Position at 3 Rivers Counselling:
Clinic Director - Counselling Therapist - Speaking Engagements and Consultation
Where did you grow up?
Rothesay, New Brunswick
What are some of your favourite books?
I loved "Lord of the Rings" in high school. In university I read everything John Steinbeck I could get my hands on but "The Grapes of Wrath" was what started it. Right now, I usually go for fantasy/science fiction when I'm reading for entertainment. I read a alot of Deb Dana and ADDitude Magazine for my work. I'm really hooked on audiobooks and podcasts because I can listen while I'm knitting, gardening or doing laundry!
Complete the following sentences:
When I'm not at work you can find me...
Outside either in the yard or on the water if I'm not driving someone somewhere they need to be.
When I want to de-stress, I...
Move my body (yoga, stretching, exercise, walking our dog - Scout), find someone for a hug, make a cup of chai or peppermint tea.
My favourite time of year is...
I like the shoulder seasons a lot. I love watching things come back to life in the spring. And I love the weather in the fall.
My favourite thing to cook is...
Salmon en croute from an old Jamie Oliver recipe!
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I'd go to...
I would love to spend a few months on a barge travelling through England.
What led you to pursue a career in counselling?
I think I have always loved to be a 'helper' in some way. My first career as a teacher came from my desire to help students who struggled in the ways I remembered struggling in school (what I now understand as my own neurodiversity). But as a teacher, I came to see how complex trauma impacts families for generations, and I felt really pulled to understand how to be a better support. I went back to school to complete a Masters in Counselling Psychology and continued to work with families through the school system for a few years, until I was ready to create a place and a space where I could bring all of my skills, passions and creativity to this work.
What education, skills and expertise do you bring to your role?
I completed a BA in philosophy which has turned out to be pretty helpful in my work! I also completed a BEd and did graduate studies in inclusionary practices and exceptional learners. I completed a Masters of Counselling Psychology and am continuously upgrading and training in different areas of interest and specialization. I am certified yoga and mindfulness instructor, and have completed training in EMDR. I am a certified SSP practitioner and continue to train in Polyvagal, Somatic and IFS practices. As a teacher I worked from primary through to high school. At 3 Rivers Counselling I continue to work with children, youth, families, adults and partners.
What inspires you?
The resilience and strength of the human spirit. People probably don't realize that how much I learn from them everyday. It is an incredible and precious gift to be with people at their most human moments.
What is one small thing you do to bring a moment of happiness to your day?
A 20 second hug
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