Welcome to Thrive Counselling and Psychotherapy

I am professionally qualified with a PhD in Psychology (University of Aberdeen, UK), and along with postgraduate internship in Adult Psychiatry, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychoanalytic Studies. I also possess HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration as a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in the UK; In Canada, I am registered with the Canadian Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. Over 20 years of experience in hospitals, outpatient clinics,  in community, alcohol & drug, and social service agencies, in private practice, as well as in higher learning and teaching, enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. As a caring, well-seasoned and empathic mental health professional, I provide an integrated model of counselling/psychotherapy that includes existential, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and  person-centred models of care. Modalities include in-person (when possible), e-mail/text, as well as online/Skype sessions. 

My focus is to help individuals gain insight into their inner strengths, to identify options, to gain confidence in problem-solving, to heal and to grow.  This is achieved by providing the safety of a supportive therapeutic relationship, to earn your trust through the provision of guidance and support, whether that is online or in-person. The aim is one of providing careful listening and presence; in this way, your concerns will be put into a new perspective that assists you  in problem-solving and developing solution-focused plans. Ultimately, this approach serves to validate your person, to support your efforts, and to stretch & develop your personal resources. 

Thrive Counselling, Psychotherapy and Mental Health Consulting promises to be there for you on every step of your journey. The goal of existential  and psychodynamic psychotherapy is to assist in your recovery and personal growth; to reduce emotional suffering and to help you better understand the role of personal challenges in developing the strength and resilience required of confident living in the 21st century.  My purpose is to  encourage  your self-determination and confidence; to assist in your ability to thrive in  emotional, psychological and goal-oriented ways. 

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions  experienced at times of challenge, stress and insecurity. Through counselling and psychotherapy,  you are encouraged to develop the skills and confidence to help you recover motivation, perspective, and the joy that you once had in your life. 

Historic challenges (even traumas) can fuel the fears, worries, and stress symptoms commonly associated with emotional distress. This is often accompanied by self-doubts,  troubled symptoms and behaviours that minimize life progress and sometimes sabotage success, confidence, and fulfillment. Unmanageable anxiety, fear, and hopelessness can sometimes  linger for long periods after troubling/traumatic events. It is entirely possible for you to reduce these symptoms; counselling therapy can assist you in developing a more solid sense of self, one that is more skilled and confident in problem-solving and establishing reasonable life goals. 

Individuals often bring their relationship challenges into the counselling forum. By having the freedom to express your hurts and resentments, by gaining an impartial third-party perspective, and by receiving assistance in identifying personal strengths, life options, and communication strategies, you may come to feel more confident in engaging with your partner in a new way, in preparing for the eventuality of couples' counselling, and in sharpening your awareness of self within partner relationships.