Qualifications

Education & Credentials

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology | Yorkville University [2023 - present]:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Adlerian Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems Therapy, Couples Counseling, Trauma-Informed Approaches, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Neurodivergent-Affirming Practices; Modalities and Interventions; Counselling Skills, Code of Ethics; Psychopathology, Cultural Awareness

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Women’s Studies | Laurentian University | Athabasca University [2018-2022]:

Social and Counselling Psychology, Psychopathology Skill Development, Criminology, Human Rights, Indigenous Mental Health, Women’s Sexuality and Gender Studies

Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma | Niagara College Canada [2013-2016]:

Mental Health Psychology & Rehabilitation Concepts, Understanding Physical and Mental Disabilities, Skill Development in Anatomy & Physiology | Functional Movement, Clinical and Theory Skill Development, Therapeutic Techniques Across the Lifespan

Certified Intro Medical Administration | Georgian College [2008-2009]:

Healthcare Administration, Medical Procedures and Policies, Skill Development in Ethical Codes of Practice, and Patient Relations

Core Skills & Competencies

Self-Worth and Personal Growth Facilitation (2022):

Techniques for building confidence, self-awareness, and personal empowerment.

Harm Reduction and Trauma Support Care (2022):

Trauma-informed approaches, crisis support, and intervention strategies. Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: My skills in managing and de-escalating crises have been honed through certifications, school programming and past work with at-risk populations.

Somatic Therapy & Body-Centered Approaches (2015):

Techniques integrating physical movement, body awareness, and stress reduction gained through years of study as an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant.

Advanced Relaxation Techniques and Understanding the Body and Pain (2015):

This method integrates progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback to reduce stress and manage chronic pain. It emphasizes the mind-body connection, helping clients understand how psychological factors influence physical sensations and offering tools to alleviate discomfort.

Harm Reduction Strategies (2021):

Experience in addictions, trauma and harm reduction counselling, focusing on safety and client readiness. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Culturally Sensitive Counselling (2020 & 2024):

Advocacy for marginalized groups, particularly neurodivergent individuals, Indigenous communities and women, incorporating traditional healing practices and cultural awareness. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Client-centred and Strength-Based Approach (2024):

Focus on empowering clients by leveraging their strengths and prioritizing their needs and goals. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Communication Skill Building (2019 & 2024):

Expertise in enhancing interpersonal skills, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and dealing with difficult personality types. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Support for Neurodivergence [ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities] (2015 & 2020):

Neurodivergent-affirming practices for navigating challenges associated with ADHD, autism, and related conditions. Gained through certifications, workshops and schooling programs.

Individual and Group Therapy Facilitation (2024):

Conducting one-on-one and group sessions across various therapeutic settings. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Mental Health Rehabilitation Techniques (2015, 2019 & 2024):

Integrating therapeutic techniques for recovery, functional movement, and mental well-being. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Advocacy in Human Rights and Mental Health (2019, 2021 & 2024):

Specialized knowledge in social psychology, human rights, and support for women’s and gender issues. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Gender, Sexuality, and Indigenous Community Support (2022):

Experienced in providing sensitive, affirming support related to gender, sexuality, and Indigenous mental health. Gained through certifications, schooling programs and work experience.

Goals for the Near Future for Specializations and Qualifications

Couples Therapy - Gottman Level 1 & 2 (2025 Spring/Summer):

Gottman Method Couples Therapy provides an evidence-based approach to strengthening relationships by enhancing communication, fostering emotional connection, and rebuilding trust. Through Level 1 and 2 training, therapists gain advanced skills in identifying relationship dynamics, managing conflict, and deepening intimacy. This approach empowers couples to develop healthier patterns, repair past wounds, and build a resilient, fulfilling partnership.

Intense Trauma Processing Therapy:

Trauma Processing Therapy helps individuals safely explore, process, and integrate distressing experiences, fostering healing and resilience. Rooted in trauma-informed principles, this approach supports clients in understanding the impact of trauma, developing coping strategies, and reclaiming their sense of self. By incorporating evidence-based techniques such as grounding, somatic awareness, and cognitive restructuring, clients can gradually reframe their experiences and move toward post-traumatic growth.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories. It uses guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of trauma, making it easier to reframe distressing experiences and promoting adaptive healing.