About
Let’s start with me.
My family recently moved from Fort McMurray, Alberta back to my home base here in St. Thomas, Ontario and I am so excited to serve this community. My husband and I have three beautiful (and wild!) young kiddos that keep us young (ish) and busy, but we love every minute.
You can find me out with the family on bike rides, hikes, and hitting up Port Stanley Beach or out playing (and most recently attempting to coach) soccer!
My Life.
It might sound kind of funny, but even as a child I knew that I was meant to work with children and youth. From my experiences as a teenager I developed a strong desire to help others feel that they were seen, heard and valued. Always drawn to the one-on-one conversations with friends, counselling felt like the perfect fit.
I have since then grown a passion for early intervention and working alongside parents and caregivers. Over the years I have pursued extensive training in these areas so that I can be as effective and helpful as possible.
Gary L. Landreth said “Toys are children’s words and play is their language.” I was drawn to play therapy immediately as I also believe play is the most natural way that a child communicates. What a beautiful thing it is to work with a child, meeting them in their world and at their level, and allowing for a safe distance for them to process their experiences and work towards healing.
My Why.
As a Certified Play Therapist I am able to meet a child where they are at using their natural language of play and can incorporate different methods of counselling right into our play time together.
My Education & Certifications.
I am a Certified Play Therapist (CPT) with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT).
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) #005815 and am also a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
I graduated in 2014 with a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
I have completed training and am pursuing certification in EMDR and Theraplay®.
I am a registered Circle of Security® Parenting facilitator. This is a parenting program designed with the goal of finding ways to enhance secure attachments in caregiving relationships.
I have over 5 years of experience as a child and youth trauma counsellor specializing in domestic violence and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
Why Courageous.
I chose the name COURAGEOUS because I believe it is the perfect word to describe each and every person that walks through my door, and it is the feeling I want each and every person to feel when they leave.
To be courageous is a choice that we make each and every day. It isn’t always easy but it is something to be encouraged and praised. When we overcome our fears and begin to feel mastery over different areas of our life, this has a HUGE impact on our self-confidence! Isn’t that what we desire for our children? To feel confident in who they are with the best tools and skills to help them navigate through whatever comes their way?
Maybe “courageous” is the farthest from how you feel right now, but let me suggest this - seeking help IS courageous. I definitely don’t feel courageous all the time, but what a difference it can make to have somebody walking alongside you when you’re feeling that fear or doubt or simply feeling overwhelmed. It would be an honour and a privilege to be that person for you and your family.
Lions are fierce and protective, representing strength, bravery, family and yes - courage. They are the absolute perfect representation of how I view each and every parent/caregiver and child that I get the pleasure of working with.
You’ve already taken the first step. Let’s take the next one together!
Questions?
Zoom over to my FAQ page!
Let’s Meet!
Asking for support is always the hardest step, so let me make it a bit easier. The first meeting is always a free 15 minute consultation. We can chat and get to know each other and discuss how I can best support you and your child. You can book this consultation by clicking on the button below, calling me directly or sending me an email.