ABOUT ME
Education: I hold an undergraduate honors degree (B.A.) in Psychology and a graduate degree (M.A.) in Counselling Psychology. My graduate training involved two years of course
work, practice, and supervision at McGill University. My full-year therapy internship was completed at The Argyle Institute of Human Relations in Montreal, where I was trained in psychodynamic
psychotherapy. In 2006, I attended a seminar course on Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy from Dr. Leigh McCullough of Harvard
University. Since completing my graduate training, I have made ongoing efforts to sharpen my clinical skills and effectiveness. From 2007, through to the present, I have received weekly training and supervision from
Dr. Allan Abbass through Dalhousie University’s Centre for Emotions and Health (www.istdp.ca).
Theoretical Orientation: My therapeutic approach is integrative and combines principles from psychodynamic and emotion-focused therapies. An increasing amount of research and clinical experience support methods of treatment that emphasize the necessity of being more emotionally aware and experiencing and expressing a wide range and balance of healthy emotions. From this framework, and within the safe environment of the therapy room, I work with my clients to promote meaningful change. In my work with couples, I draw from an approach modeled after, or similar to, Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT). A significant amount of my current practice involves working with individuals diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In these cases, I tend to work within a cognitive-behavioral framework using graded emotional exposure and anxiety-regulating techniques.
Professional: Since 2008, I have enjoyed my position as part-time psychology professor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. I offer therapy and assessment services at Cornerstone Psychological Services in Halifax. Please check our website for more information: www.cornerstoneclinic.ca