I use a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach and I am a credentialed therapist with the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT).  CBT is a type of therapy that research demonstrates is an effective treatment for most anxiety and mood disorders.  In fact, research has shown that CBT is as effective as medication for treating mild to moderate forms of anxiety and depression.  CBT focuses on the interconnection between our thoughts and feelings (and physical sensations) as well as the behaviours we engage in.  CBT works by assisting individuals to examine and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving to reduce symptoms, reach goals, and improve functioning.

Another form of therapy I offer is Schema Therapy, which focuses on addressing problems related to an individual’s longstanding core beliefs.  Additionally, as a part of my clinical practice I attend closely to interpersonal (i.e., relational) process in the therapeutic relationship.  My strong interest in the areas of trauma and resilience have motivated me to obtain advanced training in the treatment of trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  I am a Certified Provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and have training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, both of which are empirically-supported treatments for trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Listed below are some of the areas I specialize in:

• Posttraumatic stress including but not limited to: sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, physical assault, motor vehicle accidents, medical trauma, natural disasters, traumatic bereavement
• Other anxiety disorders including panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety
• Depression and dysthymia
• Assertiveness training
• Interpersonal problems (i.e., relational difficulties)
• Work-related difficulties
• Low self-esteem
• Stress reduction