Extensive Background and Training

In addition to my Professional background in trauma treatment, I am an experienced Registered Couple and Family Therapist (RMFT), and competent in being able to evaluate and address a wide variety of issues within the context of various relationship structures and family systems. I have trained at the Justice Institute of British Columbia in trauma-informed practice, Indigenous psychotherapy. Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy is a culturally appropriate approach that integrates traditional healing practices.

I hold certification, along with advanced practice skills and competence, in substance-use treatment. I am trained in Levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman couple method. The Gottman Method: A research-based approach to couples therapy, aimed at improving communication and strengthening relationships.

I am trained in Level 1 and Level 2 of motivational interviewing, Single-Session and One-At-A-Time approaches, and cognitive behavioural and dialectical behavioural therapies. This training allows me to integrate additional effective strategies to best meet each clients’ treatment needs.

I am committed to receiving ongoing clinical supervision – a best practice in the counselling profession.

Specialized Counselling Therapies

The following trauma interventions are based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system to desensitize or reduce the impacts of a memory or event. This video on the AIP model explains how maladaptive memories create obstacles to rational processing of information in daily life. The following treatment interventions target maladaptive memories:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A powerful method for addressing trauma and anxiety.
• EMDR 2.0: A version of EMDR therapy based on the treatment of complex PTSD, and scientific research into working memory theory, and the effects of working memory-taxing tasks on traumatic memories.
• FLASH: An evidenced-based therapeutic intervention for reducing the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories.
• Progressive Counting:  A recently developed trauma treatment that involves client visualization.
• EMDR Recent Traumatic Episodes Protocol (R-TEP): A comprehensive current trauma focused protocol
• Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP): A group protocol used with small groups including couples, families, and those impacted by the same traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or act of violence or other significant life events that have an on-going impact, but do not necessarily need to be recent events.
• Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization suite (ASSYST):  Treatment interventions address early intervention and ongoing traumatic stress for individuals and groups. The ASSYST suite includes: ASSYST-I, ASSYST-G, EMDR-IGTP-OTS, and EMDR-PRECI.