I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers + Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) in good standing since 2005 + a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

My passion has been to support neuro diverse (ND) + neuro typical (NT) individuals, couples + their families throughout my career as a Social Worker. I have more than five years of experience working in the field of autism through respite, counselling individuals, couples + groups.

My work experience includes a client population in ADHD + autism services, long term care + hospital setting.

My focus is on providing a comprehensive assessment and collaborative goal setting within a compassion-focussed and trauma awareness lens. Tools include: mindfulness and values-led therapy and exercises, cognitive behavioural therapy + solution - focused therapeutic modality clinical lens for adults, caregivers, couples + families.

Advocacy + case management are also components of the support I provide.

Working through the Covid-19 pandemic as a hospital Social Worker in four acute care facilities has afforded me a rich + diverse understanding of the resilience of humanity. Resourcefulness + community connections have been paramount through this time.

Bachelor of Arts degree - The University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada: Psychology major + Social Development Studies minor

Masters of Social Work degree - Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada

Specialized training - Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA): techniques to support individuals with dementia using a person-centred approach

Pallium - LEAP palliative care core; Serious

Illness Conversations

Therapeutic Models of Mindfulness Certificate - Wilfrid Laurier University

Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy - Jim Duvall / Hincks- Dellcrest Centre

Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health Commission of Canada

Life provides regular transitions that create disruptions between expectations + reality. The stress experienced is as a result of the perceived challenge trying to understand + organize the next steps required to move forward. Often our feelings, thoughts + past experiences with navigating problems may complicate this + additional support is required.

Cognitive flexibility refers to our ability to adapt and shift our thought patterns to respond rather than react to situations.

Balance Counselling Guelph will provide a supportive structured environment to safely explore options toward enhancing flexibility + developing the balance you + your family desire.

My therapeutic approach involves a person-centred, strength-focussed, anti-oppressive framework with a trauma-informed lens + mindfulness techniques.

I operate from a flexible wholistic approach + integrate a variety of modalities when clinically appropriate.

Compassion, patience + presence are essential + provided.

You are invited to connect with me via telephone for a free 15-minute consultation to establish understanding of our fit + clarify your goals or ask questions.

My fee is $160 for individuals + $200 for couples. This includes a 60-minute session comprised of 50-minutes of counselling + 10 minutes for re-booking, payment + notes.

Payment is required via e-transfer prior-to or at the time of your session. I am unable to direct bill to insurance companies at this time.

I provide a receipt that can be used for submission to Extended Health Benefit coverage. Many insurance companies provide coverage for MSW services - please consult your coverage booklet.

Counselling sessions are offered virtually via telephone or video, as well as some evening + weekend in-person availability.

Contact me via email or telephone to schedule an appointment.

E: counsellingbalance@outlook.com

P: 226.806.1699

Address: Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Unit 127 - 5420 ON- 6, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2