Allow me to introduce myself...
My name is Kim, and I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. This means that I abide by a strict Code of Ethics and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1995, so now have over 25 years experience providing individual therapy in response to a wide variety of needs and issues. I have a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental presence that will quickly put you at ease and allow you to feel both comfortable and understood by me. I bring curiousity and respect to every therapy session, and prefer to work as collaboratively and transparently as possible, using humour and playfulness when appropriate.
My passion...
I have a special interest and extensive training in trauma treatment, having learned from leading experts in the field like Janina Fisher, Lisa Ferentz, Kathy Steele, and Laurel Parnell. My passion is helping women with a history of trauma (childhood or more recent) who are struggling with emotional dysregulation, intrusive memories, debilitating anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. I have been thrilled to be able to help my clients make sense of how these experiences have impacted them, learn effective strategies to cope, recover their self-esteem, and live more in the “now”.
My experience...
For those of you who do not feel that trauma is an issue for you, please know that I also have expertise in the treatment of anxiety and panic, depression, grief and loss, stress management, caregiver and relationship issues, parenting, coping with illness, and navigating life transitions and challenges. I continually engage in professional development activities to inform this work, and I have earned post-graduate certificates in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Online Therapy.
I would also like you to know that even though I have studied extensively, I do not subscribe to any one particular school of thought, preferring instead to offer an eclectic mix of theory, psychoeducation, and practical skill development that is specifically tailored to your unique individual needs. Our work together would be creative, informed by a neurobiological framework, and evidence-based.
And—even though you haven’t introduced yourself yet—I firmly believe that you already have within you everything that you need to heal, grow, and thrive. Should you choose to work with me, a large part of our job together will be to help you access your inherent wisdom and strength so that you can move forward with your goals and feel better....calm, confident, and more content.