What Working with Me is Like...

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If you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, body image concerns, binge eating, or relationship patterns that leave you feeling anxious, insecure, or stuck, you're not alone. Many of the women I work with appear to be coping well on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or exhausted from constantly trying to meet expectations. My goal is to provide a space where you can take a breath, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you're carrying.

 

My Path to Becoming a Counsellor

My path to becoming a counsellor began through my work in education, where I spent many years supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. With degrees in Education and Women & Gender Studies, I became increasingly interested in how our relationships, experiences, and cultural messages shape the way we see ourselves. Again and again, I saw how struggles with self-worth, perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, and body image affect every part of life—from relationships and career decisions to the way we speak to ourselves every day. As an LGBTQ+ allied clinician, I am deeply committed to providing an inclusive, affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Beyond my training, my own experiences with anxiety, body image challenges, and personal growth deeply shape my work. They have given me true empathy for how hard this process can be, and a firm belief that developing a healthier relationship with yourself is possible at any stage of life.

 

Professional Background & Service Areas

Today, as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I primarily help women who struggle with self-esteem, people-pleasing, anxiety, body image concerns, binge eating, and relationship challenges rooted in attachment wounds. I believe that healing happens when you feel safe enough to be honest about your experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll explore what's keeping you stuck, build practical tools for coping, and create meaningful changes that align with the life you want to live. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, questioning your self-worth, struggling with your relationship with food or your body, or navigating a significant life change, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

 

My Approach to Therapy

I believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, which is why I integrate evidence-based therapies based on your goals, experiences, and strengths.

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My work draws mostly from these modalities:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helping you develop psychological flexibility, respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and build a life guided by your values. 

• Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals (EFT): Supporting you in understanding, processing, and transforming difficult emotions at their source. 

• The Change Triangle® Framework: A compassionate, step-by-step emotional map that helps us understand anxiety differently. Together, we'll identify patterns such as overthinking, avoidance, and self-criticism, explore the emotions underneath, and work toward greater calm, authenticity, and emotional well-being.

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): A gentle, evidence-based trauma therapy that uses guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories. 

• Mindfulness and Somatic Approaches: Supporting you in reconnecting with your body, increasing self-awareness, and developing a greater sense of calm and regulation.

• LGBTQ+ Affirming Support: Navigating identity, self-acceptance, and unique systemic pressures.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Ensuring therapy feels safe, respectful, empowering, and paced according to your comfort and readiness.

 

Areas of Focus

I support women experiencing:

• Anxiety and Panic: Learning to quiet the mind and manage physical stress.

• Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Challenges: Overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing, self criticism, and the impact of ADHD on confidence and self-worth.

• Binge Eating: Healing your relationship with food.

• Relationship and Attachment Challenges: Understanding patterns of insecurity, fear of rejection, and difficulty setting boundaries.

• Trauma and Adverse Life Experiences: Safely processing the past to live fully in the present. 

• Life transitions, identity changes, and women's mental health concerns.

 

Starting Your Journey

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've spent a long time trying to manage everything on your own. You don't need to have the right words, a clear plan, or even know exactly what's wrong before reaching out. You simply need a place to start.

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If you're looking for a compassionate counsellor in North Vancouver or online throughout British Columbia, I'd be honoured to support you on your journey toward healing, self-understanding, and lasting change.  Please fill out the form below or book a free consultation to find out if we'd be a good fit.