Hi, I’m vanessa.

At all stages of my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have someone who offered me unconditional love and connection. The power of this anchored me to myself even through waves of grief, loss, and trauma. As your therapist, I hope to be a place of safety and connection for you.

Every person’s journey is unique and important. Often, our bodies and our minds hold on to emotions, experiences, and traumas that need to be processed—both in the mind and the body. My hope is that, through our work together, you will gain a greater appreciation for your own journey and feel grounded in your ability to weather life’s storms.

Work with me

my education & experience

  • I studied Psychology at the University of Calgary, the city where I grew up. I subsequently studied Attachment Theory in the Applied Psychology graduate programme at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

    I received my certification in Contemplative Psychotherapy at the Nalanda Institute, and received a Masters of Pastoral Studies from the University of Toronto, where I explored the relationship between spirituality and psychotherapy.

  • I have undertaken additional studies in Trauma Informed psychotherapy, including:

    • MBCT

    • NARM

    • Somatic Psychotherapy

    • Polyvagal Theory

    • SSP

  • I have prepared and facilitated mindfulness classes at the community level as well as for corporations (clients have included the Toronto District School Board, BMO, and the JCC of Toronto).

    I have conducted workshops for students at the undergraduate level introducing best practices for developing the therapeutic relationship.

    I have prepared and facilitated workshops for practicing therapists. Topics have included:

    • “Attachment, Internal Working Models and Implications For The Therapeutic Relationship

    • “The Connection Between Polyvagal Theory and Trauma Informed Therapy”

    • “The Power of Ruptures In The Therapeutic Relationship”

    • “Tools In Your Toolbox: Working With Visualization Techniques To Facilitate Post-Traumatic Growth”

My approach to therapy

 

In our work together, I will strive to develop a mutually respectful and collaborative relationship where we can explore your past and current experiences from a place of safety.

Therapy is a journey home to yourself. If you are looking for a guide who has traversed the path before you, who has sat in their own fires of joy, sadness, grief, loss, fear, anger, and love, and is not afraid to sit with you in yours, then I invite you to reach out. We will walk your path together for a time.

The Therapeutic Relationship

The most important factor for successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. I keep the ideals of safety and connection at the forefront of every therapy session, paying attention to your sense of groundedness in your body, your physical space, and our connection.

To build the therapeutic relationship, I work with the principles of the nervous system and the idea that we are all “wired” to connect with one another. I also promote a sense of safety and connection by anchoring my practice in a number of frameworks and principles including:

·      Feminism, anti-racism, and anti-classism, anti-ableism, and anti-ageism

·      LGBTQQIP2SAA — Affirming of the Gender and Sexuality Spectra

·      Sex, Kink, Polyamory, and Sex-work Positive