I am an experienced social worker (BSW, MSW, RSW) and relational therapist working in Muskoka. Growing up in this area, I have dedicated nearly 20 years to the mental health field, working with folks in a number of community mental health settings.
With training and experience in various clinical modalities, my approach is relaxed and conversational, emphasizing self-compassion and change. I often incorporate humour into sessions, acknowledging that we are all navigating a very human experience filled with pain, distress, messiness, and discomfort.
I am passionate about guiding individuals through challenging experiences, transitions, and the different seasons of life. There is no judgment or advice-giving; rather, I create a space for connection and openness to change. I am comfortable discussing existential questions and think it is important to acknowledge and discuss the impact of economic, political, and social systems on our mental well-being.
It is a privilege to be part of your journey, whether it involves a few sessions or a longer-term commitment. I deeply believe in the power of connection and community, especially in today's climate, which often emphasizes individualism, leaving many feeling disconnected, self-critical, lonely, and anxious.
I recognize that the state of our communities and the world influences each of us. I remain committed to learning and practicing from an anti-oppressive and anti-colonial perspective.
In my free time, I enjoy music making, singing, poetry, reading, being close to water, taking good walks, and having meaningful conversations.
I work with individuals aged 16 and over from diverse backgrounds, focusing on providing inclusive and anti-oppressive care. I specialize in anxiety therapy and trauma therapy, utilizing relational psychotherapy techniques to support my clients in Huntsville, Ontario. *I am happy to wear a face mask during in-person sessions to reduce the spread of viruses. Please ask, anytime.* (2025)
I offer individual and group therapy, including specialized sessions for anxiety therapy and trauma therapy. If you're seeking support in Huntsville, Ontario, my relational psychotherapy approach can help you navigate your challenges. **Upcoming group offerings will be listed on the website.**
My therapeutic approach, which is particularly effective for those seeking anxiety therapy in Huntsville, Ontario, is informed and/or directed by various methodologies, including: Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Trauma-Focused Approaches for effective trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Parts Work (Internal Family Systems Informed), Somatic Approaches, Narrative Therapy, Self-Compassion Practice, Health at Every Size Care, Anti-Oppressive Practice, and Anti-Colonial Practice. This integrative approach also emphasizes relational psychotherapy to foster deeper connections and healing.
Emotion awareness involves recognizing and understanding one’s emotional states and how they influence thoughts and behaviours. This skill is crucial for emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to accurately identify their feelings, understand their triggers, and acknowledge their impact on well-being. Developing emotion awareness helps individuals respond to emotions more constructively, ultimately enhancing self-regulation and improving relationships.
Balancing emotions refers to the ability to manage and integrate a range of emotions, including those related to trauma, effectively. It involves not suppressing feelings but allowing them to be experienced and expressed in effective ways. Balancing emotions means recognizing when feelings are overwhelming and employing strategies to cope, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, or reframing thoughts. This balance fosters resilience, enhances decision-making, and contributes to overall mental health.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It often stems from feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities and demands, whether at work, in relationships, or even from personal challenges. While it's normal to experience anxiety or stress from time to time, burnout goes beyond occasional fatigue—it can affect every aspect of your life.
Burnout can manifest in various ways. Common signs to look out for include:
Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, and low energy levels.
Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of helplessness, frustration, irritability, and a sense of being emotionally drained or disconnected.
Mental Symptoms: Difficulty focusing, memory problems, and a lack of motivation or interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Behavioural Symptoms: Reduced productivity, withdrawing from others, avoiding responsibilities, and relying on ineffective or unsustainable coping mechanisms.
Anxiety is a common emotional response characterized by feelings of tension, apprehension, and worry about future events. This condition can manifest both mentally and physically, often leading to symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. While some anxiety is normal, excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life.
Worry refers to the thoughts and concerns that arise when we anticipate negative outcomes or potential problems. It often focuses on specific issues, such as health, relationships, or work. While worry can sometimes motivate problem-solving, chronic worry can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress, making relational psychotherapy an effective approach for those struggling with these feelings.
Panic is an intense and sudden episode of overwhelming fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations, leading to avoidance behaviours and increased anxiety about experiencing future attacks.
Negative self-talk refers to that "inner critic", the internal dialogue that often includes pessimistic, unkind, or self-defeating thoughts, which can significantly impact mental well-being. This pattern can manifest as doubting one’s abilities, feeling inadequate, or berating oneself for perceived failures, often leading to increased anxiety. Self-criticism is a form of negative self-talk where individuals judge themselves harshly. It involves setting excessively high standards and berating oneself when these standards are not met. While some self-reflection can be beneficial, chronic self-criticism can lead to a cycle of low self-worth and emotional distress.
Body image issues involve a person’s perception and feelings about their physical appearance, which can lead to anxiety regarding body shape, size, or features. This dissatisfaction often results in negative self-esteem and self-worth. Body image issues can be influenced by societal standards, media portrayals, and personal experiences, significantly impacting mental health and overall well-being.
Disordered eating refers to a range of unhealthy eating behaviours that may not meet the criteria for an eating disorder but still reflect problematic relationships with food. This can include frequent dieting, emotional eating, or irregular eating patterns, often stemming from body image concerns or emotional distress. Such issues can impact physical and mental health, as well as emotional well-being.
Existential Fear refers to the anxiety that arises from contemplating fundamental aspects of existence, such as death, meaning, and isolation. In today's world, this anxiety is often amplified by global issues like climate change, political instability, and social inequality. These factors can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair as individuals grapple with the uncertain future of the planet and humanity. This fear prompts deeper reflection on life's meaning and can be both unsettling and transformative.
Existential Anger is a response to the frustration and helplessness that accompany existential fear. It can manifest as anger directed inward, resulting in self-criticism or despair, or outward, impacting relationships and social interactions. This anger often arises from a sense of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming global challenges and a perceived lack of control over one’s circumstances. Psychotherapy can be helpful in addressing existential fear and anger, helping individuals explore these feelings, find purpose amidst uncertainty, and develop constructive coping strategies through methods like trauma therapy to engage with the world positively.