Areas of Focus

Everyone’s challenges look a little different. I work with adults who want to manage difficult emotions more effectively, find steadier ways to cope, and develop a more compassionate, supportive relationship with themselves. My approach is evidence-based and collaborative, grounded in respect for each person’s goals and experiences.

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Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety can show up as persistent worry, tension, or a sense of being on alert, even when nothing seems immediately wrong. It can also involve physical sensations such as restlessness, muscle tension, or disrupted sleep. Over time, these responses can become automatic and exhausting. Therapy offers a structured space to understand the patterns that maintain anxiety and to develop practical ways of responding differently to thoughts, emotions, and physical cues. The work focuses on increasing awareness, flexibility, and confidence in managing stress and uncertainty.

Mood and Depression

Depression affects thoughts, motivation, and energy, often making daily life feel heavy or disconnected. It can involve self-criticism, loss of interest, or a sense of emotional disconnection. Therapy provides space to notice and work with patterns in thinking and behaviour that contribute to low mood, while developing ways to respond with greater flexibility and self-understanding. Together, we focus on practical strategies that support engagement in meaningful activities and movement toward personal values and goals.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Concerns about body image and self-esteem often develop gradually through years of exposure to appearance ideals, social comparison, or messages about worth and achievement. These experiences can shape how people view their bodies and influence confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. Therapy provides a space to examine these influences with curiosity rather than judgment and to understand how they have affected both body image and broader self-worth. The work focuses on developing more balanced and compassionate ways of relating to your body and yourself, reducing the impact of self-critical thoughts, and strengthening a sense of confidence and value that is not defined by appearance.

Relationship with Food and Eating Patterns

Difficulties in one’s relationship with food and eating can arise from many sources, including physiological factors, stress, emotional regulation, and efforts to control weight or shape. Over time, patterns such as restriction, overeating, or emotional eating can become automatic and distressing. Therapy offers structured support for understanding the thoughts, emotions, and environmental cues that drive these patterns, and for building a more attuned, balanced approach to eating. The focus is on reconnecting with internal signals of hunger and fullness, decreasing guilt and rigidity around food, and supporting behaviours that align with health, enjoyment, and personal values.

Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties

Sleep difficulties are common and can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and behavioural factors. Over time, changes in stress levels, routines, or the association between bed and wakefulness can disrupt sleep patterns and make rest harder to achieve. Therapy provides a structured approach to identifying the thoughts, emotions, and habits that maintain sleep disturbance, and to applying evidence-based strategies that promote more consistent and restorative sleep. The work often includes examining conditioned arousal, refining sleep routines, and developing realistic expectations and coping strategies for periods of poor sleep.

Smoking and Vaping Cessation

Tobacco and nicotine use involve both physical dependence and learned behavioural patterns that can become linked to stress, emotion, or daily routines. Whether the goal is to quit smoking or vaping, therapy offers structured support for understanding the role nicotine plays in coping and daily life. The work focuses on identifying triggers, strengthening skills for managing cravings and difficult emotions, and planning for relapse prevention. Therapy also supports building motivation for sustained change in a way that reflects your personal goals, health, and values.

If you are ready to explore therapy for any of these areas, I offer in-person sessions in Thunder Bay, as well as virtual therapy for clients located in Thunder Bay and across Ontario. You can contact me here to learn more, or book an appointment here to get started.