About Me
I have lived in Kelowna for the past 25 years. I graduated from UBC-Okanagan with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and went on to complete a Masters of Arts Degree in Counselling from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. I have been practicing as a counselor for 10 years, working for Child and Youth Mental Health and at a treatment center for high risk youth. I am now available in private practice.
I am a Certified Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC designation). Members of this association are Masters level counselors who must meet a strict set of standards, including education, ethics, and experience.
My Approach
I practice from a person centered approach, emphasizing the need for a strong therapeutic relationship. I hold non-judgemental, unconditional positive regard for each client. I believe clients are the experts on their own lives and, when given the appropriate resources, support, and strategies, they can and will thrive.
I am integrative in providing treatment, that is, I draw from several research based theories and techniques, depending upon the client’s needs. I regularly employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills to address such concerns as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, anger, emotional disregulation, and high risk behaviors. I use motivational interviewing techniques to assist in addressing substance use/ abuse.
I have lived in Kelowna for the past 25 years. I graduated from UBC-Okanagan with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and went on to complete a Masters of Arts Degree in Counselling from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. I have been practicing as a counselor for 10 years, working for Child and Youth Mental Health and at a treatment center for high risk youth. I am now available in private practice.
I am a Certified Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC designation). Members of this association are Masters level counselors who must meet a strict set of standards, including education, ethics, and experience.
My Approach
I practice from a person centered approach, emphasizing the need for a strong therapeutic relationship. I hold non-judgemental, unconditional positive regard for each client. I believe clients are the experts on their own lives and, when given the appropriate resources, support, and strategies, they can and will thrive.
I am integrative in providing treatment, that is, I draw from several research based theories and techniques, depending upon the client’s needs. I regularly employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills to address such concerns as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, anger, emotional disregulation, and high risk behaviors. I use motivational interviewing techniques to assist in addressing substance use/ abuse.