I am known for my nonjudgemental, genuine and collaborative style, my sense of humor, and my direct, down-to-earth approach.  I have a knack for providing an environment that respects individuality, autonomy and choice while also providing the necessary structure that allows for change.  My main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

CBT is my go-to approach because it is effective, collaborative, involves concrete measurable goals and strives to teach clients to be their own therapist.   CBT is based on decades of data supporting the theory that our thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected, and that all three components need to be addressed when working on making changes and moving forward.  In CBT we explore how unhelpful thoughts and behaviours  can contribute to intense or negative emotions.  We work together to train you to think in a more balanced way and to choose behaviours to help you reach your goals and feel better.

I am also a Provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  CPT is a specific cognitive behavioural treatment for PTSD that focuses on identifying “stuck points”, areas where the person’s thinking has become stuck since the traumatic event.  Common stuck points include, “it’s my fault”, “people cannot be trusted”, and “I am damaged”.   These types of thoughts can fuel painful emotions such as shame, guilt and anger often leading people to withdraw from their life and the world.  These extreme and inaccurate thoughts are explored in treatment, allowing for the development of alternative, more accurate beliefs about the trauma, other people and the world.  This shift towards more helpful thinking allows for the processing of trauma-related emotions such as sadness, regret, fear and anger.   The CPT protocol is 12 sessions.

I am clinically trained in other modes of evidence-based therapy including:  Dialetical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  I flexibly use these approaches and often take an integrative style depending on your needs, your presenting concern(s), and your past treatment history.  

Of course, you may not know what to change or may not be ready to make any changes at all.  This is totally normal and I can you help sort this out; we can explore concerns and your ambivalence together.  I can also help you enhance and sustain motivation for change if that’s what you want.