How I Work
As a couples, marriage, and relationship counsellor, my goal is to help you break free from the patterns that are stopping you from achieving true intimacy in your relationships. I help you to uncover and get clear on your relationship goals, and the kind of life you want for yourself.
I meet you where you’re at without judgement, counselling individuals and couples in South Delta, White Rock, Richmond, South Surrey and Langley, in all kinds of relationships and at all life stages: whether you’ve just ended a relationship, are just beginning one, are raising children together, or facing an empty nest.
You are the expert on your life and my role is to serve as an experienced guide and observer, providing feedback on the patterns that I see and helping you to get unstuck – so that you can move past your usual roadblocks and begin to make real progress.
I help you get clear on your relationship goals and the kind of life you want
I create a safe space, focus on the issues, and help you move forward
My approach is warm, empathetic, and genuine, and our counselling sessions are a safe place to build trust with me, and with your partner. During couples counselling, I ensure that there is space for each partner to be heard and understood. I know how to manage a charged environment with the potential for conflict in a way that ensures we stay on track and avoid patterns that end in deadlock or blame. And I am a skilled, respectful, and gentle explorer of family of origin issues and past trauma.
At the same time, I am a clear, direct communicator who stays focused and on track during sessions, so that we can quickly identify problems, establish what needs to be done, and move forward. As part of that, I hold you accountable to yourself for your choices, and to the reasons you gave me for coming to counselling.
Relationships are at the core of who we are and who we would like to become. I want you to feel hopeful at the end of our sessions, and I work towards the kind of real change and progress that will motivate you to continue creating the life and relationships you want.
Therapy methods and tools
The Bader-Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Therapy:
Relational Life Therapy:
Relational Life Therapy supports people in gaining the confidence and ability to break free from cultural roles and social myths that may be causing them to hide their true nature, inner desires and beliefs, or wear a “mask”.
Balance and equality are the ideals at the heart of this therapeutic approach that celebrates the true nature of each partner and the role that each of you plays within the relationship. It makes room for you to freely express yourself without fear of blame, anger, retaliation, or condemnation.
Person-centered Approach to Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Gestalt Therapy:
Gestalt Therapy helps you, or you and your partner, focus on the “here and now” as you work to improve your relationship patterns. It helps you be more aware in the moment of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Increased awareness helps you recognize what you need, articulate it to your partner, and change the negative patterns and faulty assumptions that are holding you back. Gestalt Therapy helps you and your partner become more whole as individuals so that you can have a better relationship.
Ready to build a BETTER LOVE?
If you are ready to move beyond your relationship problems and create a better love, I offer both in-person and online counselling services, with offices in Ladner and White Rock, BC. Clients come to me from Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta, South Surrey, Richmond, and Langley – and meet me online from anywhere.
Appointment lengths and rates are shown in the first step of the online booking process.