About | Living Free Psychotherapy

Come along this journey with me....

so you don't have to climb that mountain alone.

"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are."

- J.P. Morgan

Once upon a time....

...there was a person who needed support and didn't know where to turn.

This person was me!

As a survivor of sexual assault, I felt isolated and burdened with the belief that no one would understand, or would judge me if they only knew. Trusting others seemed impossible and risky.

I did whatever I could to avoid the thoughts and the memories, and to take the pain away. I engaged in impulsive and risky behaviors and I blamed myself for what happened.

I was wrong.......

I was not alone

It took me a long time to realize this. I began volunteering at a crisis center and became an advocate for sexual assault survivors. Through this work, I connected with others who felt scared and alone, who had their choice taken from them, and who didn't know where to turn. Many people are struggling with their mental health and past traumas.

Today, I continue to advocate for sexual assault survivors, offering therapeutic support through medical testing, police statements, resource access, and connecting them with appropriate community supports. I am dedicated to helping those dealing with trauma and mental health challenges, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Understanding is subjective

I have to be honest: there are people in this world who won't understand, and that's okay.

The only person who truly needs to understand what happened to you and how your mental health affects you is YOU.

Once you learn how your struggles and experiences have shaped you, you can begin to communicate your needs to others.

While I may not fully understand your situation from your perspective, I can empathize with your pain and be there for you. You don't have to go through this alone. I recognize the profound impact that past traumas, mental health issues, and sexual assault can have on daily life. I understand the pain and the struggle and can help you understand your experience, how to support yourself, and communicate your needs effectively.

There are people you can trust

This may seem like a wild and outrageous statement, especially if you feel it's impossible to trust yourself, let alone anyone else. But trust me, it's possible. It takes some work, but trusting again is possible.

People who have experienced trauma often have an overactive amygdala, the emotional part of our brain that controls the flight, fight, or freeze response. This makes us feel like nowhere is safe, leading to pervasive fear and mistrust. This is a normal trauma response—you are not crazy for feeling this way!

By retraining your brain and learning to activate the prefrontal cortex, where logical decisions are made, you can start to calm your fear response, reduce anxiety, feel safe, and learn to trust again.

How started...

From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world, but I wasn't sure how. I moved from job to job, searching for a way to have a meaningful impact on someone's life.

After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Conflict Resolution, I still felt uncertain about my path. Then I discovered trauma counselling, and everything changed. While working toward my Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP), I became a sexual assault advocate and crisis counsellor. It felt like I had found my calling—to help others find their voice, support them at their lowest, and sit with them in their darkest moments.

Upon graduating, I immediately went into private practice and wanted a name for my practice that outlined exactly what I hoped my clients would gain from treatment. A life free of self-doubt and blame. Free from feeling guilty about situations that were out of their control. Free from feeling alone, isolated, and burdened with the belief that no one understands. And I am proud to say I have created just that....

At Living Free Psychotherapy, my mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where first responders, veterans, police officers, survivors of violence, and individuals experiencing life stressors can have someone safe to talk to. I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, burnout, and family conflicts. My practice offers compassionate, evidence-based care, ensuring that no one has to face these struggles alone. Reach out today and embark on a journey of healing and growth with me.

Step #1:
Book an Intake Session

Schedule an intake session by clicking "Book Now". This will bring you to the Living Free Psychotherapy booking page where you can select a time that works best for you.

The initial appointment is for us to get to know each other, for me to create a treatment plan, and for you to feel heard for the challenges you are experiencing.

Step #2:
Create a Treatment Plan

During your initial appointment I will work with you to decide which treatment plan might be best for you.

Treatment plans are created based on your individual needs and are designed to help guide and support you to meet your therapeutic goals. Treatment plans grow and change throughout therapy as your needs change.

Step #3:
Therapy and Support

Sessions are 50 minutes and frequency is determined by affordability, how much you want to attend, and your treatment goals. Typically, people start with weekly sessions and move to bi-weekly sessions after some progress has been made. However some treatment plans can be multiple times per week if that is something you would like. Nothing is set in stone and you have the option to chose what treatment is best for you.

Step #4:
Termination

Therapy termination is a natural phase in the therapeutic process, marking the point where you've achieved your goals and feel ready to move forward independently. It doesn't signify an end to progress but rather a transition to applying what you've learned in therapy to everyday life. We'll review your progress, discuss any concerns, and create a plan for maintaining your well-being. Remember, therapy can always be revisited if needed, and I'm here to support you in this next chapter of your journey.

"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety."

- Abraham Maslow