Counsellor, Coach, Facilitator, and Coffee Drinker

I like people, and I’ve always had an interest in relationships; curious as to why people behave the way they do with others, whether friend, coworker, stranger, romantic partner, or their own conscience. After graduating with my Bachelors of Psychology in 2007 from Simon Fraser University, my primary interests were in developmental biopsychology and criminology. However, after a few years working in Youth Restorative Justice, the RCMP, and the criminal justice system, I pursued and received my Masters of Counseling in 2014 from Athabasca University.

Counseling from a more eclectic base, I tend to lean on existential philosophy with interventions from narrative, CBT, attachment, IFS, family systems, person-centered, and solution focused theories. This means that I’m very individualized in my approach, but centered on the fact that everyone has a meaningful purpose in their life and sometimes values, perceptions, and expectations just get foggy or off track.

Lastly, I love discussing quantum physics, the impact of the human energy field, and the ability to change ones brain with new thinking patterns. I truly believe in the bio-psych-social approach, positing that the body, mind, and spirit are separate, but also inseparable when it comes to any healing practice. Dr. Caroline Leaf, Gabor Mate, and Dr. Kim D’Eramo are incredible influencers for me in this genre.

Recently, I went through a wild health journey that included emergency abdominal surgery, a year and a half with a colostomy, melanoma diagnosis, lymph node removal, and then a full hysterectomy, colostomy reversal and resection due to endometriosis. Life is incredibly good now, but unpacking the emotional journey that goes along with the unknowns, the waiting, and the healing from surgery was a big deal and no quick fix. Let’s be honest though, do quick fixes truly exist?

Outside of counseling, I’ve held executive roles and leadership positions in coffeehouses, venue operations, churches, counselling centers, Restorative Justice facilitating, tech HR/recruiting, and clinical supervision. I’ve also had the honor of officiating weddings in Oregon, Vancouver, and Kelowna.
Having lived in Germany, Vancouver, and most recently in California, I currently reside in my hometown of Kelowna where community exploration is my thing. I’m currently registered as a Clinical Counsellor (RCC-ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I am also designated as an Approved Clinical Supervisor for masters students in practicum and registered counsellors seeking supervision.

~ At the base of any operation is the human being, and that human is on their own individual journey to build meaning in their life every single day.