SPECIALTIES

RELATIONSHIP STRUGGLES

“THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE ULTIMATELY DEPENDS ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.” - ESTHER PEREL

Our relationships with others can sometimes feel like a mystery. Why do we do what we do? Why do we keep falling into the same patterns? Whether you are single, currently in a relationship, or exiting one, exploring the patterns we have in relationships can be of great value. People who come to see me can expect to:

• Explore topics such as commitment, trust, and intimacy in intimate relationships

• Better understand their family of origin

• Learn about their childhood and how it has impacted their adult attachment style

• Gain insight into patterns in relationships

• Feel more confident navigating the dating world or being in intimate relationships

• Learn skills and tools to better connect with emotions, communicate needs, and assert boundaries

• Feel deeper connection and more satisfaction in relationships

• And more…

CONFLICT & REPAIR

Conflict can leave us feeling misunderstood, hurt, and alone. We can all get stuck in cycles of conflict and aren’t sure how to move forward. Do you find yourself having similar arguments over and over again? Do you desire deeper connection and understanding with others but find yourself experiencing conflict instead? I specialize in helping couples navigate conflict, get to the root of emotion that is being expressed, repair wholly and reconnect with deeper understanding than they had before.

People who work with me may notice:

• greater understanding of repetitive conflict patterns- and how to break them

• increased understanding of your own and your partner’s emotions and needs

• tools to connect deeply and repair with your partner following conflict

• increased trust and intimacy

• tools to self-soothe when feeling emotionally flooded

• greater connection and understanding with your partner

• And more…

Let me help you navigate conflict and gain skills leaving you feeling heard, cared for, and more deeply connected.

COMMUNICATION & BOUNDARIES

Learning how to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively with others is our most foundational relationship skill, with colleagues, lovers, friends, and family alike. Yet, it is rarely taught to us.

For some, it can be tricky to set clear boundaries, opting to keep the peace instead. For others, it is difficult to soften our boundaries and trust that our needs will be respected without creating absolutes. Boundary work can show up in different relationships, including our family of origin, friendships, professional relationships, and intimate relationships.

I have a special interest helping people learn to communicate effectively, identify their needs and set healthy boundaries in their personal and professional lives. We spend each day attempting to communicate and despite our best efforts, sometimes we miss the mark and what we mean to say is not interpreted the way we intended. Clients may seek support communicating with their spouse, friend, family member, or child. I use compassion to help you identify your patterns and gently challenge you to make changes in order to communicate in the way you’ve been hoping to. 

People who work with me may notice:

• reduced anxiety, disconnection, and frustration in relationships

• increased ability to connect with others

• tools to identify and assertively communicate your needs

• skills to respond effectively when others do not respect your boundaries

• greater understanding and ease in your relationships

• greater trust, in ourselves and others

• And more…

JOURNEY TO PARENTHOOD

“NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU HOPED, WANTED, AND PLANNED FOR MOTHERHOOD, THIS TRANSITION WILL, AT TIMES, BE STRESSFUL. AND THE INTENSITY OF THESE FEELINGS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW GOOD A MOTHER YOU’LL BE, OR HOW MUCH YOU’LL LOVE YOUR CHILDREN.” -- ALEXANDRA SACKS

Whether you’re deciding to be a parent, struggling to become a parent, or navigating new parenthood, I can help you on this journey. This can be an immensely stressful and transformative time. I work with individuals and couples to help you navigate the journey to as well as the first few years of parenthood. Reasons people come to see me include:

• deciding whether to have children

• the not so linear fertility journey

• reproductive trauma

• grief and loss

• parenting preparation

• perinatal mental health in one or both partners

• identity shifts

• parenting support

• And more…

I can help you adjust to and cope with this important life transition. If you would like to know more, please read more about the services I offer that can help you, or book a free 20 minute consultation.

PARENTING SUPPORT

Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet, and for some, it is also one of the hardest. Many struggle to communicate with their children, set boundaries, discipline, manage emotions, and encourage healthy independence. Others struggle to find balance between their identity as a parent and individual selves. I use emotionally focused techniques to provide families with understanding and skills to better connect with their children and find greater ease in their home life. 

People who work with me may notice:

• reduced stress, anger, and anxiety at home

• increased ability to cope as a parent

• tools to connect deeply with their children while maintaining clear boundaries

• skills to listen to your children and build their emotional intelligence

• greater connection and understanding with your partner or co-caregivers

• greater understanding and integration of the roles you hold

• greater enjoyment as a parent

• And more…

ANXIETY & STRESS

Anxiety is a human condition. We are all wired to experience some level of worry in order to keep ourselves safe; however, some of us may experience an acute or chronic level of anxiety that is distressing and/or debilitating. Some people may experience specific fears or phobias, while others may find themselves feeling a general sense of unease each day and aren’t sure why. Some may experience panic attacks, compulsions and obsessions, or feelings of perfectionism. These are often learned behaviours that have served to keep us safe (emotionally or physically). There is wisdom in recognizing this, and power in learning alternative ways of being that bring you greater peace, trust, and ease in your day to day life.

Stress is a word we often use to describe a more low-level degree of worry. Maybe the fear is failure, so we work around the clock and burn ourselves out in order to ensure our success. Others may have too much on their plate and lack the resources to ask for help, so they live their life in a heightened physiological experience, causing mental and physical consequences.

People who work with me may notice:

• greater understanding of the nature of anxiety and stress

• mindful awareness of physiological symptoms associated with anxiety and stress and what to do when they show up

• new tools to cope with worry, anticipation, and overwhelm

• increased trust, in yourself and your environment

• ability to challenge old patterns and choose new behaviours and thoughts

• greater sense of empowerment, ease, and peace

• And more…

Want to know more? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me to book an appointment today.