My Motivation: The idea of creating a practice for serving couples and recent singles has grown out of my own past challenges in committed relationships. I know, like many, the emotional weathering dysfunctional relationships can have on one’s well being. I know how bewildering, angering, and isolating it can be to have one’s sense of reality turned on end by a betrayal, separation, or divorce. Going through these experiences myself, and learning how deeply intimate relationships affect one’s quality of life, has motivated my focus on philosophies and psychotherapies that promote grace and functionality when it comes to living with, and leaving, others. My Promise to Couples: I would like to affirm that I operate as a partisan to the relationship and not the individual. I use research-based methodologies to identify dysfunctional behaviours such as defensiveness, criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and actions that threaten trust and commitment in the relationship. As a partisan to the relationship (and NOT to either individual) my interest is in attacking the behaviour- NOT the individual. My aim is to help couples get from a place of "me-ness" to "we-ness" in the relationship and help them find ways to manage conflict, foster a culture of affection and appreciation, and build meaning as a united front. I do this through a mix of interventions and psycho-education informing best practices within relationships. As well, I aim to equip clients with the knowledge and resources they need to feel confident in LEAVING THERAPY, and maintain their relationships on their own. On the topic of leaving therapy, please see section on "massing and fading" in therapy for guidance on therapy schedules.
My Qualifications: I am a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP). I have attained Level Three Training in Lifespan Integration Therapy which I use in treating breakup and betrayal trauma in recent singles as well as trauma within relationships. For couples work, I draw from my education in Levels 1, 2, and 3 of Gottman Method training and am currently working toward certification in trauma and addictions. As a certified Bringing Baby Home Educator, I also strive to help couples adjust to the tumultuous and exciting transition into parenthood*.
*Nearly 70% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction within three years of having children. -John and Julie Gottman
