I am a registered social worker with 20 years of clinical experience specializing with adolescents, emerging adults, parents and families in a variety of addiction and mental health settings. I value client centered care and strive to respectfully and compassionately meet clients where they are on their journey. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities such as ACT, DBT, mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing to help clients build on existing strength and resiliency.

I value collaborative partnerships where I act as a guide, rather than an expert, and engage in conversations where I respectfully help clients identify what may be holding them back. I help individuals to more effectively identify and cope with challenging thoughts, feelings and emotions while connecting with the values that make life more meaningful. Therapy doesn’t always have to be serious or be limited to an office, and I am happy to incorporate music, art and the outdoors to help clients feel more comfortable and express themselves.

I practice with an anti-oppressive framework and I acknowledge how identities such as race, gender, sexual identity and economic background impact the lived realities of clients. I recognize that my ability to do this kind of work is largely based on my own privilege as a white male settler.

I have worked with youth and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings across Canada. I began my counseling career working with Vancouver’s Odyssey Program, one of Canada’s first youth focused harm reduction addiction programs. While working at The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, I focused on supporting those struggling with psychosis and concurrent disorders. Most recently I have been providing therapy to children, youth and families with mental health and addiction challenges at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I received my Bachelors of Social Work in 2001 from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick and my Masters of Social Work in 2013 from Ryerson University in Toronto.

I like collecting old dusty soul records; swimming in the ocean; sitting around a campfire; basketball; listening to the wisdom of my two young kids; and not taking myself too seriously.

Qualifications: 20+ years of practice

Postgraduate Studies: MSW, Ryerson University

Client Focus: Young adults/Adolescents/teens Parents Adults

Specialties: Substance abuse Concurrent Disorders Anxiety Anger Parent support Trauma

Treatment Orientation: ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Motivational Interviewing

Languages: English

Favorite Quote:

“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth”- Unknown

I am a registered social worker with 20 years of clinical experience specializing with adolescent... Read More