“Recovery can only take place within the context of relationships. It cannot occur in isolation.”
- Judith Herman
My counselling approach is very much centred on genuine connection and creating safety for the folks I get to work with. I believe people heal in authentic relationship and collaboration first and foremost, with therapeutic technique being a close second. My clients have described me as calm and compassionate while being able to ask the hard questions and hold people accountable for what they came to therapy for in the first place.
I work from an intersectional feminist and anti-oppression lens, as well as being trauma informed, sex & body positive, and LGBTQ2S+ allied. Each of us occupies a number of identities that impacts us in every way, and I think it is important to consider how they impact the reasons we go to therapy. Simply put, I welcome all bodies and identities. I also acknowledge my own identities as a heterosexual, cisgender white woman and how that impacts my life in and out of work with clients.
I know what it is like to be reluctant to go to counselling. I am always so grateful when someone chooses to be courageously vulnerable with me, and to explore things that are really dark and painful. That’s not to say therapy always has to be heavy - sometimes we will celebrate the wins and laugh together too! I know how healing it can be just to say things out loud and I am always honoured to be a part of that process.
Outside of being a counsellor you can find me hanging out with my son and partner, going for walks with my wild corgi pup, giggling with my loved ones, or relaxing on the couch with snacks. I also love hockey (watching and playing) and yoga when I can make it to the mat.
Meet Heather (she/her)
“When we liberate ourselves from the expectation that we must have all things figured out, we enter a sanctuary of empathy.”
- Sonya Renee Taylor
Primary Areas of Practice
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Whether you want to change your relationship with substances, or you are just curious to explore. We can do that together.
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Trauma of any kind is life changing. If you are looking for relief or a place to process, I hope to be helpful.
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We can explore how someone has impacted you, or talk about communication, setting boundaries, and strategies to navigate a challenging relationship. Individually or as a couple.
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I offer a non-judgmental space to explore something exciting and new, or something that has caused you distress related to sex and sexuality.
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Suspected or diagnosed - let’s talk about strategies to feel better and gain a deeper understanding into what your mental health means.
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Shame, anger, fear… all normal emotions that can sometimes get away from us. Learning to regulate big emotions happens in relationship.
I began my work in this field at a youth detox centre and I was immediately determined to become a counsellor. After my undergrad, I completed a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and became a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Since that time, I have worked in a non-profit with women recovering from or engaged in relationship abuse, in community health substance use services as a concurrent disorders counsellor providing individual counselling and running various groups, and in private practice. Each of these roles have taught me so much about our shared need for safe relationship and care even among such different individual experiences.
I have found a special interest in working with trauma, substance use, sex & sexuality, gender exploration, and relationships. I think it is important to work with emotions that have gotten away from us, so I almost always incorporate emotional regulation (shame and anger getting the best of you?) and exploration. I also have experience working with anxiety, depression, body image and disordered eating, fertility struggles, stress, and general well-being.
I have attended specific courses and trainings in these areas to provide competent care. Some of the trainings I have completed are: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level One), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, EFT for individuals, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindful Self-Compassion, and various courses on substance use, trauma, shame, mental health, and sex. My approach is integrative and dependent on what each individual needs, and is always trauma informed. I value continuing to learn from trainings, books, peers, and clients alike.
Experience and Interests
The Counselling Space
