Welcome and hello! I am a cis-gender Caucasian woman (she/they) with two strong teenage daughters. I am an activist for social and environmental sanity, and believe that learning emotional literacy can heal more than one's self. I know life can be messy and overwhelming, and sometimes we need help to clean it up and get back on track. I approach my practice with curiosity, empathy, compassion, and with room for you to feel all of what you need to in order to explore your story. I don't believe there are negative emotions, only difficult ones. I have a unique training background of 29 years that combines formal and experiential professional learning to inform my therapeutic services. Also, I personally invest in my own therapeutic journey, that began when I was 18 years old. Experiencing a lifetime of professional support as life reveals its sometimes brutal edges has helped turn my own traumatic events and experiences into badges of honour and chapters of growth. All humans encounter struggles, and seeking guidance and support is a form of self preservation, wisdom, and humility; it informs our patterns and elevates our insights. Therapy can build grit and compassion, leading to relief and joy. I use different modalities of therapy that depend on the unique needs of clients I support. Self-exploration can come through narrative approaches, and even through play (at any age). Healing can be fun at times, which is why I also offer counselling through different physical options, such as circus arts, creative art, and even costuming and fashion, for those wanting an entirely new experience.  My training is varied having enjoyed on-going workshops, certifications, formal education, experiential education, seminars, and intensives over the last several decades. I believe that effective healing and personal growth are intwined in the ability to be honest with ourself, to self reflect, and pay attention to our inner compass. Humans learn coping skills like denial, avoidance, repression, inward and outward harm, and addiction when feelings are too difficult to bear, when we have not had empathic support, or if it has felt unsafe to express our full human experience. Sometimes we have buried our feelings for so long as a form of self preservation, and are ready to make the gentle archeological dig --a careful discovery and exposure of former or generational trauma. Often it is our popular culture that restricts our ability to be honest with ourself, or teaches us self-destructive, maladaptive patterns to survive. I provide understanding for your individual journey and together we build on your strengths to create a more liberated, empowered, and healthy life.  Whether you are currently experiencing complex issues that you would like help in navigating, are wanting to uncover your past that is influencing your present, or have goals for the future that you want to plot with care, my door is open to you. My approach is psycho-educational, offering diverse and varied approaches to assist you that reflect your own unique needs and background. Together we can address the elephant in the room, and work to liberate you from whatever may be holding you back or hurting your relationships. Together we can help you develop more skills in self awareness, communication, self care, self advocacy, and empowerment. In my spare time, I can be found doing a wide array of activities, from training in aerial arts, connecting with family and friends, enjoying nature with my dog, choreographing a performance, planning a production, writing, learning, making art, playing tennis, cooking, cleaning, or taking care of everything I love. Registered Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapist-Candidate Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia through the BCACC regulatory body Masters in Counselling Psychology BC certified teacher (BEd) Sexual Health Educator, Opt Certified 24 years experience delivering comprehensive Sexual Health Education to students, parents, and teachers 24 years experience as a school counsellor, K-12, specialising in middle years Founder of Tsunami Circus and former middle school Counselling/Circus program on Saltspring Island, BC Presenter for Professional Development Workshops and Public Speaker to support mental, cultural, and physical health in education Sexual Health Education Consultant for schools, teachers, and community Cultural support for businesses, groups, and organisations.