About

Welcome

I know how difficult it can be to reach out for help. I’ve been there too. I also know the benefits that can come from doing so when you receive the right kind of help, and sadly, the confusion and frustration when you don’t. Unfortunately, the latter continues to be the case for many who are neurodivergent. Which is why I am here today. I want to help change that reality.

In addition to the roles of counselor, therapist, and coach, I am also a mother to a neurodivergent young adult and partner to a neurodivergent spouse. Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I self-identify as neurodivergent. Over the past 20 years, I have worked at expanding my knowledge of neurodiversity. Particularly the neurotype, Attention Deficit Disorder, or AD/HD. More than my learned knowledge, my lived experience has given me a deep understanding and insight into the complexities and challenges of those who have ADHD.

I provide a safe space for neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones where they can experience counseling and coaching designed for them. A space where they are seen, heard, and validated, and their many strengths and abilities acknowledged.

While cushioned in compassion and kindness, clients are free to be their marvelous authentic selves and discard the mask that often results from living in this neurotypical world.

I practice through an anti-oppressive lens that is rooted in an understanding of the social and structural causes of individual difficulties and suffering for those who are neurodivergent. My practice is informed by an awareness of how the various systems of oppression like ableism, sexism, classism, racism, ageism, nationalism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, and cultural, religious, and linguistic discrimination can intersect and create increased suffering and inequities for individuals and groups within our society. These systems negatively impact one’s well-being, quality of life, and safety.

My approach is further informed by the interrelationship between the emotional, social, psychological, and biological factors that can determine or hinder individual well-being. It is an inclusive and integrative approach that may combine different therapeutic models and tools in an effort to help clients meet their needs and goals.

I am a registered social worker and trained and certified ADHD Life Coach. I have an MSW from the University of Toronto, a BSW from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, where I studied structural/anti-oppressive social work, a double BA in Gerontology and Sociology from McMaster University, and post-graduate training and certificates in a variety of subjects and modalities. Some have been listed here:

• Training & Certification in ADHD Life Coaching, AACC. The ADD Coach Academy, Albany New York.

• Introduction to ADHD for Health Care Professionals. Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA).

• ADHD Summit, What’s New, What’s Next in Supporting Neurodiverse Clients.

• The ADHD Effect In-depth, Couples Seminar. Melissa Orlov.

• Group Consultation to Help Counselors/Coaches Working with ADHD Couples.

• Certified ADHD Professional Intensive Training Course. Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing ADHD Across the Life Span. Professional Education Systems Institute, Inc.

• Attendance, The Annual International Conference on ADHD: 2016-2022

• Weekly Attendance, Webinars & Conferences through ADDitude Magazine Since 2001

  (providers of education on ADHD for adults, families & professionals since 1998)

• ADHD Executive Functioning Strategies for Adolescents & Adults, Peg Dawson, Leading Edge Seminars 2014

• ADHD Success Training for Professionals & Adult ADHD Focused Couple Therapy. Gina Pera

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• Advanced Certificate in CBT, Levels 1 & 2. The University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

• CBT for Depression, CBT for Anxiety, and CBT for Substance Use Disorders. The Beck Institute.

• CBT and Mindfulness, CBT for Personality Disorders. The Beck Institute

•  Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto.

• Certificate in Addiction Studies. The University of Toronto and the CAMH.

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• Advanced Certificate in Trauma Counselling, Levels 1 & 2. The Hinks Dellcrest Centre. Toronto.

• Adult Attachment in Clinical Practice: Understanding and Treating Insecure Adult Attachment. Annette Kussin & Attachment Strategies for Adult Relationships. Trauma Solutions. Dr. Diane Poole Heller

• Attachment-based Interventions to Help Clients Heal from Attachment Traumas. Dr. Christina Reese.

• Trauma Integration Clinician. Attachment & Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing. St. Catherine’s, ON.

• Certificate, Facilitator Trauma Incident Reduction Technique. Applied Metapsychology International.

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• Certificate, Facilitator Life Stress Reduction Technique. Applied Metapsychology International.

• Certificates in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Hinks Dellcrest Centre, Behavioral Tech Research & DBT House.

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. The University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

• Certificate in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. The ICEEFT and the CFS.

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The Gottman Institute.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Couples. The Beck Institute

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• Certified Professional Consultant on Aging. Age-Friendly Business Academy

• Certificate, Advanced Social Work with Older Adults. The Ontario Association of Social Workers.

• Certificate, Counselling Older Adults & Seniors Mental Health. Institute for Life Course & Aging. The U of T.

• Certificate, Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementias of Aging. The Alzheimer’s Society of Peel.

• Certificate, Dementia Care. The Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto.

• Certificate in PIECES and Certificate in The Gentle Persuasive Approach. Behavioral Supports Ontario.

I currently provide Counselling, Psychotherapy, Consultation, and Coaching services to both neurodiverse & neurotypical clients. These services are delivered online and over the phone, to adults over the age of 18, couples, seniors, family members, and community professionals. I work collaboratively with clients helping them address a variety of life’s challenges and psychological difficulties preventing them from moving forward in the areas that matter most.

Through a neurodiverse and anti-oppressive lens, I work with:

• Neurotypical individuals and couples who want to make meaningful changes and improve their well-being.

• Individuals identifying as neurodivergent (ADHD, AuDHD, Divergent Learners), and who may also have a co-existing condition, like anxiety, depression, alcohol misuse, or trauma.

• Neurotypical clients who have a partner or loved one who is neurodivergent.

• Couples where one or both may have ADHD, AuDHD, or an LD.

• Seniors over age 50 with or without ADHD or other neurotypes, and those recently diagnosed.

• Professionals or family members seeking consultation or information on ADHD.

I am committed to helping clients address challenges associated with ADHD and various co-occurring conditions.

I participate in ongoing personal and professional development as part of my practice and commitment to clients to provide a high-quality service that meets their needs. I receive regular clinical consultation as required by the social work regulatory authorities.