Growing up in an environment that lacked safety and security, I made it my goal, from the time I was a teenager, to work with children and youth who were facing challenges at home, school, and/or with their mental health.

I wanted to help children and youth to not feel alone and to provide a safe, supportive and validating space where they could be heard, and get the help they need. It is extremely rewarding for me when a client feels safe enough to open up and share their experiences and challenges.

It is very important to me that children and youth who are struggling know they're not alone and that help is available.

I have been passionate and dedicated to child and adolescent mental health for 20 years.

All aspects of children's mental health are important to me, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, emotional regulation and parent-child relationship difficulties.

I chose to specialize my career working with children and youth, as I believe this is an under serviced population, with specific and unique needs, due to their developmental stages.

We have also seen a widespread increase in children and youth facing mental health issues as a result of the pandemic.

Their worlds were changed and we continue to see the impact on children's mental health, including increased rates of generalized and social anxiety, school related issues , and the impact of social media's presence in their lives. It is important to me to help children and teens navigate these issues by teaching them strategies to manage their challenges effectively.

Parent-Child Relationship Issues and Parent Coaching

Adolescence can be a tricky road to navigate, both for teenagers and parents alike.

There can be increased conflict, communication difficulties and issues with boundaries and rules.

It is important to me to understand my teenage clients with a holistic lens, including their home environment and relationships. I enjoy bringing my experience in this area to help teens and parents improve and repair their relationships and address sources of conflict.

This could include joint sessions with teens and parents/caregivers, to help each understand the other's perspective and work on resolving areas of conflict.

This may also include working on effective communication, conflict resolution and establishing clear and healthy boundaries.

Alternatively, this could also consist of individual sessions with parents to promote their understanding of their teen's mental health issues, provide coaching regarding specific parenting challenges and discover effective strategies.

Impact of Separation and Divorce on Children and Youth: Child and Youth Therapy

This is a very specialized area that is full of many challenges and complexities.

I respect that every family's situation is unique and comes with it's own challenges and strengths. Parents separating or divorcing can have an overwhelming impact on children and youth, including their emotional well being.

I like to bring my experience in this area to help children and youth: have an opportunity to express and understand their emotions in a safe space and learn how to cope with the strong emotions that may come from this experience. I help children and youth cope with and adjust to the changing family situation in ways that are adaptive and allow them to heal and adjust to these major life changes.

I will always be open, genuine and be my authentic self while we work together.

I believe that openness, transparency and trust are key ingredients to a successful therapeutic relationship.

I want to listen and hear your story. I provide a judgement free zone and will always strive to help you feel comfortable being yourself. I will always strive to provide a safe and supportive space.

I have a good sense of humour that I will sometimes pop in when the time is right. I use a collaborative approach, meaning that we will work together to identify and target goals. I want to work on what is important to you and will respect your unique story and circumstances.

We will be partners in every step of the therapy process.

I believe you need to have strengths including a deep sense of empathy and compassion and a non-judgemental stance.

I also think it's important to have a calm , stable and consistent presence. I also think it's important to be transparent, genuine and be your authentic self.

I value clients who are open to engaging in the therapy process and forming a therapeutic alliance with me.

It's not easy to come to therapy and talk about difficult and personal issues, especially with someone you don't know yet. It's not easy to open up and be vulnerable, and this takes time.

I value clients who are brave enough to take this chance and face their issues, one session at a time.

I am passionate about child and mental health. I love being able to connect and engage with children and teens on their level.

I feel honoured when clients feel safe and comfortable sharing their unique stories and experiences with me.

I enjoy working with children and youth to set goals for themselves, to provide support during the "up's and down's" and to celebrate progress towards their goals.

I really enjoy working with children and youth because they usually "tell it like it is" and I enjoy and appreciate their honesty and candor.

I truly enjoy working with adolescents, who often bring their unique perspectives , and challenge you to think "out of the box".

I really enjoy supporting children and teens on their journey to wellness and equipping them with strategies and skills, so they can be the best version of themselves.