I am a Certified Clinical Counsellor registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), have a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Calgary. Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)*See EMDR page for more details.

A Gentle, Integrative Approach

My work is rooted in understanding that trauma lives in the body - and that healing does too. I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities, including:

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  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Parts work/Internal Family Systems (IFS-informed)

  • Somatic Therapy and Nervous System Regulation

  • Polyvagal Therapy

  • Attachment Repair and Inner Child Work

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) *upon request

Since opening in 2017 I have expanded my practice to include supporting clients navigating our medical system with a particular focus on autoimmune diseases. As an immigrant myself, I am passionate about providing services to those living with multiple marginalizations and actively work to dismantle and repair systems of harm both in my professional and personal life.

Who I Work With

I specialize in working with adults who want to reconnect with themselves, restore a sense of safety in their bodies, and make sense of the past so it no longer defines the present.

I primarily support adults navigating:

  • Trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma (C-PTSD)

  • Relationship and attachment wounds

  • High-functioning anxiety or emotional shutdown

  • Life transitions and identity shifts

  • Burnout and boundary fatigue

  • Anger management

  • Difficult childhoods

I work with adults (18+) of all kinds, extensively with teachers, health care workers, Teck employees, college/university students, parents, and any individuals desiring change in their lives and relationships.

A bit about me and my counselling style:

I immigrated to Canada from South Africa as a young child. Working in a predominantly white rural area, I understand what it’s like to work through painful feelings of disconnection within myself and those around me, navigate complex identities, and not always see myself reflected in the world around me. I offer a space that honours the realities many people face, with compassion, nuance, and deep respect. I believe that every person has what they need to work through issues, but sometimes we can lose access to these resources and forget how to tap into our unique intuitions and abilities due to societal conditioning and the (real or perceived) demands we place on ourselves.

My Professional Life 

Throughout my career, I have worked in various mental health settings throughout British Columbia. These include:

  • Through the Woods Wellness in Castlegar (2021-Present)

  • Madhu Wellness Collective in Rossland, BC (2017-Present)

  • HollyTree Wellness Centre in Castlegar, BC (2017-2021)

  • Counselling Services at Camosun College in Victoria, BC

  • Counselling Services at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society

  • Dispute Resolution Counselling in Vancouver

  • Recreational therapy at Sandringham Geriatric Tertiary Care Centre in Victoria

  • Helping individuals in short-term psychiatric care (Daly Pavilion)

  • Assisting the Drug and Addictions Day Treatment Program in Castlegar

  • Volunteer work at the Men's Trauma Centre as well as in Geriatric Tertiary Care at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.

Training & Credentials

Polvagal Certificate Training (Polyvagal Institute) EMDRIA Approved Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Certified Clinical Counsellor registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology (University of Calgary)
Masters Counselling Psychology (University of Victoria)

More About Me...

I spent my childhood and adolescence in Rossland dancing and performing. During that time I learned that the mind and body are strongly connected, and discovered that creativity and mindfulness play a key role in developing a strong sense of self, buffering against life’s natural stressors.  Throughout my life I have used creative outlets such as music, writing, and dance to help navigate difficult moments that inevitably come along with being human. I also enjoy exploring different parts in the world in order to test my boundaries and push me out of my comfort zone. Travelling has taught me a lot about connection, communication, and universal truths. 

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand