dove tree counselling
General Areas of Practice
I offer counselling services to people experiencing a range of challenges, and with different diagnoses and needs. I work with all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, beliefs, abilities, and more.
This includes trauma (childhood trauma, traumatic events, trauma that adds up over time, smaller events we "just can't get over", first responder trauma, and traumatic loss), depression, anxiety (worry, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, and phobias), emotional dysregulation, distress, substance use, coping skills, communication and boundaries, relationships and intimacy, change and loss, and more.
Areas of Practice
Below I have provided more details on some of these topics; please contact me if you have more questions.
Anxiety, worry,
panic disorder, & OCD
Anxiety, worry, panic disorder, & OCD
Living with anxiety is more draining and painful than non-sufferers may be able to imagine; it is important to know that it can be treated to reduce or eliminate the daily challenge altogether. Treatment approaches may include CBT, DBT, EMDR, home practice, logs to track progress, and more.
Stress & coping
Stress is a part of daily life and it actually plays a healthy role in motivating us to get things done. Counselling can help when stress becomes too great, giving us a chance to unload our burdens. We can also get help to reduce it, set limits with others, and cope with the pressure and resulting anxiety.
Complicated grief
Grief is a normal part of life, and is inescapably attached to loss of all kinds, be it a loved one (including a pet), or a loss of health, role, identity, freedom, relationship, or innocence. Complicated grief is when the grief doesn't end, or the grieving takes over someone's life. EMDR can help with this.
Life transitions
We all face life transitions, be it related to losing a partner, changing jobs, developing a new aspect to our identity (such as becoming a parent), starting university, entering the workforce, or moving to a new city. It can help to have someone to talk to, and to be able to explore our feelings, without worrying about leaning too heavily on our friends or family.
Emotional dysregulation & distress
People with inner wounds know deep suffering due to experiencing difficult symptoms each day. These include a roller coaster of intense negative emotions, a poor sense of identity, fear of abandonment, and feelings of emptiness. EMDR and DBT are effective treatments to help those with these forms of struggle.
Shame, guilt, & negative
core beliefs
Shame, guilt, and negative core beliefs hold us back in life and are often related to trauma, seemingly big or small. They can be treated effectively with EMDR. Sometimes clients benefit from interventions like CBT, DBT, or psychoeducation to help them further.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD/CPTSD)
EMDR and the Flash Technique are very helpful in addressing the symptoms of PTSD/CPTSD, such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of possible triggers, and being on high alert. CPTSD refers to complex PTSD, which results from ongoing or prolonged trauma as opposed to a single incident.
Intimacy & relationships
I work with clients one-to-one when they have trauma that impacts their ability to feel comfortable with and enjoy intimacy, or when they need to talk about challenges in their relationships on their own (or while also seeing a couples counsellor with their partner).
Caregivers of ill loved-ones
Being a caregiver to an ill loved-one is incredibly difficult and isolating. Many strong emotions come up for caregivers and it can be hard to cope. I have a strong understanding of this challenge, I have worked directly with family members in a group setting, and I carried out my Masters research in the area of family involvement in the mental health system.
Substance use &
other addictions
Using substances (or engaging in other addictions such as gambling) can be reactions to trauma, stress, and an inability to cope. Users may feel like they lack self-control and hope. Therapy can involve EMDR, DBT, and close work together to find reasons to change and strategies that hurt less (and make life better).
Appointments
In-person and Virtual appointments are available.
COVID measures are in place.
Rates
Rate is $150 individuals/$180 couples per 50 min session
Payable by credit card, cash, or interac e-transfer.
Insurance Coverage
Do you have coverage for your sessions? See Covered Plans for more information on plans and billing. In general, clients pay upfront and then submit their receipt to their insurance company​ for reimbursement.
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Note: Counselling services rendered by social workers can be claimed on your income tax.
