My Services

Harm reduction = An act of radical love

I work from a harm reduction and trauma-informed orientation to help clients connect with their inner healing intelligence as they work towards their definition of recovery. I am dually qualified as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Nurse Practitioner, with two decades of experience in mental health and addiction. My training includes solid grounding in mainstream psychiatry and psychopharmacology, and full prescriptive authority. This allows me to incorporate prescription medications as needed, including Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and medically supervised tapers off antidepressants for adults who wish to try other approaches.

Although I initially trained within mainstream psychiatry, I came to view this approach as lacking, and in some cases, the diagnostic labels and medications prescribed can be harmful. That lead me on a path of personal and professional exploration into alternative ways to understand and work with experiences of mental and spiritual distress. Since humans are relational creatures, a great deal of mental distress and constriction stems from experiences of disconnection and reactions to events in the social and cultural world. A supportive and authentic therapeutic relationship can offer an opportunity to correct relational wounds and explore a wider range of behavioral options. Just as a plant will naturally grow towards the light if planted in the correct conditions, people will naturally move towards states of greater wellness and integration when the relational conditions are favorable.

Counselling

My work is grounded in the principles of harm reduction, attachment, and trauma informed care. My primary approaches are Somatic, Attachment-Focused, and Non-Directive psychotherapy, with an anti-oppressive and Transpersonal lens. I incorporate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my work, which includes body-centered methods of building resources, moving stuck energies, communicating with ambivalent parts, and working with trauma. I am also skilled in Motivational Interviewing, which is a non-pathologizing style of working with ambivalence around substance use and other behaviors.  My overarching approach is radically client centered, with the aim of taking each person totally seriously and trusting their inner healing intelligence as our guide.

Counselling is an opportunity to explore the patterns of thinking and behaving that may be keeping you stuck so that you can create more space and consider new options for coping and thriving. I believe that all behavior has meaning, and even seemingly destructive patterns can be understood as valiant attempts to self-regulate and survive. Because individuals are inextricably embedded in the socio-cultural, natural, and spiritual world, recovery may include community building, exploring transpersonal and/or spiritual experiences, and challenging oppressive or limiting forces.

Counselling Focus Areas
  • Complex trauma and PTSD
  • Depression and mood disturbances
  • Addictive behaviors and Substance Use Concerns
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Psychedelic Harm Reduction, Preparation, and Integration
  • Special interest - Health care professionals 

 

Modalities
  • Radical Psychotherapy
  • Inner Healing Intelligence
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Internal Family Systems Informed Therapy (IFS)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Informed (DBT)
  • Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
  • Psychedelic Assisted Therapy 
  • Prescription mental health medications 
  • Medically supervised tapers off antidepressants

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

I offer Psilocybin and MDMA Assisted Therapy to adult clients who qualify for legal exemptions through Health Canada's Special Access Program.  This process begins with medical and mental health screening  (1-4 sessions, depending on complexity) to determine if this treatment is safe and appropriate for you.  Once screened, I can apply to Health Canada on your behalf to request an exemption to legally prescribe psychedelic medicine and conduct up to 3 Psychedelic Assisted Therapy sessions.  However, it is important to understand that Health Canada makes the final decision on who may access treatment.  My practice is fully aligned with current Canadian regulations.  

I am excited to announce the launch of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in August 2024 as an independent NP and RCC at the Conscious Mind Clinic in Yaletown.  Ketamine does not require a Health Canada exemption, can be taken safely with most antidepressants, and can be a beautiful medicine for those new to psychedelics and experienced psychonauts alike. Ketamine can be particularly helpful for folks struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I offer evidence-based, individualized intramuscular (IM) treatments to medically low-risk clients.  

It is important to approach psychedelic therapy with realistic expectations.  Although these medicines can promote rapid healing, they are not a magic bullet, and they are best used in the context of a stable therapeutic relationship, with me or another primary therapist. Thorough medical screening, preparation, and integration are essential to promote a deep experience and for the healing to last long term.  I do not  recommend these medicines as a first-line option.   

Understanding the Costs

I ask prospective clients to seriously consider whether you have the time, resources, and social supports required for intense and transformational work with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.  Psychedelic medicines can be life-changing, but these medicines are not right for everyone, and certain medical and mental health conditions can make these medicines unsafe.  This concept is particularly important for people with histories of complex trauma or other severe conditions, since these folks may require an extended period of preparation and integration sessions for safety and to fully benefit.  Philosophically, I do not believe in trying to sell or market Psychedelic Therapy to anyone, but I am deeply committed to accompanying those seekers who feel called through the confusion, beauty, grieving, mysteries, dark nights of the soul, and meaning-making that are an expected part of the process.  

It is difficult for me to provide an estimate of total cost since treatments are individualized, and some folks will require more screening, counselling, and medicine sessions than others.  I aim for transparency by sharing that these treatments can be expensive, although you may be eligible for reimbursement under extended health benefits if your plan covers counselling by an RCC, depending on your employer or insurer's coverage limits.  My rates are based on the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors recommendations for an experienced counsellor providing specialized services, with a base rate of $200/hour for new clients. 

The total cost is based on my hourly rate and will depend entirely on how much time we spend together, plus some additional fees for MDMA or Psilocybin Assisted Therapy related to TheraPsil intake ($250), Special Access Program applications ($400), co-sitter fees, and the cost of medicines. I work alone for Ketamine sessions (up to 4 hours), and with a co-sitter for MDMA and Psilocybin sessions (up to 8 hours).    Since I am a sole proprietor in private practice, I will be directly providing all aspects of your clinical care, including medical and psychological screening, communications with Health Canada, preparation and integration counselling, and sitting with you for psychedelic medicine sessions.  I also offer pre-journey medically supervised antidepressant tapers, if needed.   

Please only request a free 15-minute Discovery Call to discuss Psychedelic Assisted Therapy if you are agreeable to the fees and time commitment, as described above. Alternatively, we can begin with regular Psychotherapy and see if we click, and then add psychedelic medicines later, if there is a need.