As a relationally focused therapist, our therapeutic relationship is an integral part of treatment. I believe our childhood experiences significantly shape how we understand ourselves, relate to others, and manage difficult emotions. Often, our past is alive in the present and it’s my hope to help you differentiate past from present. If you’re ready to delve into these deeper aspects of yourself and explore how they affect your life, I invite you to work with me. Together, we can identify the patterns influencing your relationships and support you in living a more authentic and fulfilling life.

For individuals: my practice is designed to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely. Together, we’ll work on understanding and overcoming the difficulties you’re facing, whether they’re related to anxiety, depression, trauma, sex, sexuality, gender or life transitions. We’ll explore the underlying emotions and past experiences shaping your current life, helping you gain deeper self-awareness to address the root causes of your distress.

For couples & triads: when you choose to work with me for couple & triad therapy, you can expect a psychodynamic approach that helps each partner explore their authentic selves within the relationship. I’m trained in providing developmental couple therapy for complex trauma, and often work with couples & triads with a myriad of issues related to past traumas. I invite you to delve into the deeper emotional patterns and attachment dynamics that influence your interactions, focusing on understanding and expressing your authentic selves. This process allows both of you to gain clarity on what you genuinely want in your lives, fostering a more meaningful and fulfilling connection.

Education

I have an undergraduate degree in Criminology with a minor in Sexuality Studies, a Master’s in Sociology from Carleton University, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I have been accepted into the Doctoral Social Work program at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Heather MacIntosh, C. Psych., and have received funding from the federal government to pursue my research on the provision of mental health services to sex workers. It is my intention to pursue this work in September 2026, while maintaining my private practice at Umbrella Insights.

Guest Lectures and Workshops

Starting in my mid-20s and to this day, I have provided countless guest lectures and workshops to students, mental health professionals, social service providers, and police service providers on issues related to sex, gender, and sexuality. I feel inspired to share my knowledge of sex work, non-monogamy and kink/BDSM with other mental health professionals so they may better work with these (often intersecting) populations.

Professional Experience

In 2017, I founded Ottawa Independent Companions, a collective of independent sex workers whose goal is to share information, reduce isolation and increase safety among sex workers in the Ottawa and Gatineau region. Prior to this, I was employed by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects to help amplify the voices of sex workers globally through a robust communications plan. In the past, I volunteered with POWER (Prostitutes of Ottawa, Gatineau, Work, Educate, Resist), CASWLR (Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform) and Pink Triangle Services (currently known as Kind Space).

I am currently registered with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario as a Qualifying member (CRPO #15312). I have met all the requirements to become an autonomous professional and am waiting to write my Entry-to-Practice exam in November 2024. Once I have passed this exam, I will no longer require supervision.

Currently, I am currently under the supervision of Jess Erb, PhD, R.P. (CRPO #008555)