Registered Clinical Counsellor
in Cumberland BC
Supporting CHildren Youth & Families
Work with Arran
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Individual Counselling
A safe place to explore and heal. Offering Play Therapy for kids and eclectic Client-Centered approaches for teens & adults
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Parenting Support
Supporting caregivers with the ever changing challenges in raising a family. Sessions can be with or without children present
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Sandplay Therapy
Based in Jungian psychology, a non-verbal, non-directive, approach to healing for minds of any age: children and adults alike
For Caregivers
the benefits of a regulated nervous system
in the kids
Our nervous systems often get the better of us. We see this in our kiddos all the time. My approach focuses on helping kids learn how to understand what is happening in their bodies and support them in finding ways to self-regulate. Together, we achieve all this through the magic of play.
A child who is regulated, knows how to calm themselves down and can comfortably experience their emotions. They have fewer outbursts, focus more easily, label their feelings, take responsibility for their actions, and effectively communicate their needs.
Self-regulation is all about feeling safe: When kids feel safe in their bodies and minds, they have the confidence to go out into the world, explore, and eventually find independence.
in Yourself
Self-regulation in our kids begins with us. If we know how to breathe, take a step back, and get hold of our big feelings, we can teach our kids to do the same. It’s in the presence of a regulated nervous system that we first learn how to calm ourselves down. It’s also in that presence that we learn about feelings and how to hold and express them. When we, the adults, understand our own nervous systems, we are better able to self-regulate, which means we are less reactive in conflict and are more adept at appropriately communicating how we feel to our kids. As self-regulated adults, we model behaviours, co-regulate, and create a safe environment for our kids to grow. And cultivating this sense of safety in our relationships means our kids are more likely to come to us, when they just want to talk, or when big things happen.
For Youth
Counselling centered on you and what you want to talk about
I understand it takes a lot of courage to reach out. There might be a tonne of people telling you any number of things about what they think you need or what you “should” do. Know that in our sessions, we talk about what you want to talk about and you aren’t locked into anything. You can come for one session, feel it out, and decide whether you want to come back, or not. The decision really is up to you! If you are struggling with some big things or small things that feel big (I know that one all too well, believe me), or you just need someone to talk to, give me a call. You can text too if that’s easier.
Also, please know, you don’t have to do sandplay; I think it’s awesome, but we can just go for a walk or talk or listen to music: it’s your call.
For INDIVIDUALS
Yes, it isn’t just for children. Sandplay is for all of us the way counselling or playing is for everyone. One of the benefits of sandplay is that you don’t have to talk, unless you want to. For many people who have experienced trauma or who struggle to explain what is happening for them, sandplay can be very therapeutic and healing. By immersing ourselves in a world of symbols and play, we are able to access parts of ourselves we didn’t realize or forgot were there. Throughout this process you might notice subtle changes, perhaps you feel increasingly different, like a weight has been lifted. You might find you’re able to be more present in your day to day life - or the things you once used to find difficult or daunting now come with greater ease. Sandplay is a modality that facilitates a re connection with ourselves - who we really are or our soul - in a way we may have never thought possible.
If you’re looking for something different, just curious, or want to live a more conscious life, I invite you to come play in (or on!) the sand!