As a humanistic and emotionally-focused therapist, I believe in the power of understanding our emotions and the transformation that happens when we are truly seen for who we are. I strive towards meeting you where you are, helping you gain insight about yourself, and empowering you to move towards what is important to you. 

Therapy can feel like a mystery for many and I am often asked how people know when they are on the right track. In my books, there is no right or wrong in therapy and “good therapy” looks different for each person. This might mean learning to identify, label, and understand challenging or uncomfortable emotions to allow space to move through them. It may be about connecting to your core values to help you act in ways that align with what is important to you. It could mean examining and speaking to feelings of shame, inadequacy or guilt and untangling some of the messages that so often rule our lives about what is or isn’t “normal.” Working with people from all walks of life has taught me that challenges that seem insurmountable can be overcome in a safe, non-judgemental space with the right therapist. 

If you choose to work with me, therapy may take different forms to meet your needs. I usually work from a more free-flowing stance with clients. It is not my preference to be overly regimented or structured. Our work will be more exploratory in nature and I will aim to empower you to connect with your truest self and desires. I believe that through collaboration and discussing what may be challenging or distressing to you, we will know where we need to go. I value your feelings about how the therapeutic process is going and we will work alongside your sense of what fits to find what works best for you.

Education & Experience

I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education in Primary/Junior divisions with a concentration in Early Primary Education from Queen’s University. I also have a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

I have been working in a supportive capacity for over 10 years. During my time at Queen’s University, I worked as a peer support volunteer, providing one-on-one non-judgemental listening support to undergraduate students. Following my Bachelor of Education, I taught in a preschool classroom and worked closely with students and their families to support individual learning, growth and development. During this time, I also volunteered as a Crisis Line Responder with the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region (DCOR), providing over-the-phone confidential listening support to people experiencing a range of concerns from loneliness to acute crisis. I worked as a mentor and in a support role at the DCOR to help facilitate the professional growth for fellow crisis line responders.

Prior to joining Umbrella Insights, I completed my counselling internship in a post-secondary setting, supporting students with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues, managing ADHD, stress, suicidal ideations, self-harm, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Following my time at the university, I worked at a community mental health organization with individuals from marginalized communities struggling with acute and complex trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, managing chronic health concerns, suicidality, and grief, among other things.

I am currently registered with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario as a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #13780) authorized to practise while working toward independent practice. I am completing my final hours of direct practice and supervision before I am able to practice autonomously. Once I have completed my hours, I will no longer require supervision but may choose to seek it for ongoing professional development and ensuring the best quality of care.

I am under the supervision of Caroline Elson (CRPO # 004605).‍