ShorelineBookings@gmail.com 
 (778) 744 - 3021

Born in a small town in Ontario, I started working at the age of 11 on my family’s farm, painting barns and working in the tomato fields. As a teenager, working as a volunteer with older adults and teens with intellectual disabilities, I realized I had a passion for helping people. Thus, I decided to study Social Work at the University of Windsor and graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in 2013. To further my knowledge and understanding of social problems, and to learn how to better help others, I decided to get my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2021. Since then, I continue to further my education by taking courses in areas I am passionate about, such as Trauma, Additions, and Somatic Experiencing.

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Throughout my adolescence and early adulthood I struggled with anxiety, depression, codependency, and addictions. Being abstinent from drugs and alcohol since 2018, my personal experience with mental health and addictions makes me a counsellor who empathizes with clients both personally and professionally. I am passionate about helping people who struggle or have struggled with similar challenges, and it brings me great reward to help clients build meaning and purpose in their lives.

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I have vast experience in the helping field, and have help positions such as:

·       Community Support Worker at day program for adults with autism

·       Residential Support Worker at group home for adults with autism

·       Outreach worker at homeless shelter

·       Addiction worker at recovery house for youth boys

·       Outreach worker at Transitional Housing for unhoused adults

·       Home Support Worker in low barrier housing

·       Mental Health Worker in mental health housing for adults

·       Social Worker in Long-Term Care

·       Student Social Worker in hospice

·       Social Worker in two hospitals

·       Addictions Counsellor for military members

·       Private practice counselling

·       Volunteer work with Alzheimer Society

 

Dedicated to assisting clients’ in processing difficult situations and trauma, I aim to enable clients to heal, grow, and achieve their goals. I walk with clients, supporting them to find a sense of direction and fulfillment in all areas of life, including relationships, career, and hobbies.

I employ a trauma-informed, compassionate, and mindfulness-based approach, providing clients with options, building on their strengths, teaching and developing coping skills, and working through and transforming difficult thoughts and feelings. My counselling approach incorporates several evidence-based counselling methods, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Building rapport with clients is at the core of my counselling practice. I build rapport through active listening, reflection, validation, and empathy. I am nonjudgmental, accepting, and affirming of each clients’ identities and decisions.

 

I employ a strengths-based approach to highlight and build on clients’ positive attributes, which helps build a positive and accepting sense of self. Navigating complex situations is also a key part of my work, which I support through information seeking, problem solving, planning, and collaborating with clients and other professionals.

 

As a counsellor, I am committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals. My practice is open to everyone, including all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, and backgrounds. I believe in the importance of diversity and strive to provide a safe and supportive space where everyone feels respected and valued. My practice is rooted in social justice, and I actively advocate for vulnerable clients and families.

I have worked as a Social Worker in BC for more than 10 years, so I understand and have utilized British Columbia’s legislation in my previous roles. I am also well-versed in provincial and national legislation. I am active in our local community, and understand the local resources and funding sources, which allows me to better serve my clients in finding the support they need.

I am not afraid to ask for help when necessary and I prioritize self-care to show up fully and presently for my clients. My self-care practices include socializing with friends, practicing Pilates, and reading.