My approach to therapy is guided by your unique needs and informed by my work, education and training alongside my own lived experiences of adversity and resilience. I view my role in our work together as that of a safe, supportive and resourcing facilitator and collaborator. We co-create and share the vision of assessing and understanding your current pain and struggles; what they be may rooted in; how they are manifesting in your life and exploring better ways to cope in the now and to move towards healing and thriving at a pace that is safe and supportive to you.

Together we explore and enrich the areas of your life that already hold a deep knowing, vitality and resourcefulness.

Some of the challenges I work with, are:

Developmental trauma

Toxic stress

Relationship dynamics

Disconnection

Burnout

Guilt & shame

Grief & loss

Abuse 

Family violence

Sexual harm 

Childhood sexual abuse

My approach is: 

Trauma and violence informed

Person-centered

Strengths-based

Body-centered 

Rooted in nervous system regulation, attachment theory and neurobiology 

Culturally sensitive and intersectional 

Eclectic

Some clinical modalities that inform my practice are: 

Narrative Therapy

Mindfulness and Self-compassion

Attachment Theory

Brief Solution Focused Therapy 

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Eco-therapy 

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy 

Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY)

It takes courage to reach out for support, and disclose some of our life’s painful and intimate details. I know this, as I’ve had my own encounters with helping professionals in different counselling settings, some very helpful, others not so much. As you are open to build trust and vulnerability with me, it may also be helpful that I share some bits and parts about who I am, in some important domains of relational living.

Physical - I am drawn to gentle, nourishing movement; yin, yoga nidra or a restorative practice are my go to’s. I am learning more about foraging, growing my own food and enjoy playing with fresh ingredients and fun recipes, I find cooking highly therapeutic and it’s one way I show love and appreciation to those around me.

Mental - I am always seeking knowledge and new ways of learning, being and doing. I am fascinated by the stories we carry and the meanings we ascribe to them. I usually have 3 books on the go, and while I love being around others, I just as much crave and need time of solitude.

Emotional & Social - I love the calming presence of a good friend, laughter, a beautiful view and new beginnings. I deeply value having a sense of community and belonging, wherever I may find myself.

Spiritual - I connect deeply with nature, I enjoy forest bathing walks, silent retreats and practice both formal and informal mindfulness in my daily life. I feel most centered and grounded by the ocean or in an old growth forest at dusk or dawn.

Cultural & Historical - I was born and raised in Romania for the first 10 years of my life. I moved to Toronto, Canada with my mother and lived there for the next 20 years and then took off to work and live in New Zealand for the past 4 years or so. I come from a communal culture, was raised by a single mother and have experienced being uprooted at different times throughout my life. I believe home is always within me and part of my home is my partner of 15 years.