top of page
Flower and rock.JPG
“Help us to be always hopeful
gardeners of the spirit
who know that without darkness
nothing comes to birth
as without light
nothing flowers.”

               - May Sarton
ABOUT

ABOUT ME

I believe there is a uniqueness in each of us that, when allowed to flourish, brings forth the gift that we have to offer. In individual therapy, and in teaching and mentoring writers, my mission is to encourage and draw out this gift, fostering our native capacity for living a life of depth and delight. The darkness of not knowing precedes the birth of something new, and the light of positive regard and grounded hope makes possible the blossoming into the whole person we are meant to be.

​

I have been a therapist in private practice for over thirty years. I received my B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto, and my M.A. in Applied Psychology from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. I am a Registered Psychotherapist.

​

I am also a writer and mentor for writers. My poems, fiction and essays have appeared widely in print and on CBC radio. I lead groups, workshops and retreats in writing and creative process in Canada and the U.S.

MY APPROACH

Effective therapy takes place in an atmosphere of safety, respect, and caring. When a person comes for help, a healing process is already underway. As this process is recognized and strengthened, the client's inner being is free to move towards integration and wholeness. Decisions become clearer, based on listening to the whole person.

​

In my work I draw from Jungian and Narrative perspectives, as well as my Native American heritage and Buddhist meditation practice. I also draw from my experience as a writer, poet, and mother.

 

My approach is gentle, affirming, and empowering. I use empathic listening and questions to help clarify the presenting problem and set it in the context of the person's life journey with its healthy call for spiritual and psychological growth. I look at life as a story we are living and creating, at once, with great potential for change and expansion. Writing, guided visualization, role playing, and art work may all be used to bring forth inner wisdom, and to explore alternative ways to meet challenges.

EDUCATION

  • B.A. University of Toronto in Psychology and Sociology

  • M.A. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto                                in Applied Psychology

​

         CREDENTIALS

​

  • RP - Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists                       of Ontario

AREAS OF FOCUS

I work with women, men, teenagers, and pre-teens, in both brief therapy and in-depth therapy.

​

Specialties

  • Relationship and family issues

  • Self-Compassion and Esteem

  • Life transitions

  • Healing the past

​

Issues

  • Communication and conflict resolution

  • Dealing with stress and anxiety

  • Dealing with grief and loss

  • Coming out issues

  • Liberating creativity

  • Career and Life choices

​

Types of Therapy

  • Emotionally Focused

  • Interpersonal

  • Mindfulness-Based

  • Narrative

  • Psychodynamic

  • Relational

  • Compassion-Based

Me in purple coat at LTH.png
flower.png

CONTACT ME

CONTACT

I welcome you to this journey of awareness, insight, and self-compassion. I'm booking in mid-May 2024 now. During this time of COVID precautions, I am offering only telephone sessions.

PHONE

519-763-9160

​

​

The fee for a 50-minute session is $150 +HST.

Many insurance providers cover the cost of therapy with a Registered Psychotherapist.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page