Who Am I?

Academic Training

I am a descendant of mixed lineages, including people who were settlers from Scotland, Ireland, and England. Understanding my lineages - the beautiful parts of these cultures, as well as the ill parts, including enacting colonization on the Indigenous people’s of what has become Canada, has influenced the path’s I walk, in the hopes of doing my part in the history of helping people repair intergenerational trauma, and seeking truth and reconciliation.

I earned a Masters of Counselling Degree in Counselling Psychology through Athabasca University in 2018. This program gave me the foundational knowledge to practice psychotherapy. My primary focus of research within the program was related to disordered eating and exercise, through a lens of gender and anti-oppression.

I earned an Advanced Diploma in Fitness and Lifestyle Management in 2011 through George Brown College. This education, as well as 10 years in my previous career working in athletic and rehabilitation training has influenced my therapeutic approaches, in that I recognize health has various and complex meanings. I also recognize the extensive problems, discrimination and harm caused within the “wellness” industry, largely influenced by cultural idealized of what bodies are “supposed” to look like. This was one of the reasons why I changed paths. When I speak of “health promotion”, I consider this to encompass physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual qualities that are unique to each individual, and are informed by their lived experiences. An individual’s health cannot be separated from the systems in which they exist, and is tied to no specific body type.

I earned a Bachelor of Honours Degree majoring in both English Literature and Indigenous Studies from Trent University in 2009. My experience in learning from storytellers - namely in courses of Indigenous, African, and children’s literature - provided me with exposure to different life experiences and viewpoints. Through Indigenous Studies I became more aware of the impacts of intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the residential school system, and how the normalization of this negatively influences the health of all people, though especially those in marginalized communities. I continue to pursue education to improve my understanding and skills related to anti-colonizing work, and aim to make clinical choices that are in line with this value. I consider this to be a lifelong journey.

Clinical Experience

I completed a 10-month supervised placement at David Kelley  LGBTQ2SI+ & HIV/AIDS Counselling Services in which I provided trauma-informed assessments and counselling for individuals within the community.

From November 2018 until March of 2021 I was an associate of the Umbrella Mental Health Network - a group of queer and trans-identified therapists who work providing therapy and support for the LGBTQ2SI+ community. In March of 2021 I shifted into running my own private practice on a full time basis.

From May 2019 to December 2020 I worked running workshops and support groups at Sheena’s Place - a free of charge group support centre for those struggling with difficulties related to body image, disordered eating and exercise. More information for Sheena’s Place current programs can be found here: https://sheenasplace.org/programs-registration/

Continuing Education, Supervision & Self-Care

I participate in clinical consultation on a monthly basis, and I attend my own therapy bi weekly. I share this as I believe in transparency, and want my clients to know that they are working with someone who is committed to his own healing, growth, and exploring his biases. I also generally commit to taking 1-2 therapeutic professional education courses per year.

I have also been a student of hatha and ashtanga yoga for 5 years, have regularly practiced meditation for 3 years, have developed a strong connection to nature, and find creativity through singing and playing music. I am also an online community member of Science and Non-Duality, which has become a new way to connect and learn from people around the world who study trauma.