Home of Mainland Counselling Services Vancouver, British Columbia

I have over twenty years combined higher education and work experience in the human behaviour and health care field. I have spent many years studying various aspects of human behaviour. These studies began with a range of educational classes and practical experiences in the areas of general psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental issues (parent-child relations, adults) sociology, ethics, and counselling skill theory and practice. As I gained experience, this education continued and involved further workshops and classes in a wide range of areas including specific topics in the areas of managing illness and disability, health care, counselling theories and skills, communication, conflict resolution, mental health, substance use, and a host of important studies related to understanding human behaviour and relationships.

In 2001, As I pursued more advanced training at the Master's level, my studies became more specific in the areas of substance use, mediation, health care and Social Work theories, research, family therapy, and individual and couple counselling. These studies included work experience at a British Columbia private substance abuse treatment centre. My reseach focus involved Alcohol Addiction: Historical and Current Trends in the Therapeutic Relationship Between Clients and Helping Professionals. I also receive regular workshop training in a wide range of health and mental health topics.

1988 -1992 >Bachelor of Social Work, University of British Columbia

2001- 2004 >Master of Social Work, University of British Columbia

Since 1992, I have been providing hospital social work services to people with physical and mental illness. This work includes counselling individuals, couples and families who are managing crises, life changing events, the psychological and emotional impact of a diagnosis, and adaptation to the impact of illness.

Since my master's level training in 2004, I have been providing this assistance to people who are receiving treatment for depression, anxiety and panic disorders, bi--polar illness, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and alcohol and drug addiction. Much of my work involves helping individuals and families cope with stress, illness, emotions, and relationships; I provide strategies to manage crises and I help them increase their quality of life.

This education and work has paved the way for my interest in working with individuals, couples and families in my private counselling practice setting since 2003. My work with people in crises has provided invaluable experience helping people identify their concerns and obstacles, assessing their needs, organizing their goals and priorities, and providing ideas and tools to move forward in their lives. This work includes helping people with their relationships and providing a forum for growth and obtaining peace in their lives. I work with many couples who are trying to improve their relationships or work through challenges in their lives.

A negative thought has the strong ability to make a positive experience less fulfulling; Positive thoughts, on the other hand, can serve as a vehicle to feeling good even after difficult events.

One of the five basic sets of human needs is love and belonging. This drive creates great opportunities no matter where you came from.

Knowing more about what drives our behaviour gives us great insight into why we do something over and over again even if it self-destructive.

A cornerstone to self-improvement is to surround oneself with others who have hope and belief even in our worst moments.

* Phone counselling is not appropriate for people who are considering hurting themselves (suicidal) or others. We strongly recommend that if you have these thoughts, you see a local physician or to immediately go to your local hospital for mental health treatment.