I am a Registered Psychotherapist and have been actively practicing as a counsellor/psychotherapist in the GTA since 2006. During that time I have specialized in the treatment of addictive behaviours and mild to moderate mood issues. I have also been a full-time post-secondary teacher in the area of addictions and mental health treatment since 2011.
I obtained my Master’s of Education degree from University of Toronto/OISE in 2010, specializing in Counselling Psychology for Community and Educational Settings. Prior to this, I completed a College Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counselling from Durham College in 2006. I have also completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Trent University in 2001. In addition to this, I completed an ‘Advanced Skills Certificate in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy’ through the University of Toronto in 2014.
Prior to my current work in private practice and as a college professor, I worked for several years as an Addictions Counsellor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [CAMH] in Toronto, working in the Day Treatment/Outpatient programs and the Residential/In-patient program. While the focus of treatment in both programs was on reducing or eliminating addictive behaviours, effective treatment also included approaches that effectively address depression, anger and anxiety. I was also the national coordinator and a peer counsellor for a telephone counselling service for English speakers living in Japan while living and working in Japan between 2002 and 2005.
In addition to my private counselling/psychotherapy practice, I am currently a full-time college professor and program coordinator for the the Addictions and Mental Health [ADMH] Graduate Certificate program at Durham College. I developed and teach a number of courses in the program focusing on contemporary theories and clinical treatment of addiction and mood disorders, which allows me to stay current in research and best practices. In the past, I have provided professional assessment and counselling services for the students at both Durham College and UOIT with the Student Health Centre.
