My favourite ways to care for myself include visiting my loved ones over on Vancouver Island, spending time in the outdoors, and making sure I monitor my time spent on social media. Oh, and there’s always ice cream!

I discovered therapy at a young age, and it quickly became something that I felt passionate toward. The relief that came from meeting with a compassionate counsellor who validated my feelings and helped me understand my experiences was unmatched. The more I learned about the field of psychology and counselling, the more I loved it. I knew that providing others with a safe, non-judgmental space to openly express their deepest thoughts and feelings was exactly what I wanted to do.

Growing up, I was a very sensitive child/teen who was often told by those around me that I needed to “toughen up”. The more I received this message, the more I tried to fight back against my feelings and try to minimize or hide them. Eventually, through my own journey with therapy, I was able to recognize and change my perspective to see that my sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness. My sensitivity toward others and my empathy are now my favourite things about myself and I continue to embrace them every day.

Marine biologist! Unfortunately, I learned that you had to be a strong swimmer and that it was not as simple as being able to just swim around with whales.

I’m likely curled up with my cats or working on my latest paint-by-number. I am an avid reader and mostly read thrillers or non-fiction novels. I also enjoy travelling to new places, hiking, and camping.

Therapy may feel uncomfortable at times, but your counsellor is there to sit with you through that feeling and discuss things at your own pace. Uncomfortable doesn’t mean “bad”, it offers space for personal growth and exploration when you feel ready. You are in control of how deep we dive into things.

Being able to celebrate a client’s successes with them. There is sometimes a misconception that therapy has to always be hard work, but it is equally important to acknowledge all of the “wins” in life – whether it is honouring the work done in the therapy room or exciting life developments, I love being able to share in it all.

Warm, empathetic, and down to earth. They have also said I am easy to open up to and connect with.

The notion of impermanence. I love this because it reminds me that no matter what is going on in life, things are always developing and changing.