About Me

I have been helping people for more than 25 years (and I feel like I am just getting started)―as a crisis counsellor, at a government counselling agency, as a psychotherapist / counsellor in private practice, and as a clinical counselling supervisor. For several years I ran the Solicitor General’s Relationship Violence Program, addressing anger, addiction, anxiety, and abuse. I have contributed to research and hosted workshops on anger and violence. I have taught psychology at the graduate level; have had articles published in professional counseling, medical, and psychology journals; and am a regular contributor to professional psychology blogs and journals. I am registered with several university gradate programs in psychology as a clinical supervisor. For 5 years I facilitated workshops with First Nations groups on complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and addictions; and I have conducted anxiety and depression workshops for Nanaimo Youth Services Association for several years.

I am acknowledged for my compassion, empathy, intuition, and my ability to help people feel better. I offer an effective counselling approach, one that transforms the roots of unease, anxiety, and relationship issues with skills you can use right away. In psychotherapy, finding the deeper meaning symptoms hold can help you leave unhelpful patterns behind and get on with the business of living your life. I help clients gain practical tools, refine existing skills and knowledge, and deal with future challenges.

Professional training, skill, life experience, and personal attributes make it easy for people to relate to and trust me. I completed my graduate studies in Santa Barbara, with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, meeting the rigorous requirements of the Marriage & Family Therapist License (MFT). My undergrad degree, my graduate studies, and my career experience are all in psychology. I have furthered my studies through post graduate training, including 8 certification programs (each requiring in-class study, 6 to 12 months of assessment, and licensing), at Hospital settings, UBC, The Gottman Institute, and more. I have advanced certification as a Marriage and Relationship Counsellor, with over 25 years of direct experience. As a skilled and experienced counsellor, I can help you get your life and relationships on the right track.

In my personal life, I am married with children. I understand first-hand the challenges and rewards of being a parent and a partner. I lived overseas for a decade, travelling in many parts of the world. Living overseas and working as a psychotherapist have reinforced an understanding of how each person and each problem are unique. I am passionate about getting you the tools you need to make change a reality.

Warmth, respect, professionalism, and a deep understanding of how to transform problems are what you will find with me. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC (RCC registration number 2472) and a Registered Psychotherapist. Both licenses require me to continuously update my qualifications in order to be re-certified. Being licensed means that I am ethically guided in my work, that I am qualified to practice psychotherapy, and that I keep up-to-date with new research in counselling. I am also a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA #195).

What do you like most about being a Psychotherapist:

People often ask me what I like most about my job. The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing the little ‘aha’ moments with my clients. It’s when a piece of their personal puzzle clicks into place, and you can almost see the weight lift off their shoulders. Being part of that process, helping someone grow and reclaim their depth and resilience—it’s a privilege. And honestly, it’s endlessly fascinating how the human mind and our emotions work; I’m constantly learning, which keeps me inspired every day.

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” —Raymond Lindquist

Inquire for more information about psychotherapy, specialized strategies for anxiety and depression, and the keys to creating a strong & rewarding relationship.