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Hello, welcome to my web page!
About Me
It isn't often that I get a chance to introduce myself to clients outside the therapy setting, and I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.
I married relatively late in life (aged 31) and had two children, even later in life! My nineteen-year-old son has taught me a lot about the interests and concerns of young men and boys, and my sixteen-year-old daughter has completed our family adding her vibrancy and affection.
I grew up in Saskatoon, and spent 8 years in Toronto doing my doctorate. I came to BC in 1995. I love to swim, sail, ski and curl.
I have been interested in psychology since I was 10 years old - one of those lucky people who knew what they wanted very early in life. I am thankful that I found psychology.
Becoming a psychologist has afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow, both intellectually and emotionally. Indeed, I have always been interested in personal growth and development, hence my dissertation topic on the self-development of women over the lifespan.
How Change Occurs in Counselling
I believe that each client has within them a potential for growth that is released in a helping relationship. I think that when a helping professional communicates a deeply sensitive, non-judgmental understanding of a client's problem, offers encouragement, and helps the client to understand the reasons for their behaviours and life choices, the client will be better able to make important decisions, find solutions to their problems, and overcome barriers which affect their everyday functioning.
I believe that the power to change, grow, and to become a more integrated person lies within each individual. I see my role as providing the facilitative environment and the tools necessary to achieve growth and change. I help clients remove emotional blocks that might be preventing them from becoming fully functioning people.
My Approach
My approach is mainly cognitive-behavioural and humanistic, though I have been trained in other approaches as well. I use a variety of therapeutic procedures, such as role play, guided imagery, cognitive restructuring, and "homework" where clients challenge themselves to "try out" new behaviours. I believe that a client must be able to apply new learnings outside of the therapy room, in the real world, if they are to see real and permanent change in their lives.
My Areas of Practice
My areas of practice include helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss. In addition, I have a special interest in helping clients adjust to illness and injury, which sometimes involves coping with chronic pain and limitations (physical and psychological). I also have a keen interest in women's issues, particularly in their identity development throughout adulthood.
My Credentials
I received my doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto in 1993, and am licensed to practice as a psychologist in British Columbia (Reg.# 1215). I am a full member of the British Columbia Psychological Association.
Contact Me
Thanks for spending these few minutes perusing my web page. Feel free to contact me to discuss your concerns, goals for therapy, and to inquire further into my training and experience.
Suite #602 - 3292 Production Way,
Burnaby, BC V5A 4R4
(Near the Production Way-University Skytrain Station)
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Phone: (604) 731-9474
