Relationship Issues
I am a registered psychologist who specializes in narrative therapy, existential/humanistic therapy, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Gottman-informed couples therapy, positive psychology techniques, conflict resolution and stress management. I create the conditions whereby the everyday lives of my clients become more pleasurable, engaging and meaningful.
My therapeutic philosophy is to “meet them where they are and take them where they are going”. I believe to “affect the quality of the day is the highest of the arts”. Together we will bridge differences, solve dilemmas and create discoveries.
I supervise several ACT therapists around the Ottawa area (central and south). In the event you wish to meet with another ACT therapist (including a woman or Francophone therapist), I would be happy to provide you with a referral.
Years in Practice: 20+ Years
School: Southern Arkansas University
Year Graduated: 1983
License No. and State: P9208016 Arkansas
I see myself as an emotional fitness trainer. I can help you fine tune your communications skills, work on assertiveness, and improve self-esteem. I enjoy couple’s work–helping each learn to understand and meet the other’s needs, therefore enhancing the satisfaction of both. I can help stressed and depressed individuals learn ways to take better care of themselves as they begin to listen to their bodies. I have over 20 years experience as an Employee Assistance Professional, specializing in solution-focused therapy.
I specialize in codependency, marital issues, parenting concerns, communication problems and substance abuse. I offer individual, couples, family and group counseling for adults and adolescents.
I believe that life is a journey–a series of problems–and that talking with an objective listener can help with the challenges encountered along the way.
It has always been my deepest passion to understand the human mind and behaviour. As a Clinical Psychologist, in addition to better understanding the individual, I aim to help others to better understand themselves. My doctoral degree in Counselling & Clinical Psychology (University of Toronto) and a post-doctoral fellowship training (Eating Disorders Program, The Ottawa Hospital) have allowed me to delve into the creative facets of clinical psychology as well as the scientific aspect.
My passion is helping people achieve their goals and address their concerns. But, I know the first step is often the hardest step. For over a decade I have been working with individuals and families obtain their goals. Whether you know specifically what you want to achieve or just know you want something different, we’ll journey through the process together in a respectful, safe and confidential manner.
I specialize in working with school age children and adults experiencing behavioral or mood issues. Each of us are unique individuals and need an individualized approach to optimize our efforts. Using evidence based strategies we’ll develop a plan that utilizes your strengths and takes into consideration your unique situation.
My strong background in trauma, attachment, family systems and developmental needs enhances my work. I integrate CBT, Narrative, Solution Focused, Mindfullness, Play Therapy and other modalities. Together we will work from a strengths based perspective and will explore and remove obstacles to well-being. I often use creative means of expression to reach goals.
I bring a deep respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual, attuned to their many strengths, hopes and dreams. Whether you are a parent concerned about your child, an adult seeking individual or marital counselling, or an individual seeking positive family changes, I will work with you collaboratively to achieve your goals.
Healing the hearts of individuals, couples and families is at the heart of my practice. I love to support & help you build and nurture healthy, positive relationships, resolve painful issues in your past or present, and identify what you want in your life and how you can make it happen.
I love helping you recognize & develop your strengths, improve your relationships, and resolve situations or issues that may be hurting you or your loved ones. Helping military spouses & families thrive within the culture of military life is an important part of my practice. A wealth of life experience combined with clinical training & expertise give me a deeper understanding of your needs and how to best help you. Building a comforting and encouraging therapeutic relationship with you with respect, compassion, and a down-to-earth approach is my foundation for helping you and your family achieve positive growth and change.
I have completed extensive certificate training in the area of Play Therapy and enjoy working with children and adolescents and their families. For children, play is their natural form of communication. I have also completed training in the area of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and find working with couples very rewarding.
My practice is influenced by: Client Centered Therapy, Humanistic models, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Emotionally Focused Therapies and Play Therapy.
I have provided psychotherapy to clients struggling with a variety of concerns including chronic illness (e.g., pain), depression, anxiety disorders, grief, stress, self-esteem, procrastination, assertiveness, and interpersonal difficulties, in a number of different settings including a university counselling centre, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and outpatient mental health settings.
I use a unique combination of therapeutic practices based on over 25 years of experience in the areas of psychology, holistic health, and meditation. Among the therapies in which I am trained are Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy, Re-Creation of the Self (R-CS), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
These approaches are based in current neuroscience. When our lives feel “stuck”, we are living out unconscious, habitual patterns, using the brain’s out-dated neural pathways formed in childhood. In our work together, we form new neural pathways that result in living a life of choice rather than habit.