I have been practicing as a registered Psychologist in Nova Scotia for over 30 years. I initially worked at Dalhousie Counseling and Psychological Services and subsequently worked in three private practice settings. 

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I provide both individual psychotherapy (aged 18+) and couple/marital therapy. My areas of practice in individual therapy include depression, anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, and phobias), anger management, grief/loss, divorce/separation, self-esteem/self-image, habit change/impulse control, assertiveness skills, social skills, stress management, lifestyle change, and life coaching. I believe my role as a psychologist involves assisting individuals in the process of coping with and/or overcoming personal concerns and life challenges and in assisting in personal growth. I believe strongly in self-determination and encourage increased self-awareness and mindfulness. My approach/philosophy to assisting individuals includes a combination of compassion, empathy, respect, support,  Mindfulness-based therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  

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CBT assists individuals in recognizing and learning to modify the interactions between beliefs/thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and body/physical responses. This approach has been shown to be effective with a wide range of concerns, but especially depression, anxiety, and anger. Mindfulness-based therapy assists individuals in better recognizing, being with, and effectively responding to states of mind, mood and/or body, and includes an emphasis on the values of compassion, (of self and others), loving-kindness, gratitude, patience/tolerance, generosity of spirit and action, non-judgement (of self and others), honesty, appreciation, and acceptance.

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My approach to Life Coaching involves assisting individuals with the process of identifying high level wants/needs/values, identifying goals and micro goals in line with their wants/needs/values, working on means of increasing motivation, and identifying and managing demotivating states and blocks to acting.

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My approach to Couple Therapy involves the above approaches and includes an emphasis on working with both members of the couple to achieve a balance between individual and couple needs/wants/goals. I work with both individuals to increase attachment/connection, compassion, respect, trust, and understanding within their relationship. My approach is informed by Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-based Therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on recognizing, understanding, managing and avoiding destructive interactions, increasing connectedness/attachment, healthy communication skills, conflict resolution, healing injuries/broken trust, and self management. However, the emphasis remains on the underlying goals of maintaining mutual respect, compassion, trust, understanding, and identifying and balancing individual and relationship needs.