Counselling and Wellness
About Me
After growing up in the Kawarthas and spending some time living and working in remote communities in northern Ontario in my twenties, I planted roots in southern Ontario where I have built a life with my husband in a small town that I love -- though ‘the north’ will always have a special place in my heart.
I have always hoped to help others through my work and I have worked with individuals from many walks of life throughout my career. Before I chose to become a therapist most of my professional experience was in roles within the criminal justice system, which is where my passion for working with first responders and trauma-exposed professionals stems from. I also have lived experience as a first-responder spouse and can appreciate the unique challenges that trauma-exposed professionals and their families face.
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I am a (recovering) perfectionist but I have come to believe that you can be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time, and that 'progress, not perfection' is a pretty helpful mantra.
Who I work with
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Individuals, adults
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First responders and other trauma-exposed professionals and their families
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Individuals who may be experiencing symptoms associated with the following:
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grief and loss
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anxiety and depression
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perfectionism
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relationship issues
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life transitions
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workplace or caregiver burnout​​
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I offer virtual therapy sessions to clients living anywhere in Ontario and in-person sessions in Woodstock, ON.
My therapeutic approach
My approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and direct while also being compassionate and aimed at helping you uncover the path forward that feels right for you. My work is rooted in the belief that a willingness to explore what contributes to our struggles and to take action toward change can lead us to improved well-being and living a more meaningful life.
I believe that the client-therapist alliance is the foundation of our work together -- because who's kidding who? -- if you don't feel safe to share the hard things in session, you won't share the hard things you really want (or need) to work on. I strive to create a space where your experience is validated and you can be vulnerable enough to explore the reality of your situation honestly without fear of judgement or stigma. Our work together is a collaboratively effort; I will meet you where you're at, help you to gain insight on your situation, manage your stressors, and develop strategies for you to utilize between sessions so you can see meaningful change in your day-to-day life.
I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic interventions with a strong focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focussed Therapy. I do not believe every client fits into the same therapeutic box, so my work is tailored to the individual needs of each client.
​Ready to take the next step?
Click below to book now
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Education
I am naturally curious about a lot of things and I consider myself a life-long learner who appreciates the value of both formal education and learning through lived experience. I regularly participate in ongoing learning through training courses, seminars, and reviewing current literature in the field to better serve my clients.
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Lakehead University
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Additional training focuses:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy​
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Complex Trauma
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Grief
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Indigenous Cultural Competency Training
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Solution Focussed Brief Therapy
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Working with trauma-exposed professionals
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Working with survivors of domestic violence
"We have to believe that we are never too old, never too jaded, and never too broken to take our first steps towards change.
We wake up every single day with the ability to start fresh -- it is never too late to take advantage of that."
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-Bianca Sparacino
and Wellness
Knowing something doesn't change your life.
Doing something does.
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-Jim Rohn