With a diverse background in both healthcare and education, I began formally working in the field in 2007 as a Special Education Consultant and Parent Coach for Erinoakkids Treatment Center in partnership with Halton/Waterloo District School Boards. In 2012 I founded a child and family group psychotherapy practice, Counting Butterflies Child & Family Therapy (2012-2022), and in 2021 I co-founded a trauma-informed group practice, The Therapy Collective, where I am currently the Clinical Director. I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology (2006) and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology (2014). I am a Clinical Supervisor for Qualifying Psychotherapists with the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Masters-Level Graduate Interns from several Canadian universities. I take a contemporary approach to psychotherapy, and my practice is client-centred, trauma-informed, holistic, and integrative. My formal psychotherapy certification and training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Individual Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT-I) and Trauma-Informed EFT, Couples Emotional Focused Therapy externship with Sue Johnson, Family Emotion Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology with Daniel Siegel, Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (Level 1 & 2), Psychodynamic and EFT Supervision Model, Restorative and Hatha Yoga Training (300hr), Somatic and Embodied Trauma Work (Level 1), and Mindfulness Meditation Training. I live with my husband, daughter, and dogs on our homestead in the forest in the Greater Toronto Area.
With a diverse background in both healthcare and education, I began formally working in the field...
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My life experiences, including being married to my husband, being a mother, as well as previous careers in exercise physiology, the corporate world, teaching yoga, and public speaking, have all led me to become a therapist. In 2021 The Therapy Collective opened where I am a co-owner and clinical director along with my business partner, Michelle Brans. Establishing this trauma-informed practice and becoming a therapist has provided a wonderful opportunity to support others as they explore healing their wounds and navigating their mental health challenges. In 2019 I published my first book The Many Sides of Happy. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) as well as Certified Yoga Teacher. I have continued to grow as therapist with specialized training in EMDR, ACT, CBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and IFS. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including teens, adults, parents, trauma survivors, first responders, healthcare workers and corporate leaders. Outside of my private practice I also facilitate group workshops and offer speaking engagements on a wide variety of topics related to mental health.
My life experiences, including being married to my husband, being a mother, as well as previous c...
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I realized I wanted to become a Psychotherapist in my prior career as a Child and Youth Worker. I’ve always had a passion for working with young people but recognized I wanted to dive deeper into what they were experiencing in order to help them achieve their goals and overcome any challenges they face.
I have over 8 years of experience as a Child and Youth Worker working in various settings such as the school board and community. I understand the challenges young people face today and my goal is to provide a safe space to be able to explore these experiences further and provide support where needed. My master’s degree is in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and prior to this, Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University.
When working with me, I will always prioritize your comfort level and desired pace. I will often incorporate strategies from Emotion Focussed Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) and attachment theory.
I realized I wanted to become a Psychotherapist in my prior career as a Child and Youth Worker. I...
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My journey into psychotherapy started in high school when I enrolled in my first psychology class. I developed an immediate interest and curiosity in human behaviour and development. Throughout my undergraduate and master’s studies, I recognized the profound impact that therapy can have on individuals’ lives. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Additionally, I am a Certified Hypnotherapist, having obtained my certification from The University of Toronto. I integrate hypnotherapy as a complementary approach alongside other evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have expanded my expertise through specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Eating Disorders from York University Psychology Clinic. Furthermore, I possess specialized training and experience in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
My journey into psychotherapy started in high school when I enrolled in my first psychology class...
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I arrived at this work through my lifelong passion of addressing adversities and social injustices. I’ve had the privilege of supporting diverse, marginalized populations including women and youth, particularly those experiencing crisis which has informed my anti-oppressive, feminist and trauma-informed approach. I’ve received specialised trainings in Birth/Reproductive Trauma, Perinatal Mental Health, IFS and Gottman-Method Couples Therapy. I work from a Psychodynamic, attachment lens incorporating inner-child work and somatic processing. I also integrate modalities such as: IFS, EFT, and lend from DBT & CBT for immediate strategies. Human experiences are meant to be shared, including our pain. Together, lets can amend the story you’ve been telling yourself that is no longer serving you.
I arrived at this work through my lifelong passion of addressing adversities and social injustice...
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My journey into psychotherapy began with a keen interest in coaching parents through the complexities of supporting children facing various mental health challenges, such as anxiety. After dedicating years to nursing and corporate roles, I felt compelled to deepen my understanding, leading me to earn a Masters in Counselling Psychology.
While parenting support remains a cornerstone of my practice, I extend my expertise to a diverse adult clientele, young and older. I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals facing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, relationship difficulties, grief, and difficulties navigating life transitions.
My journey into psychotherapy began with a keen interest in coaching parents through the complexi...
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For as long as I can remember, I have naturally gravitated to situations or experiences where I could help people through difficult times. Becoming a therapist has given me the privilege to help others on their healing journey. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and have furthered my expertise with specialised training in ACT, CBT, Trauma-Focused, ADHD, Anger Management, and IFS. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including teens,adults, families, and couples.
For as long as I can remember, I have naturally gravitated to situations or experiences where I c...
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