Find a Therapist in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

I believe that the most important part of the healing process is to work with a therapist who you are comfortable with, and whom you can trust. I therefore prioritize creating a warm, safe environment for an individual to explore life's challenges. As a therapist I aim to be as open and authentic as I can, and use humour as well as stories from my own experience to create a sense of safety in the counselling environment.

Patterns of self-sabotaging behavioural, disorganized thinking and overwhelming emotion make life very difficult. How can we move forward when our bodies seem to betray us and we just need a break from the buzzing anxiety or the numbing of depression? What you may not know is all these symptoms are the imprint of our unfinished business, stuck in the body and just begging to be seen, cared for and accepted. Working with me means looking with curiosity, compassion and an educated-eye at how old wounds of betrayal, abandonment and rejection show up to block living your best life. You are not alone and there is hope.

Currently, my approach to therapy is a combination of feminist therapy paired with trauma treatments, such as EMDR and somatic experiencing. However, I integrate many other modalities, such as internal family systems, attachment theory, and mindfulness practices. I tailor the treatment to meet the needs of the client. With trust, a safe space, and mutual respect and understanding, self-discovery and healing can begin as we can uncover imprints of the past, such as the development of unhealthy coping patterns, attachment wounds, traumas, or self-destructive or risky behaviours. Healing can only begin when you feel safe enough in the room and have the tolerance to understand your inner self.

The circumstances and issues that you are dealing with are unique to you, but you don't have to face them alone. Every individual has different experiences, perceptions, feelings, thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes, cultural backgrounds and "upbringings". Counselling sessions are private and confidential, and can provide a way for you to explore your problems and really tune in to your feelings. This is an opportunity to speak freely about your circumstances and release pent up feelings, without having to worry about what others think or feel, and without receiving unwanted advise from family, friends or coworkers. At the root of the problem, there are very real, legitimate and understandable reasons for feeling the way you feel, thinking the way...(view profile to read more)

My approach to psychotherapy involves understanding my clients by using a client-centred lens, while also taking on a systems approach to understand the bigger picture. I am informed by Attachment Theory, as well as Emotion-Focused Therapy, and use this to help clients gain a deeper understanding of where they came from and how it is showing up in their current situation. I also employ a trauma-informed lens in which I ensure safety and comfortability in processing overwhelming experiences.

My belief is that human beings often forget to put themselves as important. We ensure that our car has regular maintenance, that our teeth have regular check ups, that our physical health is on track; but we don't put the necessary care and check up to our mental health. It is so important in this fast paced, jam packed world we live in that we take the time to work on ourselves as well. This is the way that we can maintain balance within our lives. This is about personal empowerment.

In my practice of psychotherapy, clients can anticipate a compassionate, client-centered approach that values their unique experiences and perspectives. I believe in creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors openly. Through collaborative dialogue and evidence-based techniques drawn from various modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, clients gain insight into their challenges and develop practical strategies for growth and change.

I offer a multidisciplinary and relational approach to psychotherapy that includes early attachment work and a sensitivity to intergenerational dynamics and trauma, with a holistic orientation and evidence-based techniques. The role of the body in healing is central to my work, as I draw on many somatic practices. I also work with the arts as a healing modality. On the part of my clients, no experience in the arts is necessary. Whichever therapeutic modality we choose as best suited to your current journey, we work with the fundamental creative drive that is present in all of us to encounter the many facets of your healing pilgrimage necessary for growth and lasting change.

Psychotherapy can be effective and greatly beneficial for couples, individuals and families. We strive to create a safe and understanding environment where we work in a collaborative manor based on your goals and needs. We will work with a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs providing optimal results. Through psychotherapy you can begin to see yourself and your world through a non partial and neutral lens. Through the clarity and acceptance of your authentic self we will work to build your tools for ongoing personal growth and success, independent of counselling.

While my approach is tailored to each client's needs, I predominantly use CBT with a neurobiological lens as my main approach in psychotherapy. I aim to help individuals identify the interconnection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and environment. Evidence-based therapies such as CBT have shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger management, OCD, personality disorders, and ADHD.

Take the courageous step towards personal growth and lasting change by engaging in my unique style of psychotherapy. I've been a psychotherapist for over 30 years and learned what's most effective from the clients I've worked with in the past. Through collaborative sessions tailored to meet your needs we will explore challenges, uncover insights, determine a path to healing, and develop effective strategies for a more fulfilling life. Unlock your resilience and your potential for happiness!

Given the widespread adaptability of CBT, I am able to work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. CBT can be utilized to remedy various mental health concerns including, but not limited to the following: depression; anxiety; trauma; relationship concerns; personality disorders; grief; life transitions; & self-worth. Treatment goals are collaboratively selected based upon the individuals’ unique needs, background, experiences & strengths. Namely, unhelpful thoughts, behaviours & feelings can be substituted for more adaptive ones. Though you are the expert on your life, I can offer a nonjudgmental place to better understand yourself; therefore, allowing for personal growth.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors.