I have been in private practice since 2001, following my internship and graduate degree, --- an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Norwich University, Montpelier, Vermont (now a campus of Union Institute & University in the U.S.). My internship was supervised by a GP Psychotherapist, incorporating the medical model of Psychology and my academic work was supervised by a Jungian Analyst.  In my thesis about adoption I looked at various theoretical and experiential modalities applied to the therapeutic needs of adoptees.

I also hold a B.Sc. in  Psychology from McMaster University.  This degree was focused on behavioural and experimental psychology.

I participate in courses, training, reading, conferences and other personal and professional development opportunities regularly.  Further details of my professional development are listed on the professional development page of my profile at therapy toronto (see links).

I am currently a member of the professional association of the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT), and their website is also on my links page.

This is my second career and my first was Human Resources Management in the high-tech, communications and broadcasting industries.  In addition to private sector work I have also served in some non-profit organizations on contract and as a volunteer in positions related to community and counselling.  This history helps me when working with client issues relating to work, career, education, transitions, and so forth.

As a parent, I find my knowledge and experience of child development is helpful when working with clients who are parents too. 

I have been involved in native culture and spirituality and have worked with clients sharing such interests and experiences.  Plus, my studies and experiences of other spiritualities inform my work.  I am a member of  the Toronto Aboriginal Business Association and you can find me on their website directory.

As a re-united adoptee I also work with others who are in the process of reunion with their birth families, and clients with a variety of alternative family experiences.  I am listed as a resource with the Adoption Council of Ontario, and you can access their website from my links page. 

How I work...

In general, my process begins with a client's history, provided in conversation during the first session.  In the following sessions we focus on the most urgent current issues and explore them for meaning, perspective, solutions, healthy coping tools and techniques, etc.  Linking ongoing issues to history is also part of the process, so that we explore the causes of the symptoms that are manifesting, finding patterns, core issues, and bringing light to the unconscious aspects which interfere with our ability to change.  We also explore what is working well, learn more about how and why, apply it to the more difficult areas, and make the most of it. 

We do all of this through discussion of: your past, present, and future; including details about the relationships of your life and the psychodynamics involved.  As “homework” clients are encouraged to work with the new information and concepts realized in-session.  I am actively engaged with my clients using questioning and probing techniques to access unconscious material; exploring dreams, plus utilizing physical, spiritual, creative and other modes of expression that may be personally relevant.  Hence, my approach involves exploring the symptoms/issues/problems as broadly and deeply as we can, in order to find relief, solutions, and ultimately transformation.  As a result, the client will have valuable perspectives, awareness, and tools to apply to the future, and all that it may bring.

Where I work...

As part of  my private practice I work under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist and/or Registered Psychological Associates who are members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

  I also work with referrals from the Trauma Care Network in Ottawa, and referrals from Victim Services. 

I work with all of these clients from my office at the Toronto Healing Arts Centre near Bloor & Christie, close to the subway and parking.  I am listed on their website which also can be found on my links page.