Services
With over 10 years of involvement in the fields of social work, education, and counselling, I have extensive experience working directly with children, adults, youth, newcomers, women and people living with disabilities, on an individual and group basis. Depending on the situation, we may be working together at my home office, at your home, at a clinic, meeting space, or school.
Below is a general overview of the types of services I offer.
Counselling
The most important approach to me as a therapist is to always remain client-centered. I do not prescribe to one particular modality or approach in counselling, rather prefer to use an eclectic approach, combining techniques and hand-picking elements from various modalities that may match the client, who they are as a person, and where they are currently at in their lives. If you are interested in working with a particular modality, feel free to approach me about it. If I am able to help I will, and if not, I will be happy to give you a referral that might suit your preferences more appropriately. Some approaches and modalities that tend to get utilized the most in my work are: CBT, Strengths based approaches, Feminist approaches, Solution-Focused approaches, Expressive Arts and Play therapies, and Mindfulness Based therapies. Again, my work is not exclusive to these, but has tended to incorporate elements based on client need and preference.
Issues/Topics
The most common issues or topics I work with clients (of all ages) on are:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Pain management/Adjustment disorders
- Anger/Stress Management
- Learning/Behaviour Disorders or Disabilities (i.e. ADHD)
- Settlement Issues (e.g. issues common to individuals/families who are new to Canada)
- Academic/Career Counselling
- Domestic, Emotional, Sexual and Physical Abuse
- Grief/Bereavement
- Divorce/Separation/Family Transition
- Communication Issues (building communication skills for personal, professional, and social needs)
- Major Life Changes (i.e. academic, career, job, marriage, pregnancy, relationship etc.)
- Relaxation/Visualization/Mindfulness therapies (i.e. MMBT, EFT)
- Personal Growth/Development (i.e. coping strategies, conflict resolutions, goal setting)
Teaching/Training
Being a certified educator, I have had experience and many opportunities with teaching and training children, youth, and adults in classrooms, seminars, workshop and study-circles. I have worked one-on-one, in small groups and large group settings.
The list of areas, topics, workshops, modules or sessions I have facilitated or coordinated in the past is quite varied; I’ve highlighted some examples below. If you are interested or in need of a professional teacher/trainer to conduct sessions or teach curriculum, I do offer my expertise in this area in various ways. Currently, I am available to consult with you, your group, agency, company or organization. (Please click here for more information on Consulting.)
Examples of Teaching/Training
- Ontario Curriculum (grades 1, 2, 5 and JK/SK) as a Primary/Junior Teacher
- Psycho-educational Workshops for Kids (within a school setting) on: anger management, anti-bullying, racism, sexism, unity in diversity, creative cooperation, mindfulness, visualizations, the art of emotions (creative expression around emotions using music, visual art and dance).
- Psycho-educational Workshops for Teens (within school and community settings): anger management, self-esteem, anti-bullying, goal-setting, career planning, healthy relationships, communication skills, stress and well-being, the art of emotions (creative expression around emotions using music, visual art, and dance).
- Psycho-educational Workshops for Adults (within community settings): healthy relationships, signs of abuse, information for newcomers, healthy eating, what makes me employable, relaxation strategies, mindfulness for life, self care and well-being.
- Training educators in Character Education Modules for Students (developed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organization).
- Training agencies/companies in Working Within a Multi-Cultural Context, Reducing Stress at Work.
- How to be Organized (workshop/training in personal organization).
- Goal Setting (workshop/training in personal goal-setting)
Fees
Please contact me by phone to discuss fees and to set up an appointment.
Options
- Unfortunately psychotherapy is not covered under OHIP. However, some employee benefit packages will compensate counselling with an RSW, a certification I hold, so make sure to check all the details of your benefit packages in case.
- I am an associate with Mills Psychology Professional Corporation (www.millspsychology.ca); if you have workplace insurance or extended health benefits under your plan to see a registered psychologist you could be covered for session fees through a referral from Mills Psychology.
- Because my normal rates may be out of reach for many people, I do provide a sliding scale (reduced rate) as an option. I can also see you every other week instead of weekly if that helps too. Many clients eventually spread their sessions out in this way after we’ve gotten started and they have found it to be a lot more manageable. I accept payment by cash or personal cheque at the end of each session. I will provide you with a receipt which you can then file with your insurance company/benefit provider for reimbursement if you have coverage.
- My cancellation policy is that 24hrs notice is required in order to avoid being charged in full.