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My Approach

Body-Mind Based, Trauma-Informed, Creative Therapy

My goal is to develop a healthy relationship with each client based on trust and transparency. I strive to be kind, compassionate, and patient. I aim for a space that is non-judgemental, and that is welcoming to all people, however you identify. I also try to bring in a sense of curiosity, humour, and play. What is important to me is to understand what is important to you, and then do my best to help you get closer to what you care about.

​What is different about my approach is that I first look for how well you are currently functioning, rather than focusing purely on what is wrong. In supporting what is working, and stabilizing that part of you, we can then look to what isn't working with a sense of capacity and resilience. This, among other things, prevents re-traumatization. My intention is to help you develop your capacity to integrate and process whatever life throws your way.

 

My work is an integration of all my trainings. I know that the body and the nervous system are integral to all health, be it physical, mental, social or even spiritual. I have an understanding of anatomy, of our innate threat-response systems (i.e. fight, flight, freeze), and of how humans bond with other humans, or have difficulty bonding. I base my work largely on polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and creative process theories. These areas of knowledge are central in my assessment, goal setting, and therapeutic process. I see the arts as a way to give expression to what cannot always be put into words alone. By showing, rather than talking, we can discover aspects of ourselves and situations that we likely wouldn't otherwise encounter.

 

Combining art creation with attention to physical awareness in the present moment provides a potent space for therapeutic processing.

Each session is tailored to your individual needs, comfort, and goals. It is possible to work in one of the modalities I offer (Somatic Experiencing®, Creative Arts Therapy, Birth Story Work, Trauma-Informed Yoga), or combine them all. I work with a range of people: from those who are unaccostumed to noticing their body's subtler experiences to people who spend a lot of time "in their bodies”, and from those who are intimidated by creative practices to professional artists.

 

Everyone has a body. Everyone can create. Everyone has a nervous system that longs to be in balance. 

Clients may be seeking support with:

  • Specific event-base traumatic incidents, including:

    • traumatic childbirth

    • sexual trauma, incest

    • car accidents or other high impact collisions

    • surviving natural disasters

    • physical attack

  • Other forms of Trauma

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Grief & Loss

  • Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Experiences

  • Infertility & Conception Related Issues

  • Perinatal Loss

  • Medical and Health Concerns

  • Pain Management 

  • Stress Management

  • Relationship Difficulties

  • Life Transitions

  • Difficulties with Self-Esteem

  • Professional/Career Issues

  • Education-related Issues

  • Social Injustice-related Issues

  • Other Issues ​

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