Therapist Info
About Me:Clinician since 1986, musician, artisan, and passionate student of life – in me you will find elements of both artist and scientist, someone who makes treatment decisions based on sound principles of practice, who also looks for and reveals the beauty of life and in you. My desire to help those in psychological and spiritual distress derives from my own experience with life-threatening anorexia and bulimia many years ago.
I have first-hand understanding of the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines. My personal struggle led me to discover and implement the narrative, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques that I now impart to my own clients. For many years I divided my professional life between clinical work and teaching at the university level, and had two tenured appointments in Auburn, Washington and then in North Vancouver, British Columbia. I left teaching in 2010 after establishing a degree program in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism. In 2017, I took a hiatus from practice to hone my skills as a pianist and teacher. Playing, teaching, and listening to music informs my clinical work and is an integral part of my spiritual practice.
It is truly an honour and privilege to do this work and participate in the psychedelic renaissance.
Description of Services:My clinical practice today is conducted both online and in-person, supplemented with homework completed at the client’s pace.  At this time, I offer psychedelic preparation and integration services from a psychological perspective. My therapeutic modalities are primarily Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I try to be a resource for information that clients can access and learn from outside of therapy sessions: videos, podcasts, readings, musical selections, etc. My goal for you is that you learn to access and trust your own healing intelligence that lies within. While I love my work and being part of my clients' lives, ultimately, I want to foster independence and sustainable self-care skills. That said, when I take on a client, I make myself available to answer questions, review homework, celebrate insights, and manage difficulties that inevitably arise while one is working hard at transformation. I have over 35 years of clinical experience specializing in disordered eating, OCD, anxiety, depression, and stress management. All parts are welcome!
Credentials & Certifications: PhD Educational and Clinical Psychology, Chiron Learning Academy Certificate in Psychedelic Integration, TheraPsil Training Program (in progress)Licenses: BC Registered Psychologist #1370Details
Remote Practitioner: YesSpecializing In: Anxiety and Depression, Disordered Eating, Mindfulness-based therapy, and Psychedelic Preparation and IntegrationPrice Range: $200/hrMy Process
Overview of Experience:Preparation begins with the intake forms in which you outline the narrative that brings you to psychedelic assisted therapy. I like to think of this as forming the outer edges of a jigsaw puzzle. Once this is complete, we can start filling in the middle. We do this with a series of journal writing exercises and self-tests, learning IFS terminology and creating a "Parts Map," and laying the groundwork for setting specific intentions for the journey. I educate you about specific medicines, expectations, and how to stay safe.
After a "Set and Setting" meeting, I create a music session with Wavepaths software in keeping with your goals that you can start yourself when you're prepared. Integration is immediate and extensive with several check-ins either in-person or online scheduled over the next two months. You write a journey report, listen to the playlist again, and do another series of journal exercises with the goal of answering the questions "what happened and what happens next?"
Recommendations for supplemental therapy with a bodyworker, coach, physician or naturopath are made as required. Topics that often need coverage are acceptance, self-compassion, self-leadership, gratitude, forgiveness, spirituality, and above all else, love. I am available to witness, clarify, celebrate, encourage, and guide you through your healing journey.
Intake Process:Therapy with me begins with a consultation call, free of charge up to 30 minutes to assess if we're a good fit for working together. I then send you a detailed intake form outlining your psychosocial history, and a supplemental biomedical intake form that reviews your physical history and psychedelic experience. We then set an initial appointment to review it and collaborate on a therapy plan.
I like working with clients who are willing to take the time to self-reflect and thoroughly prepare themselves before jumping into the medicine session. The potential for a transformational life event is significant, and needs to be approached with caution and reverence. Not everyone is suitable or ready, and I do my best to assess and assist within my scope of practice.
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