My formal introduction
I’m a registered psychologist with a PhD in counselling psychology from the University of Alberta. I’m a member in good standing with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (2261) and the College of Alberta Psychologists (C4503). I specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I work exclusively with adults.
I’ve provided psychological assessment and counselling services for 20 years in a variety of settings in British Columbia and Alberta, including elementary and middle schools, post-secondary counselling centres, a tertiary psychiatric hospital, the Workers’ Compensation Board (Alberta), occupational rehabilitation companies, and numerous community mental health agencies. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents and adults from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including clients from non-majority populations (immigrants, refugees, Indigenous Peoples, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ2IA, etc.). For the past 16 years, my practice has focused on first responders, second responders, Canadian Armed Forces members, and veterans.
I’ve been in private practice since 2010. I had offices in Surrey, Coquitlam, Kamloops, and Kelowna before choosing to work as a telehealth psychologist in August 2024 and continuing to provide psychological assessment and counselling treatment services. I am licensed to practice in British Columbia and Alberta.
Education
- PhD Counselling Psychology – University of Alberta
- MSc Counselling Psychology – University of Calgary
- University Teaching Certificate – University of Calgary
- BA Honours Psychology and Extended Minor in French – Simon Fraser University
My Informal Introduction
People often ask me what therapy is like. I reply by asking, “Do you mean what is therapy like in general? Or what is therapy like with me?” (Leave it to a psychologist to answer a question with another question!) I can only provide you with an answer for the latter (if you want to know how other psychologists operate, I can’t tell you since I’m not a fly on their wall!).
What Therapy is Like with Me
I take my job seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. I’m warm, genuine, empathetic, gentle, direct, informal, and have a dark sense of humour. I send a meme or two to some of my clients when it’s relevant to their therapy goals (yes, memes absolutely are relevant to therapy. If you don’t believe me, check out the Facebook pages, Therapy Memes Group and Veterans Trash Talk.
I’m an introvert, which surprises many people because I can become quite animated in session. I swear. There is a lot of laughter during sessions. I believe that using humour is an effective way of challenging core beliefs and thinking traps, changing unhelpful emotional states, and encouraging new perspectives.
I don’t use psychobabble. I explain things in ways that make sense to my clients and their worldview. This often involves analogies using firearms, smoke, fire, sirens, knives, tanks, compasses, etc. I also love to use South Park, Family Guy, and The Simpsons as teaching tools during sessions, so if you’re a fan of these shows, you’re in luck – I can quote most episodes.
How I Actually Do My Job
I was trained as a scientist-practitioner in graduate school which has allowed me to embrace the scientific process of discovery, hypothesis testing, and learning. This has given me opportunities to obtain specialized training in empirically supported treatments to ensure that I’m remaining up to date on research.
While empirically supported treatments are an important part of my work, I know they’re not the be all, end all to therapy. I use complimentary healing methods with my clients who are open to learning them. Chakra clearing, energy clearing, energetic cord cutting, and visualization are just a few examples of the complimentary methods I use. More and more people are open to, and requesting, these methods (yes, including first responders, second responders, CAF members, and veterans), which not only help with symptom reduction, but also help shift their view of themselves, other people, and the world. As a result, a client’s vibrational frequency rises which allows for new ways of thinking, feeling, seeing, doing, and being. Isn’t that what healing and growth are all about?
Who I Work With
Since 2016, my practice has focused on working with first responders, second responders, the Canadian Armed Forces, and veterans. I’ve been working with these groups since 2009 prior to opening my private practice. I’ve written an article for clinicians wanting to work with trauma-exposed professionals.
Because these are highly specialized groups with their own idiosyncrasies, I have taken the time (and continue) to learn their languages and about their respective cultures (they’re not all the same). Just as a newly arrived immigrant in Canada must learn English or French (or both), an outsider such as myself working with these specialized groups requires a certain level of understanding of their jobs and job duties. This involves learning about their unique cultures, rewards, and challenges.
I continue to work with civilian adults in my practice.
Who I Am
I’m love and light with no bullshit.
As a war survivor, I’ve witnessed and experienced the dark side of human nature. I know firsthand the effects of trauma and the importance of compassion and awareness when healing from trauma, which I bring to my work with all my clients. Seeing and experiencing the dark side of humanity has allowed me to embrace the light and empower others from a place of authenticity.
I don’t let my life experiences define who I am. I’ve comfortably resolved these issues and have grown in many ways. I share this information about myself in order to reduce the stigma associated with therapy.
I’m not a survivor. I’m a thriver. I’ve let go of the trauma, fear, anxiety, and doubt that held me back for many years. No longer living in fear has allowed me to become the person I am and provide a unique therapeutic experience to all who come my way.