In my thirty-five years of providing clinical social work and psychotherapy services, I have learned that people seek counselling when they find themselves in difficult and painful situations. To make matters more complex, all of the coping skills that they have learned to date are not providing relief and resolution. To put it simply – my clients want help in becoming “unstuck”.

Counselling provides an opportunity to be understood and to learn new ways of both perceiving and solving problems. In doing so, my clients are able to expand their capacity to cope with multiple stressors and conflicts and are able to create a new vision of both themselves and their future.

The Counselling Relationship

I work with individuals and couples to create personalized strategies for change and problem resolution. In our first session I will learn more about you, your life situation and what you want to accomplish in counselling.

I am a firm believer that the affirming relationship between counsellor and client supports all of the work that we do together. While we choose from a variety of counselling models and techniques (Cognitive Behavioural, Emotionally Focused, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, etc.) I also develop an atmosphere of trust and positive regard that creates both a comfortable and an effective counsellor/client relationship.

I have demonstrated expertise in working with clients in the areas of:

• Anxiety (including phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks)
• Depression
• Relationship Conflict
• Low self esteem
• Communication skills
• Assertiveness training
• Grief and loss
• Career planning
• Sexuality
• Menopause
• Stress Management
• Parenting

I also offer specialized areas of counselling including women’s health concerns as well as issues related to faith and spiritual issues.

Supervision Services

I offer regular supervision services to Social Workers who wish to augment their clinical work with case review, clinical discussion and support related to the challenging work of our profession.

I work with practitioners who are employed by Social Work agencies as well as those who seek consultation on how to begin, maintain and establish rewarding private practices.

About Me

I graduated from the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Toronto in 1982. Initially employed by Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, I worked in the areas of Psychiatry, Obstetrics, Out Patient Women’s Health and Family Medicine. I also served as the Director of Student Programming for the Social Work Department. In this period I also was appointed as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine as I taught counselling skills to both undergraduate and graduate medical students.

I began my private practice in 1991 and transitioned to full time hours in 1995. I feel privileged and excited to be able to work with people who are committed to making positive changes in their lives! I am a Registered Social Worker and a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), my professional regulatory College.

Fees

Social Work and Psychotherapy services are covered by many Insurance and Extended health care plans. You may wish to check with your employer to determine if you are eligible for these benefits.

Counselling Services are also deductable as a Medical expense on your Income tax.

I issue receipts at the end of each session when payment is due.

Please feel free to phone or email me with any further questions that you might have.