. I am a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and plan to work fulltime as a licenced Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) upon graduation and certification.

I have over 30 years’ relevant professional experience in service to others as a teacher, facilitator, and mentor. I have had the honour of witnessing people’s vulnerability and courage as we collaboratively explore their inner and outer worlds. As a professional artist, I help people address psychological barriers, learn and practice skills, create meaning, and find their artistic voice. I work with people holistically, and it has been noted by others that I do so with empathy, patience, and warmth. I have worked with people of all ages, including brain trauma survivors, entrepreneurs, 2SLGBTQIA+, skeptics, athletes, and cultural creatives.

In my personal life, I am mom to one young adult and two teens who, between them, have a combination of neurodivergence and queer identities.

Child and Youth Therapy 

Areas I work with families and children include, but are not limited to: 

• Self esteem and confidence building
• Improve coping skills and resilience
• Emotional Disturbance
• Gender dysphoria and transitions
• Anxiety, depression & panic disorders 
• Navigating parental separation & divorce  
• Grief and loss
• School issues
• Relationship issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• ADHD and ADD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.
• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.
• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.
• 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.

As a former youth worker, I have observed that children often face various barriers when attempting to communicate their needs and emotions. These barriers can stem from feelings of fear, misunderstanding, or a lack of appropriate vocabulary to express themselves. To help overcome these challenges, it is essential to create a warm and inviting environment where children feel safe and supported. Play therapy serves as an effective approach to achieve this. With a solid foundation in child development and therapeutic techniques, I create a warm and inviting environment where children can feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. My approach is tailored to each child’s unique needs, utilizing play-based interventions to help them work through their challenges, build interpersonal skills, and enhance their emotional regulation.

Play therapy techniques include methods like sand tray therapy, where children use small figures and a tray of sand to create scenes that represent their thoughts and feelings. Another approach is art therapy, where children utilize various art materials to express themselves visually and explore their emotions. Other avenues include storytelling, role-playing, and dance, all of which provide children with ways to communicate and connect with their feelings.

Topics that I specialize in: 

• School Related Issues 
• ADHD and ADD 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Behavioural Challenges
• Social Skills deficits 
• Peer Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem 
• Anxiety and Depression
• Parental divorce 
• Grief/Loss
• Trauma – Current/Past 
• Finding coping skills and stress management 
• Bullying/Social media related issues

I am a student intern counsellor at Crossroads Collective in Langley, BC, completing my internship while pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I also work as a civilian employee with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), bringing over 17 years of experience in the first responder field, which has deepened my understanding of the challenges young people may face.

Areas of Support:

• Managing Worries and Anxiety
• Understanding and Expressing Emotions
• Building Healthy Friendships and Social Skills
• Healing from Loss
• Thriving at School
• Navigating Change and New Beginnings

I tailor my counselling approach to each child’s needs, integrating play therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.

Play Therapy

Using a variety of play therapy techniques, I support children in expressing their emotions and working through challenges in a way that feels natural and engaging to them. These techniques include:

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

• Art therapy: Utilizing art materials to help children express themselves visually and explore their emotions.

• Puppet play: Allowing the child to express their feelings and thoughts through interactions with puppets.

• 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.

I collaborate with the child and their family, respecting confidentiality while keeping parents informed about general progress and strategies. If this approach feels like a good fit for your child, please contact Crossroads Collective to schedule a session. I look forward to connecting with you and your child and supporting them on their journey.