My Approach
I'm an experienced psychotherapist that uses compassion, understanding and humor to help you accept yourself as you are and work on creating healthy changes.
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I use (and have been trained in) various therapeutic modalities, and will tailor my approach to your unique strengths.
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Are you overly critical and struggle with perfectionism and procrastination? Mindfulness-based Self-compassion and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) might be helpful.
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Do you struggle with controlling your emotions or on the flip side feel numb? A Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed approach might be beneficial.
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If you're consumed by negative thoughts or find yourself engaging in unhealthy behaviours then Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) might help build coping skills.
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I've received training from the Gottman Institute in couples therapy, DBT Skills training through the Linehan Institute and Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion training from Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer .
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In addition, I work from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist framework and have received training in this area as well as Four Seasons of Reconciliation education through the First Nations University of Canada.
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I believe in life-long learning and I'm an avid reader. I've learned the most, however, from the clients I've worked with in the past and now.
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I am also the wife of an incredibly wise grain farmer and grateful to be involved with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance.
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I have been a member of the Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorder Coalition since 2007 and have received training in supporting those who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues.
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I primarily provide virtual psychotherapy for young adults (17+) and adults across Ontario, Canada and in-person counseling in the welcoming and inclusive space at the Personal Empowerment Studio in Mount Forest, Ontario.
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*Update: I may have openings for new clients in January 2025; however, you're still welcome to connect with me, so I can either add you to my wait list for an earlier opening or offer other therapists and counsellors in the community.
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Therapeutic approaches and modalities that inform my work:
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Compassion-Focused Therapy
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Mindfulness-based self-compassion
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Positive Psychology
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Gottman method for couples therapy
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Issues I work with include:
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anxiety
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anger
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depression/low mood
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obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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stress
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self-harm
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trichotillomania
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healing from 'small t' and 'big T' trauma
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eating disorders/disordered eating
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body image
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discovering and enhancing personal strengths and values
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highly sensitive person (HSP)
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perfectionism
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people-pleasing
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self-esteem or self-confidence
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communication
- couples therapy
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farmer mental health​
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parenting
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goal-setting
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overachievers
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performance anxiety
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procrastination
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study skills
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Have questions? Please contact me by email and/or read through my guide on 'What to expect from therapy'.
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