Be Free…Fully Live
My Story
I spent years feeling imprisoned by anxiety, sabotaging my dreams and potential because of fears of inadequacy, chronically comparing myself with others, feeling like an imposter, and holding an implicit belief that there was something innately wrong with me. Though outwardly I was successful in many ways, having managed to push through fears, internally, I was my my own worst enemy, consciously and unconsciously believing and battling that inner voice who would incessantly criticize, judge, doubt, and shame.
After years of personal counselling and education, paradoxically, it was not more hard work or better self-loathing that would catalyze change. Rather, it was self-acceptance with self-compassion that eventually became the key portal to positively transforming my life. The lenses with which I viewed myself were switched-out. No longer foe, battling against myself and all my struggles as an enemy, I became my own friend, treating myself as someone worthy of love, kindness and compassion. Just as Dr. Carl Rogers suggested, the work was to accept myself, just as I was - messy and beautiful - and then I could change. And so it was…
You see, a soul turned against itself cannot change!
My hope for you, whatever the specific concerns that bring you to counselling, is that you too will discover how to see, connect with, and appreciate all parts of yourself through curiosity, kindness, and compassion. Building a positive relationship with yourself will transform every area of your life!
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Approach
Warm-spirited. Easy to talk to. Gentle and thoughtful.
I provide a friendly, safe, welcoming space where I hope you will feel comfortable to be yourself with all your seemingly messy and BEAUTIFUL parts.
You are the expert of your own experience. My role is co-traveller, co-creator, and gentle guide.
TOGETHER, we’ll explore and witness: where you’re at, where you’ve been, where you want to go and why? AND, how you’re going to get there.
My THEORETICAL LENS is integrative and holistic ~ heartfully inspired by the work of Dr. Carl Rogers. The plan forward is created with you to meet your specific needs, goals, interests, and strengths.
For those who appreciate the theoretical counselling lingo, I most consistently draw on principles and practices from a Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model, Person-Centered Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness & Meditation, Neuroscience, Systems Theory, and Transpersonal Therapy.
l invite and encourage you to incorporate any spiritual or religious practices you find supportive.
Please reach out for a Free Consultation if you have any questions about my counselling approach and if we would make an effective team. Choosing your counsellor is an important decision!
Qualifications
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC - # 19828) through the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have a Diploma in Social Work, a BA in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Counselling.
Professional and Personal:
I bring to the counselling relationship thirty years of experience in the areas of career and employment counselling, restorative justice facilitation, emergency response, work with children and youth at risk, cross-cultural humanitarian service, and hospitality and conference management.
I have been married for 32 years, have two adult children, one grandchild, and have navigated many rich life experiences, challenges, and adventures.
In my spare time you’ll find me hiking, reading, writing, or coffeeing with friends.
Additional Training:
Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication
IFS Online Circle: Foundations of the IFS Model
IFS Inspired Coaching: Aligning The Inner System
Mental Health & Addictions Associate Certificate
Psychological First Aid
Motivational Interviewing
Myers Briggs Certified Facilitator
Restorative Justice Facilitator Training
Suicide Intervention Training