More about Me

My journey to becoming a counselor has been shaped by a wide range of experiences, from my early fascination with biology, psychology and philosophy to my work as a teacher and my spiritual quests. These diverse paths have given me a broad perspective on life and human potential.

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My Approach to Therapy

It is my experience that the mind and body are deeply connected, and lasting change in one requires change in the other. Therefore, I employ an integrated and holistic approach that addresses mind, body, emotion, and spirit. Any aspect can be a starting point, and all are part of the journey.

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In addition to my experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am a certified practitioner of Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP). IBP is a unique methodology that integrates cognitive, psychotherapeutic, gestalt, transpersonal, and body-oriented approaches to therapy.

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Mindfulness and awareness practices and training are another important component of my approach as focus and awareness are powerful and necessary tools for healing and transformation.

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My practice also includes extensive training and experience working with trauma in children and adults. I use a variety of approaches, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is particularly effective for treating trauma, PTSD, and phobias, as well as a wide range of other applications. I am also trained in Flash therapy, an adaptation of EMDR, which helps to gently change trauma memories.

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An additional somatic modality that I employ is TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises) which employs the body’s natural stress release mechanisms.

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Professional Experience

My counseling experience spans multiple settings and client groups over more than 20 years:

• Counselling children and teens in elementary and secondary schools.

• Facilitating anger management groups for men.

• Serving as an Employee Assistance Program counsellor.

• Working with adolescents and adults in private practice.

 

Personal Therapy

I believe that a counselor must understand what it's like to be a client and must do their own internal work. My training as an IBP practitioner included over 100 hours of personal therapy, and I've continued with my own therapy periodically. Along with my daily practices of meditation and Qigong, this has helped me to continuously deepen my self-awareness and broaden my ability to connect with others.

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Life and Work Experience

Before my counseling career, I worked as a teacher for elementary, secondary, and adult students, including in two First Nations communities. My diverse work history also includes being a tree planter, commercial fisherman, rancher, and construction worker. I have traveled extensively to many parts of the world, including India, Nepal, Europe, and South America. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor sports like skiing, canoeing, hiking, climbing, running, horseback riding, and biking.

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Meditation and Mindfulness

For over thirty years, I have studied and practiced various forms of meditation, and I spent a year in a monastic community in Thailand with a Buddhist teacher where I also ordained as a Buddhist monk for a short time. My book, Falling Awake, further explains my philosophy and approach, and includes exercises for personal growth and healing.

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Getting Started

For more specific information about my philosophy and methods, please browse the articles and topics on this website.

 

If you would like to start counselling, or to request a 15 minute free discussion, please send me a note via the form below.

 

Life is a journey and an adventure, and I wish you well on your path, wherever it may take you.