MY PATH TO BEING A THERAPIST

My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began many years ago while I was working as an instructor and director in youth theatre. I was consistently struck by the impact creative exploration had on the confidence, self-understanding, and personal growth I witnessed in my students. It was during that time that I began to realize how powerful it could be when people are given space to reflect, express themselves, and feel understood.

I first trained as a creative arts therapist and began working with adolescents and their families, both as a therapist and as a school counsellor. Later, after spending several years caring for my three young children, an experience that continues to shape my perspective, I returned to graduate school to complete a second master’s degree so that I could expand my training and continue practicing here in Ontario.

Today, my work focuses primarily on supporting adults at many different stages of life; helping people better understand themselves as they navigate life transitions: whether related to relationships, career, identity, family roles, or the accumulation of stress and expectations over time.

WHAT THERAPY IS TO ME

For me, therapy is a place to pause and step back from the noise and pressures of daily life. It offers an opportunity to look more closely at our experiences and begin to understand what we are feeling, what matters to us, and where we may want our lives to move.

Part of this process often involves gently untangling the stories we carry about ourselves, the people in our lives, and the experiences that have shaped us. When we approach these stories with curiosity rather than judgment, their hold can begin to soften—making room for greater self-compassion, connection, and meaning.

My training allows me to balance open, reflective conversation with more structured approaches when they are helpful. At its core, my work focuses on helping people develop greater awareness of themselves and the patterns in their lives.

WHO WORKS WITH ME

I work with adolescents (14+) and adults, though much of my practice is focused on adults navigating different stages of life and the challenges that come with them. Many of the people I meet with are thoughtful, capable individuals who have spent years managing responsibilities and expectations—often for others—while feeling increasingly overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what they need for themselves.

In our work together, we focus on building awareness of these patterns, understanding how they developed, and exploring new ways of responding to life’s challenges and relationships. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that people already hold many of the resources they need for change.