Qualifications

Training

I am primarily an Emotion-Focused Therapist. My foundational training is in Gestalt Therapy with additional training in Experiential Psychotherapy.

I also hold a Master's Degree in Adult Education and Counselling from the University of Toronto, (OISE).

After my degrees, I took further training in Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy at York University and The Ottawa Couples and Family Institute.  I am now an Advanced Practitioner of Emotion-Focused Couple's Therapy.  I hope to complete my certification in the next year.

In have also completed basic training in TIR (Traumatic Incident Reduction) under the instruction and supervision of Margaret Nelson.

I am a full, Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists.

Experience

I started out, more than thirty years ago, working in a community-based employment program helping ex-psychiatric patients return to the workforce after a hospitalization. It was my job to assess, prepare, place them into competitive jobs.

After about four years of this, I took time out to pursue the dream of becoming a professional cook. For then next five years, I worked as a chef in several small restaurants, eventually ending up, once again, working with ex-psychiatric patients in a small restaurant which doubled as a rehabilitation facility.

I returned to community-base employment counselling, working as a senior counsellor, and eventually, as the Executive Director of Parachute Community Employment Centre. Later, under the auspices of the University of Waterloo, and the Counselling Foundation of Canada, I researched and wrote two books on the practice of Community-Based Employment Counselling, which at the time became the textbooks used by all Youth Employment Programs in Ontario.

While writing my books, I made ends meet by working as an associate of Archer/Henderson Human Resource Consultants. It was my task to design and facilitate innovative workshops on a wide variety of issues related to human resource management and development.

Practice

Good mental health is dependent upon a healthy body and spirit. I participate in a number of activities which help alleviate stress and promote physical fitness and confidence.

I practice T'ai Chi, Yoga and Pilates and was the founder and teacher/facilitator of Rainbow T'ai Chi.  I am also active in the dance world, dancing Argentine Tango and Salsa at the advanced level as well as being the founder of Rainbow Ballroom Community Dance Club.  I have produced two documentary films, one on Argentine Tango and the other on Mental Health issues.

I regularly practice meditation and use other mind-body awareness techniques for stress relief and to enhance insight. I also teach these techniques to my clients when relevant.