My Approach
My approach to therapy is more than mental health support, it incorporates an understanding of how important the body and the brain are to our overall wellbeing. My approach comes from a deep a level curiosity to understand and normalize not only the human mind but how the body and mind interact. My training path has not a typical one and I am so thankful for that.
Long before somatic therapy was a household term I was not only weaving in the body, but also movement, into my therapy practice. I have taken trainings to understand brain-based movements, developmental movements, relational movements, and dance. I apply all of this to how trauma impacts our sense of being in a body and how it can help us heal.
Parts work in an integral way in which I approach the world. In the early 2000s I was given a book about parts work and it changed my world view. About a decade later while training to become a counsellor, I learned about Gestalt therapy, which offered me a therapeutic basis to apply parts work. Since then, I have gone on to understand Internal Family Systems application of parts work.
Ritual and approaches of reverence (non-denominational) are vital to our healing not only as an individual but as a society. Together, we can explore ways of being with the land, the more than human, and ancestry in ways that feel aligned for you. White-bodied folks especially may find a sense of stability that was previously missing in this aspect of therapy.
I have a justice-oriented approach. I will name systems of oppression and normalize adaptive strategies formed to survive these systems. Personally, as a white-bodied person, it is my responsibility to continually dedicate myself to unlearning and learning about systems of oppression and to be and do better. My approach is not shame-based we instead understand the function these dynamics serve so that you can make a more informed choice on how to navigate the world.
It’s hard to explain what a session with me is like, as my diverse skillset means we can meet in various locations. Ultimately, together, we will meet in the place of curiosity to listen and learn from your experiences. We will practice being in relationship with your dreams and your pain. We will move gently with the parts of you that are tender and rally behind your brave vigour. There is a special kind of alchemy that is brought alive when we hold space for your polarities, contradictions, and find congruency with your whole and dynamic self.
Embodiment is more than weaving the body into therapy; it’s an invitation to explore deep, reciprocal relationships that occur within ourselves, with our communities, with land, and the more than human. Through embodiment, we find ourselves returning to the root of our roots, relational intimacy with all that is.
Understanding your unique neurobiology offers insight into your feelings, expressions, and behaviours. This knowledge not only broadens your self-acceptance it also enriches your relationships with others. It paves the way for enhanced compassion and empathy, allowing you to connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level. You will learn practices and resources that support and nurture you.
Imagination inherently fosters creative processes, yet these aspects are frequently overlooked and undervalued in therapy. When clients are encouraged to express and follow their imaginal realms, they often uncover significant paths towards wholeness and healing. The images, instincts, sensations, emotions, and narratives that emerge create a map for us to explore. This practice also supports embodied sovereignty.
Tier-based Pricing
Considerations (please read)
Considerations:
Finances, especially in our society, are a nuanced and complex consideration. I believe we should regularly dialogue and check in around which tier currently works, As your financial situation shifts, rates can be re-assessed. Frequency of sessions is another aspect for consideration.
For a tier-based system to work, it relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect for complexity and accountability. I will never ask for income verification. I trust you to be honest.
Therapy is an investment in you, and it’s important to discern the difference between a sacrifice and hardship.
Sacrifice: You may find that, financially, you’re required to prioritize therapy and cut back on spending in other areas of your life, if there is no detrimental impact on your life, then you would consider the middle or high tier.
Hardship: If paying for therapy would lead to a harmful impact on your life, not being able to put food on the table or pay for transportation then you’re dealing with hardship and would utilize the lower tier that is supported by the higher tier.
This tier structure was inspired and directly informed by the work of Alexis J. Cunningfolk.
Higher Tier - $185
You might consider paying the higher cost if:
- Have employee health insurance and/or other employer benefits
- Comfortably meet your basic needs*
- Have some debt but it does not prohibit you from attainment of basic needs
- Have investments, retirement accounts or have inherited money
- Have a financially secured position or work part time by choice
- Have expendable income
- Can always buy new items
- Can afford an annual vacation or take time off
Paying the higher tier supports folks paying the lower tier.
Middle Tier - $165
You might consider paying the middle cost if you:
- Stress about meeting your basic needs (eg: food, shelter, childcare) but still regularly achieve them
- Have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
- Have employment or access to financial savings
- Have some expendable income
- Are able to buy some new items and thrift others
- Can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden
Lower Tier - $140
You might consider paying the lower end if you:
- Are frequently stressed about meeting your basic needs
- Rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing
- Have been denied work based on others’ biases (e.g., racial, gender, sexuality, culture, ability, etc.)
- Qualify for government assistance
- Don’t have access to savings
- Have limited expendable income
- Rarely buy new items because you are unable to afford them
- Cannot afford or have the ability to take time off without financial burden