ABOUT ME

I am a psychotherapist and psychotherapy educator, working with adults in individual, one-to-one psychotherapy and psychotherapy for couples. I am a Clinical Member of the OSP (Ontario Society of Psychotherapists).

In addition to my practice, I am a faculty member at TIRP (Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy), teaching, training and supervising psychotherapy students in an intensive, 4-year program.

My training in psychotherapy began in 1996-1999 in the United Kingdom where I received a Certificate in Psychotherapy and Counselling from Regent’s College, London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling from the NSPC (New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling), London. My training in relational psychotherapy was in Canada, at TIRP, from 2001-2005.

My overall counselling and psychotherapy education and practice has evolved over the past 15+ years, encompassing relational psychotherapy private practice (since 2003) and counselling for: crisis management, bereavement, sexual health, children/youth and the LGBT/queer community.

On a personal note, it’s hard for me to imagine doing anything professionally that is unrelated to this field. Being privileged to work so closely with others who are engaged in their own personal process, is a very meaningful and rewarding experience for me. As it is in my own personal work, self-awareness is not always an easy or painless pursuit, but my own experience – and witnessing the experience of many others – tells me that being able to speak, to ask/receive questions, to name things, to be heard and to find acceptance (from/for self and others) is essential to healthy living.

ABOUT MY PRACTICE AND ITS SETTING

I work with a wide range of individuals, from very different backgrounds and with greatly different stories, experiences, questions and struggles. Here is an idea of what issues feature prominently in my practice:

• Relational concerns and difficulties (All forms of relationships)
• Unresolved childhood and family issues
• Anxiety and depression (Feeling stuck, shut down, frightened, isolated)
• Shame (Relating to experience of one’s self, body, addictive patterns, sexual behaviour, food/eating issues)
• Major life transitions/displacements (Loss and bereavement, relationship endings, career changes)
• Sexual orientation (LGBTQ issues, questioning/ coming out as gay/bisexual)
• Existential concerns (Death and mortality, finding meaning in life, freedom and responsibility)
• Creativity (Finding authenticity and empowerment through pursuits that engage one’s talents and passions)
• Men's issues and emotional well-being (Offering men a supportive space to discuss their feelings in a way they normally wouldn’t with friends, co-workers and family)

I have an open and broad perspective and am able to relate to and empathize with many experiences that may or may not be similar to what I know in my own life. With respect to this, it is the connection and rapport a client and I form that bridges the gap between us.

My demeanour and my office setting are both relatively informal. My office is not in a clinical setting - it is a welcoming and comfortable place to do therapy, I'm told. This is a reflection of my own need to feel at ease in my space, in order to do this kind of work with clients.