Welcome
Coming to Therapy
We know when some area of our life isn’t working, but we often don’t know what changes to make or how to make them. Making changes can be frightening and feel insurmountable, as we're forced to give up the familiar for the new and unknown.
I provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to talk freely about yourself, your challenges, your strengths, and your hopes for the future.
Together, we can explore how past patterns may be interfering with your living a life that is more satisfying, fulfilling, and authentic.
We can look at the stories you tell yourself about life and your place in it, in an effort to uncover and transform those stories that keep you small.
I believe that we all contain within us the innate ability to heal.
About Me
I became a psychodynamic psychotherapist because of my own transformation in this kind of therapy.
I have 14 years of clinical experience working as a mental health professional.
I have a BA in psychology from New York University, a BScN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from the University of Toronto, and a diploma from the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP) in Toronto.
The master's-level 6-year CTP program combines intensive, interactive theoretical study with a minimum of 4 years of group therapy; all students are required to maintain ongoing personal psychotherapy throughout the program.
Prior to entering private practice, I worked for many years in the helping professions, including foster care, long-term care, home care, and mental health nursing. As a nurse, I worked in the emergency department of a mental health hospital and in community-based treatment programs. In addition to health care, I've had a wide variety of other jobs, from shoe salesperson to Blackjack dealer.
I’m committed to my own physical, mental, and spiritual health.
I regularly meet with colleagues for professional supervision.
I live in Toronto from about May to September, and the rest of the year I live in places like Mexico and Costa Rica. My practice is primarily online and I'm able to occasionally see clients in person when in Toronto.
I am a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Issues I Work With
Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
Addiction and substance abuse
Anger
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Children of addicts and alcoholics
Depression
Dissociation
Divorce
Grief and loss
Interpersonal problems
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/
Queer+ issues
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Psychosis
Self-injurious behaviour
Sexuality
Spirituality and transpersonal experiences
Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
How I Work
Therapy with me is collaborative and interactive and, above all, an opportunity to talk about whatever is important to you. We can look at how the past is affecting the present and how you came to be where you are now.
I practice psychodynamic or depth therapy, which allows us to consider how unconscious thoughts and feelings may be interfering with your life. These unconscious influences can keep us trapped in self-limiting behaviours, such as addictions and unhealthy relationships. Bringing the unconscious into awareness allows healing to begin. Paying attention to our dreams can be illuminating, as they offer significant insights and are a wonderful source of self-discovery.
I’m calm, sensitive, respectful, and patient, and I allow you to move at your own pace.
Goals of therapy include more peace, joy, agency, spontaneity, and feeling more alive; in addition, we can work on short-term goals and day-to-day coping strategies.
Because meaningful, lasting change takes time, clients should plan on at least 6 months of therapy. Depth therapy is not a quick fix. Rather, it is an opportunity to gain a nuanced understanding of oneself along with increased self-acceptance.
Therapy sessions occur once or twice a week and are 60 minutes in length. I don't practise the typical "50-minute hour" because it simply feels too short to me.
Therapy requires a serious commitment. It is expected that clients will keep regular appointments and, if unable to do so, make a good faith effort to reschedule. Trust, connection, consistency and momentum are crucial for depth therapy to be meaningful and beneficial.
My Fee
$140 per 60-minute session
Payment by e-transfer is due before or at the beginning of a session.
*A 24-hour cancellation policy is in effect; the full fee will be charged without 24 hours' notice. If rescheduling during the same week is possible, the fee will be waived.
**A late payment fee of $25 is due for payment received after a session.
