A LITTLE More ABOUT ME.

One of the main questions I get is, why did you become a psychologist? Well, I have lived with anaphylactic allergies and anxiety my entire life. I also have a son who has allergies, asthma, and anxiety. I understand the struggle of living with anxiety and OCD as a young person, a parent, and a psychologist. The endless loop of meltdowns, reassurance-seeking, compulsions, school avoidance and, let's be real, life avoidance! I also know the unbelievable power of facing fears, and how hard it can be to take a risk when your brain is just stuck. But, through curiosity, acceptance, and a willingness, there is a way forward!

‍As a practitioner, I have one goal – to provide affirming mental health support for young people that helps them feel safe, secure, and empowered. I pride myself on being collaborative and flexible, specifically tailoring my strategies to meet the unique needs of each client (ages 6-21). I specialize in working with OCD, phobias, anxiety, medical (asthma/allergy) anxiety, ARFID, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and sensory dysregulation. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ clients.

As an exposure-based therapist, we know that talk therapy is often not enough to support young people.  As such, I use creative methods to help my clients step into the life they truly want to live.  For example, while exploring their experiences or facing their fears, we may engage in activities such as imaginative play, creating board games, sketching and making graphic novels, taking pictures and making movies, listening to and making music, or bringing pop culture into the therapy room!‍

I feel it is critical to incorporate caregivers into therapy and welcome their involvement when appropriate. I use the SPACE model to support parents in navigating OCD, ARFID, and highly dependent adult children.

A little about my background.

I am a Registered Psychologist, having completed my PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2021.  I have specifically tailored all of my training to support the complex mental health needs of children and youth.

I completed my 1600 hour pre-doctoral internship training at Alberta Health Services Complex ADHD Treatment Team (CATT’s) and Mood, Anxiety, and Psychosis Services (MAPS); as well as Renfrew Educational Services providing school and home-based early intervention with preschool aged children diagnosed with autism.  I have also worked and completed practicum training at the Alberta Children’s Hospital inpatient mental health unit and CBE’s Children’s Village, where I provided school-based mental health support to at-risk elementary school aged children. 

I have also engaged in extensive social justice research with newcomer youth attending high school in Calgary.

TRAININGS

coming soon.

Helping children and youth with OCD, anxiety, phobias, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and complex mental health in Calgary with a social justice lens in therapy.
A warm and inviting room to engage in therapy for OCD, anxiety, phobias, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and complex mental health in Calgary.
A warm and inviting room to engage in therapy for OCD, anxiety, phobias, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and complex mental health in Calgary.
Colourful, playful room with bean bag chairs, and superhero-themed decor to engage children, youth, and young adults in therapy for OCD, anxiety, phobias, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and complex mental health in Calgary.