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Why did you choose to become a counsellor?
I have always felt a resonance with the core qualities of a therapist. My journey into Psychology was not an intentional academic decision, but a gentle unfolding into a path that felt closely aligned with me. In my personal life, I deeply value care, inclusion, authenticity and self-exploration. My role as a psychotherapist encompasses these very values and more. I find this role incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to witness the stories of so many people.
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What excites you about your work as a counsellor?
Therapy, the way I see it, is coming home to ourselves. I am most energised by watching the process, however long it requires, for my clients to find comfort in their most authentic and aligned selves. We all have painful, shameful, traumatised parts that often feel too distressing to look at. As we build our therapeutic relationship, these parts may find space to come forth, transform or even stay the exact same (which is also okay!). I love seeing my clients reclaim their hidden, unseen parts and show up in our sessions, and subsequently, their life, more empowered and trusting of themselves and their own wisdom.
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What do you hope for your clients to experience after their first session with you?
I like my clients to know that I view therapy as more mid/long-term process. We have spent years functioning in our current way, so our unlearning/discovery process will need the time it deserves. While the first session (and first few sessions) are more introductory, where we can get a broader picture of you into the therapy room- I hope my clients experience a foundation of trust, a space where they feel heard with absolutely no judgement, and that warm fuzzy feeling (which may look like, “This could possibly work for me!”).
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What would you wish to tell a client who is thinking about seeking counselling?
I see how hard it is to show up to a place where you bring all your most vulnerable stories in to a complete stranger. I don’t expect you to be perfectly ready or have anything figured out for our sessions. You can show up as yourself, and I will be here to support where you want to go. If we choose to work together, I aim to co-create with you a feeling of safety, trust and also fun. It doesn’t have to be serious all the time!
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Describe the relationship that you would wish to build with your client in counselling.
I would hope that our relationship can serve as a template for healthy relationships in your outside life. I hope that therapy feels like a place where you can bring your most honest, messy, real self and I aim to welcome all of those parts into our work. I seek to build an atmosphere of warmth, transparency and a focus on you and your insight. You are the expert of your life.
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In your counselling work so far, what has been your greatest learning from your clients?
There are so many. My clients time and again have shown me that they all have an inner wisdom that should be the cornerstone of our work and their life. Often, there are blocks to access this self-trust, but the therapeutic journey can help strengthen this inner dialogue and it is so beautiful to see my clients independently grow on their journeys. I am also constantly reminded that therapy with each client is unique. We all come with vastly different life experiences, and therapy works when we are able to reach in and touch those stories, something that takes time and patience.
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What are some of your strengths as a counsellor that you value and appreciate?
I believe that I have a calm and gentle presence that can make the process more comforting from the get-go. I also genuinely care deeply for my clients, which translates into hard work into myself and my work, so I can support my clients the best way possible.
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What are some of the things you like to do in your free time?
I am an advocate for Indie adoption, and an animal rescuer (to the extent that I can be!). I also love reading, finding peaceful views, and buying myself an unreasonable amount of flowers.
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What are the areas of concern you address in counselling? Do you work with specific populations?
I address a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to, relationship-related issues, anxiety and low mood, loss of motivation and direction, family dynamics, self-image, body-image, decision-making, loneliness, borderline personality concerns, attachment concerns etc. Essentially, all the things that make us human. If I feel like your concern is out of my range of competence, I will surely help you find the right resources.
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What is the therapeutic approach you use? How would you describe it to someone who wants to consult you for therapy?
The approach I use is Psychodynamic and Relational. This means I don’t offer band-aid solutions, but I explore your deep, rich history with you in a way that feels safe and doable. We make sense out of patterns that may be misaligned with you today. Some of these patterns may even show up between us, giving us the perfect opportunity to work through them. In making sense of your story, we can together find new ways for you to get where you want to be.
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How do you make your therapeutic practice a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans* folx?
I have undergone a self-studied training with peer psychologists on the Queer Affirmative Counselling Practice Manual which has been a wonderful experience in unlearning and relearning. I am conscious of the diverse backgrounds my clients come from, and I am committed to continuously educating myself on their unique life perspectives. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The Quote Gianna Resonates With
It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found.
Winnicott