“Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside You are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here, And you must treat it as a powerful stranger, Must ask permission to know it and be known.”
David Wagoner

Get to know me

Though I joyfully spent the last decade in Vancouver and Calgary, I am grateful to plant my feet on Vancouver Island once again. I love connecting to the nature here in gentle ways: toes in the ocean, hands in the soil, and at the risk of contributing to a BC stereotype, a good tree hug.

I am a lover of creative endeavours. I have a craft room full of every tool and material imaginable, most of which have only been touched once before I’m on to the next. Some of my favourite modes of expression are painting and clay.

I am a home body at heart, most content moving slowly with loved ones. I aim to live in the same way I aim to work with others: with intention, compassion, curiosity and gratitude. 

What I can support with

Individual and relationship counselling

    • Sexuality in the context of cancer or illness

    • Communication about sex and sexuality

    • Desire discrepancy

    • Pain with sexual activity

    • Anxiety and sexual self-esteem

    • Sexual wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis

    • Fear of progression and recurrence

    • Navigating a new diagnosis

    • Communication with health team and loved ones

    • Impact on relationships

    • Understanding emotions

    • Emotional regulation

    • Healthy communication

    • Self-reflection and exploration

    • Intentional and authentic decision making

    • Self-confidence

    • Self-compassion

    • General anxiety

    • Health anxiety

    • Depression

    • Grief

  • I completed my Master of Social Work at the University of British Columbia, following an undergraduate degree in psychology, also at UBC. Through these educational programs and additional supervision and trainings, I am registered as a clinical counsellor through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (#23275), and as a social worker through the BC College of Social Workers (#13775).

    I am also a Certified Holistic Sex Therapist following completion of the training program through the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment, as well as a Certified Sexual Health Educator through Options for Sexual Health.

    • Sexual Health Educator Certification Program, Options for Sexual Health

    • Certified Holistic Sex therapist training, Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment

    • Intensive Sex Therapy Training, Guelph University

    • Sensate Focus: A clinicians toolkit, Sexual Health Solutions

    • Sex and Trauma, Allura Sex Therapy Centre

    • Sexual Attitudes Reassessment, Options for Sexual Health

    • Sexual Health and Counselling in Prostate Cancer, De Souza Institute

    • Sex Counselling in Cancer, De Souza Institute

    • Cancer Care Basics, De Souza Institute

    • EFT with Individuals (EFIT): Level 1, Vancouver Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy

    • ACT made simple, Russ Harris

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy, UNBC

    • CBT Essentials, Beck Institute

    • San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, San’yas

    • Understanding and Applying the DSM-5 in Healthcare Practice, Bow Valley College

    • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

  • Prior to beginning private practice, I had the privilege of counselling in a number of settings, developing and leading personal development workshops, and practicing as a healthcare social worker. Most recently, I have  focused my work in the realm of cancer care. I began this work in Calgary at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, offering counselling and sexual health consultation for those with cancer and their loved ones. I then moved back to BC where I worked for InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care as the counselling team lead, supporting those who have experienced cancer in their lifetime.