Having 10 years of personal and professional experience in the realm of eating disorders and therapy, I have developed a deep passion for this area of mental health.
Educationally, this has lead me to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology (HBA from Lakehead University) and a Masters of Divinity in counselling (from Heritage Seminary). I have also earned a certificate in palliative care, which has aided me in the exploration of grief and loss with clients. Having a Masters in Divinity, I am able to explore and discuss issues around faith and spirituality. Being a firm believer in the continuation of education, I have also learned skills in horticultural therapy and attend various workshops and seminars throughout the year.
I have worked and have educationally experienced both inpatient (eating disorders and addictions) and outpatient (eating disorders) settings. Each setting has given me a clearer sense of the type of treatment needed in different stages of treatment as well as obstacles clients face both entering and exiting these settings.
I have always thought that “people just need to talk more!” We all struggle with something at some point in our lives. For some it’s a short period of time, while others, it travels alongside them for life. If people just talked more, perhaps struggles wouldn’t feel so debilitating, desperate and lonely. The thought “I am the only one” would not stay stuck in people’s minds. The sense of stigma around mental health issues, and asking for help, would not be so strong. By talking, taking a leap of faith, and opening up, one can begin to heal. Life is not always a barrel of monkeys, and it is not always bad. I cannot promise what you are struggling with will go away forever, but I am willing to listen and walk with you as you learn skills, build a healthier lifestyle, engage in meaningful relationships and more.
Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and distorted eating, I also work with those struggling with body image issues, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self-injury, boundaries and assertiveness. I often tell my clients that what they hear from me will be counter cultural. It is counter cultural in the sense that I talk about self-acceptance and worth regardless of size. I believe hope exists even when you can’t see it, that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness and that I practice in a way that believes in change.