Approach

Together, we will explore new skills and strategies for confronting and overcoming hardships. We will work on managing problematic symptoms, behaviours, and emotions in a supportive environment. We will also focus on addressing social and family communication. I am passionate about working collaboratively with individuals and families to overcome their challenges, instill hope, reduce stress, and increase well-being. Together we will develop a more concrete understanding of the presenting struggles and create an evidence-based intervention plan to help you reach your goals. I am trained in several intervention modalities (e.g., ACT, DBT, EMDR, PE, CBT, Brainspotting, Solution-Focused) and predominantly focus on symptom reduction, increasing empowerment and helping you live your best life.

I also provide collaborative and comprehensive assessments of mental health and/or academic problems. This assessment process will utilize a clinical interview, evidence-based measurement, collaboration with collaterals (as needed), and diagnosis. The goal will be to develop specific recommendations and an individualized plan to support you or your child (ages 7+).

Education and Experience

Before pursuing a degree in psychology, I studied at the renowned Randolph College for the Performing Arts and worked as an Assistant Director in the Toronto Film industry. I took my passion for understanding human motivations, interactions, and how individuals react to crisis into my undergraduate honours degree in psychology at Trent University. At Trent, I focused on human development and attachment relationships. I then acquired a master's degree from Concordia University. I studied Drama Therapy and completed internships with the Montreal Association for the Blind Philip E Layton School and Montreal's Jewish General Hospital's school-based day treatment program. My MA thesis project focused on the attachment relationship between single mothers and their children with extensive behavioural and emotional concerns.

Following my master's degree, I work with children, adolescents, and families at the Phoenix Centre. I worked as a therapist in the local high schools, the head office, and the day treatment classroom. I also became a youth engagement facilitator for the Centre of Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health.

I completed my Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at McGill University, where I completed placements at Concordia University, Agence Ometz, and the Phoenix Centre. At Concordia, I worked with students from various cultural backgrounds and individuals with diverse gender identifications and sexual orientations. At Ometz, I worked with children, youth, and adults of Jewish descent individually, with families and couples. Returning to the Phoenix Centre in a new role as a psychology intern allowed me to focus on assessment, interventions with children, adolescents and adults, veterans and MA supervision. The focus of my Ph.D. dissertation research was on engaging youth who have experiences with mental health challenges in the refinement of a self-compassion program for decreasing mental health symptoms and increasing the well-being of peers.

I have been working with veterans since 2014 and now work with current military members.