As a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, I meet clients with genuine empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Here are the techniques I’m trained in:

-Narrative (personal stories and making meaning) and Somatic (body awareness) approaches

-Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

-Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)

-Application of a strength-based, compassion focused perspective with a trauma-informed lens

Working as an RN in hospitals and clinics for over 25 years, I’ve put these skills into practice.

Here are some examples:

Conflict at the start of a new job: might help to break this down with some CBT work. If your last job ended because of a bad experience, pulling from a trauma informed approach could help. You might also have an anxiety or mood disorder, and the stress is making your symptoms come back. We’ll approach this from all the ways we can to improve the situation.

Preparing for difficult conversations in my personal life: DBT balances acceptance of who you are with the change needed to move forward, and could be applied in this example. Maybe you’ve had deep experiences of loss in the past. Perhaps you’re worried that asking for what you need will mean rejection. We can look at all of this.

Learning how to settle my body after an intense shift-because sometimes, I do things that aren’t safe: We’d probably want to talk about what you’ve already tried. For some people this could be stuff that’s hard to talk about, like sex, self-harm and substances. I want to work with you to learn what balanced and well means for you, and build that together. Somatic and mindful approaches may be a match for this too, bringing your full body and mind into feeling settled.

What’s a Nurse Psychotherapist?

A Registered Nurse Psychotherapist is regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to provide psychotherapy, having demonstrated the appropriate knowledge, skill and judgement to practice. My work at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Psychiatric Emergency Services, SickKids and the Ontario Medical Association Physician Health Program has provided the experience and training to now be in private practice. I have also completed additional training and study, including a Master’s degree.

This depth of knowledge informs YOUR unique treatment plan. One advantage of working with me as a Nurse Psychotherapist is that your medical history and mental health journey can be integrated in this plan. Mainstream system navigation (like OHIP funded support) and leveraging resources can be planned out together.

We will regularly discuss what is helping and adjust our work together. Positive psychology talks about building deep, meaningful, and supportive connections with other people. Therapy is a place to practice how to make that happen.

As a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, I meet clients with genuine empathy and unconditional posi... Read More