Counselling

Why Counselling Might Help You:

Do you feel an uneasiness about your life? After surviving trauma, do you wonder if you will ever thrive? Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions at times? Do you struggle in your relationship with your partner? Your children? Your colleagues? Your boss? Your friends? Do you have issues controlling your substance use? If so, psychological counselling could help you address those issues.

Why I Became a Registered Psychologist:

Some people know what they want to do when they grow up from the time they are very young. I had many dreams and must admit psychology was not one of them (although, to be honest, I am not sure I knew what a psychologist was or did!). I did eventually however become a Registered Psychologist.

Looking back, it is not surprising. As early as I can recall, people have easily talked to me. They have shared parts of themselves or their history, and I have always felt honoured that they trusted me.

My Experience as a Psychologist:

I am registered as a psychologist in the province of Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. I currently live in British Columbia.

I have worked as a psychologist since 1991, in a variety of settings, including schools (elementary and high schools), mental health clinics, hospitals, Employee Assistance Programs as well as corrections. 

What I Offer Those I Work With:

Throughout the years, I have worked mostly with adults. I had the privilege and honour to counsel individuals who shared their experiences, their history, their hopes, and dreams.

By working together, change occurred. Instead of seeing themselves as victims, they saw themselves as survivors and, eventually, were able to thrive as their sense of self and their lives flourished.

Many of the people I have counselled had been placed in orphanages or residential schools or had been adopted through the 60s scoop. Others had experienced the generational aftermath, due to the impact on the communities.

Practicing in British Columbia, I counselled individuals from different racialized groups or various religions, where the needs and/or desires of the people are not supported by the community or the group they belong to.

I have worked with, and openly supported, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and have been called an ally. I have counselled people regarding gender identity and gender expression issues as well as openly discussed issues related to sexual preferences.

I have also worked closely with first responders and health care staff for the past 30 years.

My Approach:

The therapeutic model I use is selected to suit the person and the issue brought forward. I have trained in various models including Attachment Theory, Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy, Developmental Model, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Differentiation Theory, Integral Psychology, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Neuroscience, and Reality Therapy. I have also been exposed to Adlerian, Freudian, Jungian, and Rogerian approaches.

I have lengthy experience working with individuals who approached me to deal with their trauma, substance use, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis or label, I have invited people to further develop their strengths and resiliency so that they can identify what is important to them and how to reach their goal.

My Philosophy:

My gift to people has been to listen to them empathetically, with no judgment, and understand their situation from their viewpoints. AND to empower them to see beyond that point of view: To be able to see how strong and resilient they are, with a twist of humour, when appropriate. I believe in working with people as a whole.