It takes courage to get started.
If you are reading this, let’s begin by acknowledging the bravery it takes to seek support. It is not easy to open up and share your vulnerabilities.
So, thank you for placing your trust in me as your therapist. I sincerely appreciate it. In the therapy room, I strive to create a genuine, warm, and non-judgmental space where you can control your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
I practice from the belief that collaboration and respect are powerful in building a solid therapeutic relationship.
Your unique perspective, needs, concerns, and goals will be listened to, as they deserve a space to be heard.
The process of beginning therapy involves a few simple steps.
It starts with an initial consultation, either over the phone or in person, where we can discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and get to know each other better.
If we decide to move forward, an intake session will allow us to gather more detailed information about your background, current challenges, and goals.
From there, we will schedule regular therapy sessions, typically on a weekly basis, to begin to work through the areas you want to address.
Everyone’s therapy experience is different, plain and simple.
Our experiences in therapy differ because our life experiences are unique, and you deserve to have your needs tailored to you and your goals. We will collaboratively identify the areas you would like to explore and perhaps discover some aspects you may be unaware of.
Together, we will uncover patterns, gain insights into your emotions and behaviours, and develop strategies for coping and growth. I incorporate evidence-based modalities and therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and more, depending on what aligns best with your needs.
I am here to guide, support and help you develop tools outside of session.
Therapy is not just about sessions; it’s about finding that piece of yourself that brought you this far, empowering it, and building what you learn in everyday life.
If you have read this far, something has pulled you to keep reading, which tells me you may be struggling with ith persistent emotional challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing difficulties in various areas of your life.
It is never too early or too late to seek support and gain insight into your experiences. Therapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate life’s ups and downs, promote personal growth, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being.
How I got started in therapy.
Being a therapist is one of my most treasured and gratifying experiences. Initially, I didn’t have a clear-cut path; I arrived at this profession by exploring many different experiences.
The education system and I were not friends; I struggled with the traditional classroom setting as I was not a “sit still” type of learner; I needed space and room to learn by doing or, as my one teacher commented, “Nicole is either talking or sleeping in class” (fitting that I am now a therapist, lol) I am a somatic learner I need to talk it out, attempt it and apply it.
Focusing on my strengths allowed me to seek opportunities that leveraged my skills and used them to my advantage. Some strengths came naturally, and some were developed through experience and practice.
My background
I hold a Masters’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Child and Youth Care degree from the University of Victoria and a diploma in Early childhood education from Assiniboine Community College.
In addition to my formal education, I regularly engage in professional development and continuing education to stay informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and ensuring that my practice aligns with the current standards and best practices in the field.
When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me with my dogs, exploring what the area has to offers (I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks).
My own mental health and well-being are vital to me, and I commit myself to regular physical activity, well-being activities and self-care appointments (I love a good facial or yoga session). But let’s not joke ourselves. I love a good cappuccino, croissant and climbing into bed early to Netflix binge some reality tv. I am just as human as everyone else!
That’s important to remember. Social media skews our view of life; it doesn’t need to be done here too!
I know from experience of sitting in the other chair; the first session can feel daunting. If you have read this over and something feels right, I recommend you reach out.
Please feel free to book a time to chat with me below, and I can’t wait to start working with you.
