About Me

How did I become a psychologist?  At 16 years of age, I remember declaring that I wanted to become a “psychologist that specializes in addictions”.  After High School I enrolled as a Psychology major in University and started my formal education. After 3 years of learning about the theory and research of the science of psychology, I lost interest in it altogether. I finished my degree without any intention of pursuing a career in the field.  I worked seasonally and pursued other interests. In 2008 my life changed dramatically.  I transitioned out of seasonal work with the help of career counselling.  After 3 weeks of days full of taking personality inventories and value sorts later, all signs pointed to a career in the addictions and mental health field.  An illness in the family brought me back to Alberta.  I was in a yoga studio change room and a guy next to me looked at me and said, “You look like you should work with youth and families”, and gave me a card for Enviros Wilderness School Association.  As a Youth and Family Support worker I cut my teeth in the field, working with those healing from abuse, neglect and a legacy of oppression and addiction.  I then transferred to a wilderness adventure therapy-based addictions treatment center.  In my five years working there I saw the miracle of transcendence when the right conditions were present, and conversely took phone calls about heart breaking set-backs from desperate young persons who were struggling after leaving the center. 

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I began working for Alberta Health Services and was employed at the Youth Addictions Services Day program.  I then transferred to an outpatient role as an Addictions Counsellor with the Adult Population.  I received a specialized certification as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist through the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Professionals.  I facilitated individual and group counselling for persons recovering from sex addiction, substance abuse and alcohol abuse disorders.  I learned that addictive disorders nearly always co-exist with trauma and other mental health problems. 

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I completed my Masters of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology during this time and subsequently registered as a psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.  I then transferred to the Young Adult Portfolio working as a trauma therapist.  I received advanced training in Somatic Experiencing therapy for trauma.

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I started working part time in private practice and for the past 3 years have been working with individuals and couples primarily with trauma and addictions issues (infidelity and betrayal).  I have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, which is focused on repairing attachment wounds and facilitating deeper intimacy and connection.

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In my therapy office you will find a relationship of sure steady guidance, sensitivity, trust and humor.  I have a lot of training and experience and I don’t let that get in the way of knowing who is sitting in the room with me.  I have personal experience in recovery and of being in the client’s seat in a therapist’s office.