Back in high school, I was at a crossroads: Math or Psychology? Let’s just say that math and I never really got along, especially when it came to exam time. So, when the time came to pick between the two, I threw in the towel on math.

At first, it was just a way to avoid numbers, but then something unexpected happened. The more I learned about the human mind, why we think the way we do, why we behave the way we do, the more fascinated I became. It wasn’t just about passing a subject anymore; I wanted to understand why we do the things we do.

When I stumbled upon counselling psychology during my graduation and then during my masters, everything clicked. I knew I wanted to help people unlock the mysteries of their own minds, understand their emotions, and guide them toward healing. Psychology wasn’t just an academic subject anymore, it had become my passion. I loved how every conversation held the potential for discovery and growth.The more I learned about how counselling helps people process things and make sense of their own experiences, the more I felt like it was the right fit. It just made sense for me, and I figured, why not pursue it? So, that’s what I’ve been working toward ever since.

So, what started as a tactical escape from math turned into a lifelong journey of curiosity, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What excites me most about being a counsellor is the chance to hear and be a part of so many different stories, big and small. Every person that walks through the door brings their own unique experience, and I get to be there to listen, understand, and support them. It’s such a privilege to be trusted with those stories, whether they’re about life-changing events or the everyday struggles we all face. I love that my work allows me to connect with people on such a personal level and help them make sense of things.

What makes it even more rewarding is those pockets of joy that come along the way, when we’re working through something, and I get to see progress, however small, actually come to fruition. Whether it’s a client having a breakthrough, gaining new insight, or feeling empowered to take action or even enjoying the small things in life again, those moments are incredibly exciting. It’s a reminder that the hard work and trust are paying off, and it makes the entire journey feel worth it. Being part of that process, seeing people grow, heal, and move forward, is what truly drives me.

Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward personal growth, healing, and well-being. It’s not just for crisis situations, therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, from relationship issues and conflict resolution to setting boundaries and improving emotional health.

As a client, you have rights, including confidentiality, informed consent, autonomy, and the ability to end therapy whenever you choose. Many people turn to therapy to better understand themselves, work through challenges, or learn healthier ways to manage life’s difficulties.

It’s a misconception that you need to be “broken” or have all the answers before seeking help; therapy is about discovery, self-reflection, and finding solutions. While the process can sometimes bring discomfort, it’s often during these moments that significant breakthroughs occur.

Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is crucial, as the therapeutic relationship is central to your progress. Ultimately, therapy is your space, and the therapist’s role is to guide you through navigating emotions, relationships, and life’s challenges, empowering you to create positive change at your own pace.

In counselling, I aim to build a relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding, where the client feels free to be their authentic self without fear of judgment. My goal is to create a warm, empathetic environment where the client feels heard, validated, and supported. I believe that establishing strong rapport is key to this relationship, and I work to develop a genuine connection with each client by being present, attentive, and open.

I encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings freely, and I strive to be authentic and transparent as a counsellor, modelling vulnerability and openness where appropriate. This helps create an atmosphere where the client can also feel comfortable being real about their challenges, emotions, and experiences. To make the counselling process collaborative, I involve clients in every step of their therapeutic journey, from setting goals to discussing progress and making adjustments.

I emphasize that therapy is a partnership, where their feedback, concerns, and ideas are always welcome and valued. I regularly check in with them about how they feel the process is going, what’s working, and what might need to change.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from my clients is the incredible resilience of the human spirit. People are capable of navigating the most difficult, heart-wrenching situations and still finding ways to grow, adapt, and even thrive.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how vulnerability is a superpower, when someone dares to be truly authentic, even in the face of fear or shame, it opens doors to profound change. Another key takeaway has been how much the little things matter: a small shift in perspective, a new coping skill, or even just feeling understood by another person can spark transformative change. It’s those “aha” moments, the ones where a client realizes they have the strength to rewrite their own story, that makes the work so rewarding. Ultimately, my clients remind me every day that growth isn’t about perfection, but about embracing the journey with all its twists, turns, and unexpected breakthroughs.

As a therapist, I bring a unique blend of rigour and flexibility to my practice. I combine a solid foundation in theoretical frameworks with the ability to adapt and tailor approaches to meet each client’s individual needs. My commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that our work is grounded in proven, reliable methods, while my flexibility allows me to adjust and evolve based on what is most effective for you in the moment.

I strive to be approachable, creating an open, welcoming atmosphere where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment. Drawing from both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, I integrate diverse frameworks into our work, ensuring that therapy is not only informed by research but also relevant to your lived reality. Above all, I strive to create an authentic, genuine space where you can feel safe to explore, reflect, and grow, knowing that you are seen for who you truly are.

Something I have truly come to appreciate more recently though, is the ability to understand and pick up on newer internet and pop culture references making therapy feel more relatable and connected. I learn something new every week from my clients, whether it’s the impact of someone’s tweet or the lore behind a particular meme. It sounds irrelevant, but it makes a world of difference to be able to relate to/ understand what someone is trying to say through a picture and a caption.

My approach is eclectic and humanistic, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms. I believe in a personalized approach to therapy, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to best meet your unique needs. My practice is grounded in Transactional Analysis, mindfulness-based techniques, strengths based approaches, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, amongst others.

I focus on understanding your individual experiences, challenges, and goals, and then we select the tools and techniques that will be most effective for you. Transactional Analysis helps us explore the patterns of behaviour and communication from childhood to adulthood, while a strengths-based approach focuses on identifying and building upon your existing strengths and resources to promote resilience and growth. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that might be influencing feelings and behaviours amongst other modalities based on your needs.

In addition, I approach therapy with an intersectional lens, which means I recognize and respect the many aspects of your identity that intersect to shape your unique experiences. This perspective helps ensure that our work together is relevant to your personal and social context.

In my therapeutic practice, I also work through a trauma-focused lens, which means I recognize the profound impact that past trauma, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, can have on your current well-being. This lens helps us understand how past experiences of harm or adversity may still be influencing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours today. Rather than seeing trauma as something that defines you, we approach it as part of your broader life story, exploring how it may shape your responses and coping mechanisms. Using a trauma-focused approach, we work together to safely process and heal the emotional wounds left by traumatic experiences, while also focusing on developing resilience and coping skills.

At the core of my practice is a deep respect for your individual experience and a commitment to fostering your personal growth. I see therapy as a collaborative journey where you are the expert on your own life and my role is to guide, support and empower you, as you work towards your goals.

Creating a safe, affirmative space for queer and trans individuals, especially those facing intersecting concerns like racism, ableism, and classism, is foundational to my practice. It is important to me as a therapist that I co-create a space that allows my clients to explore their authentic selves.

I prioritize gender-affirming care by using inclusive language, respecting pronouns, and creating a space free from judgment and shame, where clients feel heard and supported in exploring their authentic selves. Through confidentiality, empathy, and ongoing education, I strive to ensure that queer and trans individuals, feel respected, validated, and empowered to heal and grow.