About me

As a registered clinical counsellor and Somatic Experiencing practitioner, I guide individuals through trauma-informed therapy that blends body awareness, creative expression, and connection to the natural world. I honour the wisdom of the body and believe that joy, pleasure, and rest are essential human rights. With a deep respect for diverse spiritual pathways, I offer a safe and empowering space for healing and personal growth.

My influences

I am deeply connected to the rhythms of the land I grew up on—Vancouver Island. My work is shaped by a life lived with curiosity and heart, exploring everything from animals and movement to art, spirituality, and healing. With training in a diverse range of areas, my approach is as eclectic as my journey. Having lived with chronic illness and invisible disability, and navigating the path of single parenthood, I understand firsthand the complexities of healing. I work from a grounded place of empathy, helping others tap into their own unique paths toward balance and growth, always with a deep respect for the mind-body connection.

Professional Credentials and Qualifications:

  • I hold an M.Ed from the University of Victoria 2008. I also have two undergraduate degrees with distinction - a BA in English and a B.Ed in Visual Art Education.

  • I have been a Registered Clinical Counsellor through the BCACC since 2009. My registration number is 3318.

  • I began training in Somatic Experiencing in 2009 and trained with Linda Stelte, Berns Galloway, Kathy Kain and Dea Parsanishi I am now a Practitioner and Registered Member with Trauma Healing International.

  • I am a Registered Teacher in the Province of British Columbia through the BCTF.

  • Coherence in Motion: An introduction to the Tools of Developmental Movement - through Somatic Experiencing International with Deborah Clydesdale and Mark Taylor. (upcoming May 2025).

    Pacifica Graduate Institute: Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales. Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy with Dr. Sharon Blackie. (Ongoing)

    Introduction to Nature Based Therapy - with Human Nature Counselling, Victoria BC 2024

    Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga: Simple Practices to Enhance Wellbeing - With Dr. Arielle Swartz 2024

    200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification Yoga Renew

    Introduction to Equine Facilitated Wellness - through Generations Farm, Nanaimo BC 2024

    Somatic EMDR Practitioner Certificate - Embody Lab, 2024

    San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training: Core Mental Health First Nations Health Authority

    Introduction to Gender Diversity (2023) Provincial Health Services Authority

    Trans Rights Toolkit (2023) Provincial Health Services Authority

    Polyvagal Theory for Somatic Experiencing Practitioners: 2023 The Polyvagal Institute: Deb Dana and Dr. Stephen Porges

    The Vital Connection: The Power to Parent: 2018 The Neufeld Institute, Vancouver BC with Dr Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D

    Mind Up – Mindful Social Emotional Learning for Children: 2013 Vancouver School District Professional Development Series

    Birth Story Listening: 2012 Birthing from Within Counselling Skills Training With Pam England

    Externship in Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples; 2008 Nanaimo B.C., with Leanne Campbell, Ph.D

    Career and Lifespan Development;2008 Victoria, B.C., with Brad Temple, Ph.D

    Counselling for Grief and Loss; 2008 Tsawassen, B.C., with Nancy Reeves, Ph.D

    Diversity, Culture and Counselling;2007 Tsawassen, B.C. with Norah Trace, Ph.D

    Indigenous Approaches to Helping and Healing: 2006 Victoria BC, with Dr. Robina Thomas

    Group Facilitation; 2006 Victoria, B.C. with Tim Black, Ph.D

My therapeutic style is deeply integrative, drawing on a rich blend of somatic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approaches. I combine various modalities and perspectives to create a holistic and client-centered practice.

Somatic Body-Centered Approach

With my training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic EMDR, and Polyvagal Theory, my work emphasizes the mind-body connection, recognizing the importance of how trauma, emotions, and experiences are stored in the body. I help clients connect with and regulate their bodily sensations, which supports healing and resilience.

Feminist and Justice Oriented

My use of feminist theory, alongside my knowledge of disability justice and gender diversity, means that I approach my work through a lens that emphasizes empowerment, social justice, and inclusivity. I respect each client’s unique identity and prioritize their autonomy and self-determination in the therapeutic process.

Trauma Informed and Emotion Focused

My traing in Emotion-Focused Therapy and grief counseling allows me to work with clients through an empathetic, emotionally attuned approach. I help clients process emotional pain and distress, often drawing on the wisdom of their bodies as well as their feelings. These are essential tools in helping clients navigate deep emotional terrain.

Mindfulness and Holistic Healing

My training in yoga and mindfulness-based practices mean that I may incorporate mindful movement and breathwork as part of my therapeutic approach. This can allow clients to cultivate presence, awareness, and emotional regulation, which are crucial in healing trauma and restoring balance.

Culturally and Socially Responsive

I bring in a strong understanding of social constructivism, disability justice, feminist theory, and Indigenous approaches to healing. This informs my approach to power dynamics, acknowledging the intersectional factors that affect a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I create a respectful and inclusive space for clients of all backgrounds.

Strengths Based and Client Centered

My approach focuses on building upon the inherent strengths of my clients. I collaborate with them, tailoring interventions to suit their needs and personal healing journey. My somatic approaches highlight my belief in the importance of empowering clients to feel more grounded and embodied in their own experiences.