6 years ago, I came across the work of Bessel Van Der Kolk, pioneer, researcher, and author of the bestselling book “The Body Keeps The Score”. This was a life-changing and career-changing moment for me. As a qualified Educational Psychologist, working in school and community settings for 15 years, I began to explore and research the neuroscience of trauma, and I started to implement what I was learning into my work with the severely traumatized and marginalized communities with whom I was engaging. The impact was profound.

I have since focused intently on learning, researching and studying Trauma, Neuroscience, and Trauma-Informed approaches to Psychotherapy.

And 3 years ago, I opened my private practice.

I have since Certified as a Trauma Therapist through the International Trauma Institute, and more recently, I have trained as a Level 1 IFS Psychotherapist, through the Institute of Internal Family Systems https://ifs-institute.com/ . I have the continued privilege of participating in immersive and intensive training with many of the pioneers in the trauma field, and I will be completing my IFS Level 2 in March 2024. 

My work as a Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist in my private practice is specialized, and my primary focus is on the child/teen/young adult population (ages 9 – 19). The family system is an integral part of the therapeutic journey, and caregivers are encouraged to be a part of the healing work. 

In IFS, presenting symptoms (such as withdrawal, anxiety, self-harm, and substance use) are viewed as system protectors that need attentive healing, rather than pathologies that need repair.

We work with these protectors, and guide the young person in exploring their own internal system – all the parts inside that help them to manage, survive, to cope (without labels, diagnoses, judgment or agenda)