COUNSELLING SERVICES
Individual Counselling, both in-person and telehealth is available.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a body-mind psychotherapy developed by Peter Levine that "aims to resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma that accumulate in our bodies and nervous systems." In this gentle approach we work toward completing survival responses stuck in the body through working with bodily sensations and suppressed emotions.
The main techniques used in SE are tracking sensations, pendulation, and completing defensive responses.
SE can be helpful for resolving trauma, and for people with chronic pain/illness, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a 3rd wave cognitive behavioural therapy that addresses thoughts, feelings and behaviours by aligning them with your values. It provides coping skills through mindfulness techniques (not just meditation).
There are 6 main processes in ACT: contact the present moment (grounding), self-as-context (perspective taking), defusion (distancing self from thoughts), acceptance (of feelings), values, and committed action (goals).
ACT can be helpful for those with chronic pain/illness, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and caregiver burnout.
Self-compassion & Polyvagal Theory
I integrate self-compassion practices throughout therapy as needed for client. Polyvagal theory, created by Stephen Porges, is integrated as needed, with both SE and ACT.
Self-compassion can improve resilience, happiness, life satisfaction, self-confidence and physical health.
Polyvagal theory gives us a better understanding of our autonomic nervous system and allows us to "befriend" it.
Conditions I work with:
Chronic Pain - including ICBC claims
Chronic illness - including but not limited to endometriosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, post-cancer, Crohn's, etc.
Trauma
Traumatic Brain Injury - including post-concussion syndrome
Anxiety
Depression
Pre/Postpartum mental health
Caregiver Burnout
Life Stress and Transitions
​*If you are having suicidal thoughts please seek help immediately from your local hospital or by contact a crisis hotline.
