SERVICES

Evidence-Based Care, Tailored to You

With over 23 years of clinical experience, I offer psychological care tailored to the unique challenges faced by first responders, veterans, and others exposed to trauma. My approach is calm, patient, compassionate, and direct, grounded in proven treatments and built around your individual needs and goals.

I support individuals through the process of developing skills to address their issues and decrease their symptoms. I take the time to develop treatment plans that are tailored to the specific and personal needs of each individual. It is important to create strong rapport with individuals so that they feel understood and to help them reach their goals.

I use evidence-based psychological treatment modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Theory (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Exposure Therapy as well as mindfulness, relaxation and motivational strategies.

Each service is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re seeking treatment, an assessment, or training for your organization.

Psychological Treatment Approaches

Personalized therapy grounded in proven approaches, within a safe space where you can openly share your experiences without judgment.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-researched therapeutic approach that has proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse or alcohol misuse. CBT focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in order to develop better coping skills, decrease psychological symptoms, and become more effective and of course feel better. It can be helpful to recognize when thoughts may be misleading us or when they may make us feel overly worried. Sometimes when we are not feeling well we may tend to catastrophize or focus on the negatives. We also may sometimes make assumptions and get lost in “what if” questions. CBT can help us become aware of our automatic and distorted thoughts and how to challenge or alter those thoughts. It may also be helpful in understanding others better and improving our coping when faced with stress or emotional distress.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an evidence based approach that is very effective in addressing PTSD symptoms related to a variety of traumatic events, including for first responders, veterans and others who have been exposed to traumatic events. Traumatic events can alter a person’s thoughts and beliefs, which influence their emotions and behaviours. Certain of these thoughts and beliefs can keep a person stuck and may limit their recovery from the impact of traumatic events. CPT can be helpful in reducing distress related to the memories of the trauma and decreasing feelings of depression, guilt, shame and anxiety. It also is beneficial in reducing irritability and tension while also decreasing avoidance and emotional numbness.

Exposure Therapy

Sometime exposure therapy may be recommended as it can be helpful in addressing a variety of issues such as anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Exposure therapy involves confronting fears that are experienced in response to specific situations, objects or activities rather than trying to avoid them. Avoidance is usually only effective short-term; over the long-term avoidance maintains or worsens the fear/anxiety response. There are different variations of exposure therapy, depending on the trigger and the individual.

Mindfulness & Relaxation Strategies

Exploring relaxation and mindfulness techniques can serve as a supportive tool cultivating calmness and clarity. Mindfulness can occur in either a formal meditation practice or throughout your day-to-day activities. The goal is to stay present, to engage fully with the moment, and to acknowledge any wandering thoughts and gently guide your focus back to the present. Relaxation techniques may help with stress management and promote both physical and psychological relaxation. There are a variety of different types of relations techniques, for example breathing techniques, guided visualization and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).

Psychological Assessments

In-depth assessments to clarify diagnoses, inform care and support claims.

With extensive experience in psychological assessment, I provide evaluations that help individuals, employers, and insurance providers understand the impact of trauma, illness, or stress on cognitive, emotional, and occupational functioning.

Common types of assessments may include:

Psychological/Psychodiagnostic assessments:

I have extensive experience conducting a variety of psychological assessments and I currently provide psychological/diagnostic assessments with a focus on psychological issues, personality, and risk. Psychological/Psychodiagnostic assessments are helpful in understanding an individual's mental health by systematically exploring their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, personality traits and perceptions. These comprehensive assessments are designed to determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder by utilizing a range of techniques, including clinical interviews, questionnaires, and/or standardized tests. Having an accurate understanding of an individual’s diagnosis provides a clear framework for effective treatment planning. Furthermore, these assessments help establish a baseline from which progress can be measured over time.
Rehabilitation-Focused Assessments: These type of evaluations are examining the impact and potential impairment in emotional, cognitive, social, academic, or occupational areas of functioning as a result of trauma, stress, illness, or injury. I have extensive experience in conducting these types of assessments as well as implementing treatment for clients with WSIB, VAC (Blue Cross) and other insurance providers. This includes providing recommendations regarding someone's ability to return to work and if restrictions or accommodations are warranted. For first responders, these recommendations are very specific to their role, e.g. when a paramedic may start their recertification process after having been off or if a police officer will be able to retain or regain their use of force.

Assessments help you, your healthcare team, or your employer understand your needs and make informed decisions.

Workshops & Presentations

Training for Teams & Organizations

I offer workshops and talks for organizations seeking to better understand mental health, trauma, and resilience in the workplace. These can be tailored for health care teams, correctional facilities, colleges, or other groups supporting first responders and frontline workers. My goal is to promote awareness, resilience, and mental health literacy in professional settings.

I have presented for organizations including CAMH, the Salvation Army, Lambton College, the OPP, and the North American Correctional & Criminal Justice Psychology Conference.

Topics include:

Workshops are available in-person or virtually, and can be tailored to your group’s needs.

Services