While therapists bring valuable skills and training to their practice, we can’t be experts in everything—and we shouldn’t be. Therapy works best when you’re with someone who truly understands how to address the issues you’re facing. I focus on areas where I have specialized experience and training, so you can feel confident in the care you’re receiving. If your needs fall outside my expertise, I’m happy to help guide you toward someone who may be a better fit. This is not a complete list of areas I have experience with, so if you’re facing something specific or uncertain if therapy is right for you, please feel free to reach out.
Treatment Areas
Addictions
Substance use and mental health disorders often go hand in hand, with each influencing the other in complex ways. For many people, substance use can start as a way to cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Over time this can create a cycle where substance use exacerbates mental health symptoms, leading to a deeper struggle with both. In therapy, we take a holistic approach, addressing both mental health symptoms and substance use concerns together to break the cycle and build healthier, more sustainable coping strategies.
Anxiety
Anxiety can show up in many forms, from generalized anxiety and social anxiety to panic disorder and phobias. Anxiety spectrum disorders often bring persistent worry, fear, and physical symptoms that make daily life feel challenging and exhausting. My approach to treating anxiety is rooted in evidence-based techniques, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, which can help you manage symptoms, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build resilience. We’ll work to understand the roots of your anxiety and develop practical tools that empower you to face life with greater calm and confidence.
Cancer
Psycho-oncology focuses on the unique psychological and emotional challenges faced by individuals affected by cancer—whether as patients, survivors, or loved ones. A cancer diagnosis brings uncertainty, fear, and a wide range of emotions that can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Together, we’ll work on strategies to cope with the emotional toll of treatment, adjust to life changes, and find a renewed sense of meaning and hope in the face of cancer.
Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy weight, making even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming. It often brings feelings of sadness, emptiness, fatigue, and hopelessness. Using evidence-based approaches, I’ll work with you to develop tools to manage symptoms and rebuild motivation. We’ll work to help you regain a sense of hope, purpose, and connection, one step at a time.
End-of-Life Concerns
Our society often avoids conversations about death and dying. This reluctance can leave many people feeling isolated or unprepared when faced with end-of-life concerns. I’m here to support you in processing grief, finding meaning, and addressing difficult conversations or decisions. Together, we can work on creating peace, closure, and a sense of connection, honoring both the challenges and profound moments that come with this stage of life.
Gambling Disorder
Gambling risks the stability of every aspect of life, including relationships, health, housing, and psychological well-being. Those affected often face overwhelming feelings of shame, depression, and suicidal thoughts, feeling trapped in a cycle they cannot escape. I received specialized training in treating gambling disorder from the world’s first residential gambling treatment program in Cleveland, Ohio. My approach focuses on understanding the many factors that lead to gambling behaviors and empowering individuals to regain control and rebuild their lives.
Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss, and something that will affect all of those who are fortunate enough to love someone. While grief is normal and expected, it can sometimes feel isolating—especially when those around us feel uncomfortable talking about it. This can make it hard to find the support you need. If grief feels overwhelming, prolonged, or is impacting your ability to function, therapy may be able to help. We’ll work through your grief and honour your loss, helping you feel less alone in this incredibly painful time of your life.
Men’s Mental Health
I don’t exclusively work with men, but working with men is a big passion of mine. I have made men’s mental health central to both my research and clinical work. Many men may feel pressure to ‘tough it out’ or avoid vulnerability, which can discourage them from seeking therapy, and lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. By acknowledging and adjusting to men’s needs and experiences, therapy becomes a place where they can explore challenges, develop new coping strategies, and find support in a way that feels authentic and effective.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD can develop in childhood or at any point across the lifespan. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role, and for some, the onset may follow stressful life events such as pregnancy and birth, grief and loss, or major life transitions. I work with adults experiencing OCD to break free from the grip of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Using evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I help clients challenge fear-driven cognitive and behavioural patterns so that they can reclaim a sense of control in their lives.
PTSD/Trauma
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can disrupt an individual’s sense of safety, connection, and control. The good news is that PTSD treatment works. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBT-N) from my time at the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Centre. I have worked with those who have experienced physical and sexual childhood abuse, combat trauma, occupational trauma (e.g., first responders), and sexual assault for both men and women. This website is a fantastic resource to learn more about PTSD and its treatments.
Severe Mental Illness
Severe mental illnesses, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders, are complex conditions that significantly impact quality of life. These conditions often benefit from a comprehensive, integrated approach to care, involving a healthcare team that includes family doctors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals (i.e., psychologists, counsellors, and social workers). Therapy can be an important part that holistic care plan. My approach to severe mental illness draws predominately from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).