Counselling Services
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
EMDR is a therapy that focuses on traumatic memories, with the client concurrently experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements or tapping). EMDR is an evidence based approach, with research indicating it as helpful for addressing concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, performance anxiety, PTSD, addictions, and other distressing life events and experiences.
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I like to describe EMDR as helping people change their relationship with their memories. It will not make you feel good about something that has happened, but it can reduce the severity in which it affects us, and in turn how we may feel about ourselves based on that particular memory/experience. An example would be addressing a core memory that leads to feelings of low self-worth or feeling unlovable. By addressing a core memory via EMDR, we can reduce the tension related to the memory, which would then lead to the belief related to the memory reducing as well. Doing this for early memories and then working towards present and future events can lead to an individual feeling far different about themselves than before.
EMDR differs from talk therapy, as the approach requires far less dialogue. I have had clients tell me that re-calling the specifics of their trauma has caused them distress, and they have shared relief with me that EMDR can address their trauma in a way that does not require them to tell me every detail of their distress.
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I will admit to being every enthuiastic about EMDR, as I am passionate about the change I know it can provoke. Please reach out if you have any additional curiosities and I would love to discuss further.
LGBTQ2S+ Counselling
As a transgender counsellor, I have provided support and space for many who identify within the LGBTQ2S+ community. Areas of focus within this population that I have supported include:
-Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
-Struggles with shame and self acceptance
-Struggles with social isolation and finding community/social engagement/support
-Struggles with friends and family
-Traumatic experiences with oppression, discrimination, and marginalization.
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In addition, I am trained in hormone readiness assessments for those who are curious about beginning gender affirming treatment to begin their gender transition
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​As a trans counsellor, I love to hold space for anyone who may struggle with feelings of acceptance within themselves or from others in their life. I believe providing acceptance and working through traumas and distress can be empowering for those who may not know where to turn. I would love the opportunity to continue to provide this for clientele who are looking for support.
Adolescent/Youth Counselling
My approach with youth and adolescents is one of establishing emotional safety and therapeutic rapport. I have at times accomplished this via engaging clients in games and art (drawing, chess, listening to music, discussing pop culture, puzzles, etc).
Once this has been established, I like to either explore client's core beliefs and help them process their history and provide them space to explore and process their emotions. Working with a youth can also involve skill building, with me utilizing my background in DBT and helping client's begin to understand their symptoms and in turn regulate and manage their distress.
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I have supported youth experiencing concerns:
-Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation
-Gender and sexual identity
-Conflict and communication (attachment concerns) with peers and family
-Sexual trauma and substance usage
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