It's hard to pick up the phone and ask a stranger for help. I know because I've been there. When I faced challenges and I didn't know where to turn, I was lucky to find a good counsellor. The unbiased information I received and how my life changed for the better lead me to return to school and obtain the education that I have. The foundation of my education as a therapist are from the University of Waterloo and the University of Windsor, with education on going. I am a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Worker and annually I identify with my College as a Psychotherapists.
Since 2010, I've been in private practice providing counselling to individuals and couples. In private practice the information needs to be relevant and understandable, and one size does not fit everyone. From the perspective of my clients I choose to approach counselling in an unhurried manner with clients offered beverages and at times having snacks available. Comfort is key for my clients to experience as comfortable an atmosphere for chatting that is possible.
My entire desire is to help my clients achieve their goals. I've gone golfing with clients, using the everyday setting of a golf course to help clients to understand their emotions and learn to let go of what is not important; I refer to this as anger management golfing. With other clients I've baked cookies and yet others I have taught them how to carve using soapstone as the medium. I've been known to have clients attend concerts as a means of developing new skills for social anxiety. I've even had a client pull her vehicle up and I've swapped out the battery in her car, again when this fits with the clients goals within counselling. With most clients we simply sit and chat about their life and gentle discuss the foundation between our thoughts and our identities. All these approaches use real world situations to help my clients learn and grow from where they are to where they want to be. Each approach I use with each client is unique and tailored specifically to who they are and what they are seeking to understand and improve in their life.
My clients use my education as well as my diverse background to develop practical techniques to recreate and grow themselves beyond where they are. By assisting others to find a healthy path away from stress, anxiety and emotional outbursts my clients learn a new and better way of living.
Counselling and life coaching create a unique relationship of sharing to promote understanding and change for my clients. This unique relationship involves sharing feelings, thoughts, history and new goals that are often not shared with others and this is a gift. Each of my clients is treated with professionalism and dedication that reflects the importance of you reaching your goals.
Appointments are available 7 days a week with both daytime and evening appointments available. For clients who are unable to attend sessions in Stratford, I provide sessions using only voice communication as well as video sessions. When possible I prefer in person, followed by video and finally phone sessions however I understand people have busy and involved lives.
To further enhance the natural process, sessions are not limited to a typical 50-minute session. I find having limits like these creates a false sense of urgency that seldom results in both a relaxed and productive session. Clients are booked a minimum of 90 minutes apart creating this relaxed atmosphere to chat.
As always, each session has one objective regardless of length, to promote a healthy, well balanced and happy you!
