ABOUT ME

PSYCHOLOGY HONORS  AND A DIPLOMA IN INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING 

I provide an integrative approach to therapy, blending different therapeutic methods to best support my clients. As an Integrative Therapist, I recognize that each client is unique, so it is important to assess whether we are a good fit to work together. Additionally, I offer trauma-informed therapy, taking into account the impact of trauma on an individual's well-being and coping mechanisms. Unlike traditional medicine, trauma-informed treatment integrates an understanding of trauma into every aspect of therapy while prioritizing client safety.

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APSATS-CCPS - Certified Clinical Partner Specialist:  I am a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS), trained and certified through APSATS to provide unwavering support to partners in committed relationships or marriages with spouses who struggle with compulsive or addiction use of pornography or who have been traumatized by betrayal. APSATS confidently recognizes sexual addiction as a process addiction, distinct from substance abuse addictions. APSATS firmly believes that partners were unaware of the sex addict's betrayal and did not enable the sexual addiction. Furthermore, APSATS boldly rejects the notion of partners of sex addicts being labelled as "codependents" or "co-addicts."

 

APSATS MPTM - The Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model: APSATS developed the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (MPTM) to help partners and individuals with addictive behaviours. This model offers a new perspective on how partners and addicts are viewed in the relationship. I studied under Dr. Barbara Steffens, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, who conducted groundbreaking research on the trauma experienced by partners of sex addicts. Her research introduced the partner-trauma model to the counselling field and transformed our understanding of the impact of intimate betrayal. According to Steffens, 69% of partners of sex addicts met all criteria for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, except for Criteria A1 regarding life-threatening circumstances.

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ERCEM—Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model: I trained under Coach Carol, the founder of the Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model. This model enables me to support couples through recovery from betrayal, using empathy as a foundational element in couples therapy.

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BRAIN-SPOTTING - Certified Practitioner: Brainspotting is a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. One study found that more trauma survivors (59%) experienced symptom reduction with Brainspotting compared to EMDR (31%) ¹. Additionally, it can help repair connections for those with attachment injuries from early trauma or relationship violation.

 

BRAIN-SPOTTING for Addictions: I have received training in Brainspotting for Addictions with Dr. Roby Abeles. Brainspotting and Deep Brain Reorientation provide techniques to address underlying trauma that leads to specific thoughts and behaviours. Dr Abeles' methods help individuals in recovery from active addiction move towards increased safety and away from the painful states that make it difficult to break the addiction.

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LIFE MODEL TRAINING: The Life Model focuses on developing human maturity, which involves reaching one's full potential by maximizing skills and talents. It requires transitioning through different stages of neurological development from infancy to eldership, with each stage necessitating the acquisition of specific skills. The model complements Erik Erikson's stages of development and uses simplified language applicable across cultures. Dr. Jim Wilder's contributions enhance the understanding of self-transformation.

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GOTTMAN COUPLES TRAINING

I am trained to provide a research-based roadmap for helping couples manage their conflicts with compassion, deepen their friendship and intimacy, and share their life purpose and dreams based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. I offer research-based strategies and tools to help couples successfully manage conflict. I can help couples gain skills to empower partners to discuss their most challenging issues by understanding their underlying dreams, history, and values. Additionally, I can provide tools to help couples process fights and heal their hurts and techniques for partners to deepen their intimacy and minimize relapse.

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GOTTMAN COUPLES, ADDICTION AND RECOVERY FROM AFFAIRS

I completed the Couples and Addiction Recovery and Recovery from Affairs courses offered by Gottman. This training allows me to help couples who are in recovery from process addictions, with a specific focus on dealing with the impact of porn use on their committed relationship. The course draws from addiction treatment, mental health, and couples counselling and incorporates the latest research findings along with insights from clinical practice.

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DEEP RELEASE TRAININGS under Pauline Andrew, the founder of Deep Release

I have done numerous CPD courses through DEEP RELEASE TRAINING to enable me to assist clients in their healing journey through creative interventions and to bring creativity into my practice powerfully. I have done the following courses:

• Working Creatively with Nesting Dolls in Counselling

• Working Creatively with Blocked Anger

• Working Creatively with the Inner Child in Counselling

• Working online with Therapeutic Sandscapes – Sand Tray Work

• Disordered Eating and Attachment Training

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​​​SAFE SPACE - Supporting Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

I worked at Safe Space and received extensive training. Safe Space provided me access to a wide range of trauma training, with an annual CPD Programme including in-person workshops and online world-class therapists. I have done the following training:

• Dissociation/Self-Injury/Eating Distress

• Insidious impact/Vicarious Trauma

• Shame; Dysregulation; Sensimotor Psychotherapy.

• DID – dissociative identity disorder

 

​CERTIFICATES IN THE FOLLOWING

o   Peter Levine: Addressing the Emotional Roots of Physical Pain 

o   Peter Levine: Trauma and expressive arts therapy: going beyond words 

o   Working with What the Body Knows: Introduction to Somatic Peter Levine: Working with What the Body Knows: Introduction to Somatic Experiencing​

 

NICABM TRAINING – NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE. 

• Porges: Polyvagal Theory Can Revolutionize Your Work with Trauma = Survivors

• Treating Trauma Master Series

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SPIRITUAL DIRECTION CERTIFIED

Spiritual direction is all about being there for people as they seek to deepen their relationship with God or a better understanding of God and to grow in their spirituality. When someone seeks direction, they share their experiences of God or their journey toward a spiritually attuned life. I will listen carefully and ask questions to help the person reflect and grow spiritually. Proponents of spiritual direction believe it fosters a deeper connection to the spiritual side of being human, and it's important to note that it's not a form of psychotherapy or counselling.