I chose to become a counselor because I’ve personally grappled with understanding my own experiences and emotions. Studying Psychology and being in this field has been incredibly validating. Working with others to understand and navigate their inner world feels like coming full circle. I believe creating a space to pause, observe, and understand our experiences is important and being a counselor gives me a chance to do that.

The process of getting to know the clients and learning small, seemingly random details about them, their likes and interests, and integrating these details into our sessions in meaningful ways. Witnessing their small “eureka” moments, small shifts in their experience and watching their self-awareness grow. It’s a slow process but that’s what makes it all the more fulfilling and exciting.

After their first session with me, I hope my clients know they have a say in how the session unfolds. For them to realise that there’s space for their needs, wants, and expectations in our sessions. They feel a sense of ease and comfort over the course of the session, especially if they initially felt nervous. They feel I held space for them, and know I was engaged with them. Most importantly, that they feel heard, understood, and supported.

It’s completely natural to feel nervous, hesitant, or uncertain about starting therapy. When considering a therapist, verify that they have the necessary qualifications to provide therapy.

Give the therapy sessions some time. If you felt okay about the therapist during the initial consultation or first session, if possible try to attend a few sessions before deciding whether it’s the right fit for you. Notice if you feel understood and have the space you need to express yourself. Remember that while expertise is essential, how you feel in the presence of your therapist is also important. Your therapist should be someone you not only like for their expertise but also feel comfortable and get along with.

It’s helpful to ask questions to your therapist and express any concerns you may have with the therapeutic process. Take your time in finding the right therapist for you. If you start sessions and find that it’s not the right fit, know that it’s okay to leave at any point.

In counseling, I want my clients to feel safe, with their boundaries and choices respected. Have moments of lightheartedness adding ease to the session, allowing them to gradually show up as authentically as they feel comfortable. I want to have a relationship where we have space for rupture and repair in our relationship, they feel comfortable sharing their honest thoughts and feelings about the therapy process. Above all, I want clients to feel seen heard, and supported in their experiences.

The greatest learning from my clients is recognizing the importance of flexibility in my approach to the session. I’ve learned that simply sticking to my plan doesn’t always feel fulfilling because it may not have aligned with what the client needed in that particular session. I can feel the disconnect when that happens, reminding me of the importance of checking in with them regularly, especially when in doubt. Different aspects of the session may resonate more strongly with the client. This has taught me to appreciate the importance of clients guiding the sessions as well.

As a counselor, my strength lies in my trust in the therapeutic process. I believe in the body’s inherent wisdom to navigate life’s experiences, and I focus on helping clients access this wisdom and their resources. I understand that each person moves at their own pace, and I give clients the time and space they need to engage with therapy.

I like quiet evenings at home, moments with my cat, spending time with friends and family, lounging with a cup of coffee, unwinding with shows and movies, and indulging in comfort foods.

My approach is rooted in understanding the client’s nervous system and how life stressors and past experiences have influenced it, all while exploring what brings it safety and comfort. A central component of my approach is a somatic orientation. This means I emphasize the connection with the body in the therapeutic process. We focus on building awareness of the internal experiences and holding space for it. We’re tuning into the body’s signals to help us better understand and work with your nervous system.

In my therapy sessions, I’m here to hold space for their experiences, to build safety and trust together, and to support them to show up authentically in this space. My priority is to validate their narratives, and centering their lived realities and multifaceted experiences in our discussion. Feedback is important to create a safe space and build agency, so I’m always checking in with them. Additionally, I keep up with current news, pop culture, and laws relevant to the community.