Training

I earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I have been working for Peterborough Youth Services as a Clinical Counsellor doing psychotherapy since 2013, working one-to-one with youth aged 10-18 and their families. You can look at the training I have done below and I learn more every day from talking to people about what it takes to move through hard times. I have also worked in hospice palliative care and grief for a couple of decades. The common thread through all my work has been working with people with the intention of moving toward a better day to day life.  I have recently done training and have become a Clinical Supervisor, helping other therapists improve their practice.

I have trained in many therapies over the years. For those who are interested, I will outline my general approach here. I use an attachment model as the basis for how I work with people. There is newer research giving a better understanding of how this works in our nervous systems (Stephen Porges). The models I look to here are Deb Dana and her use of Polyvagal Theory in therapy and Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have recently trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy and really feel my work comes closest to this model and I have found the techniques helpful. I continue to train and seek consultation in this model. I have trained in several behaviour therapies, which have their place, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received training in Narrative Therapy when working with families and have found this helpful for people. I hope it is clear that I believe psychotherapy requires a strong basis in theory and practice and I seek out ongoing learning through trainings, consultation and supervision. I have done a lot of trainings to support my work with people who have experienced trauma. Some of those are described below.

I have a Certificate in Grief and Bereavement from King's College at the University of Western Ontario. I have spoken at conferences about the work I have done and the programs I have created or helped create. I have written a published paper about poverty and palliative care. More important, I think, I have spent time with a lot of people of all ages and listened to their experiences and helped them to figure out how they can move forward despite (and often because of the growth they experience with) the things they have dealt with. 

I have trained in: Eye Movement Sensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR), Ego State Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Body-Centred Therapies such as Polyvagal Theory and Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT), Mindfulness Meditation. It has become clear to me that there is no one therapy that helps with all of the symptoms of trauma so using several approaches seems to work best which is backed up by current teachings. 

EMDR Therapy is an acronym for a model of psychotherapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I am an EMDR Therapist. This innovative and powerful psychotherapy model was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 primarily to address the impacts of trauma, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is now being used effectively for many other problems as well as performance enhancement with clients such as actors, athletes and managers. Rigorously controlled studies of EMDR Therapy have been published that substantiate its efficacy. Numerous international organizations and government bodies have endorsed it, including: The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies The US Department of Defense The American Psychological Association The American Psychiatric Association The World Health Organization EMDR is a systematic approach involving bilateral sensory stimulation (activating both sides of your brain), such as by using eye-movements, tapping or sound, administered while a client focuses on difficult things, anxiety, psychological and somatic symptoms or disturbing memories. Psychotherapy which utilizes EMDR Therapy, seems to facilitate the natural processing abilities of the brain and nervous system. An individual's normal healing abilities are activated and the body-mind balance is supported in its inner capacity to mend.  What kind of problems can EMDR Therapy treat?  EMDR Therapy is effective in treating individuals who have experienced psychological difficulties arising from traumatic experiences, such as motor vehicle accidents, assault and abuse, natural disasters and childhood neglect. It is also increasingly used to treat complaints that are not necessarily trauma-related, such as panic disorder, phobias, performance anxiety, self esteem issues and other anxiety related disorders. It is fast, safe and effective. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. Many clients who have made slow progress in the past, or who have not benefited from more traditional talk therapies say that with EMDR Therapy they have finally something that works for them!  To learn more about EMDR Therapy visit: www.emdrcanada.org www.emdria.org