MA. Counselling Psychology
About Me
I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am also a registered member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Previous experience includes roles in Security, Corrections, Supportive Housing and Child Protection. I hold a black belt in Karate-Do and continue studies in various martial disciplines with a strong focus on Arnis (Indigenous Martial Art to the Philippines).
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The practice of Psychotherapy for me is about exploring and creating sustainable patterns of contact with ourselves, others, and the world around us. This is not about finding a cure for problems, but more so about creating capacity for participation, perspective taking, and experience shaping. Creativity is not a thing we possess nor that which we do. It moves through us and is all around us. We are all an Art of Contact.
Specializing in Systems Theory, Trauma,
Anxiety, Depression, Relationships and Global/Ecological Distress...
Systems Theory
Systems Theory focusses on the elements, interconnections, and overall goal or purpose of systems. There is a highly integrated relationship between the structures in which we find ourselves and resulting behaviors. We cannot ignore this relationship in the change and healing process.
Trauma
Trauma is a wound from overwhelming past stressors which are encoded within the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). This code not only influences baseline thoughts, feelings and behaviors, but also challenges perception of ourselves, our world view, and our relationships with others.
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of worry, stress, or dread that's disproportionate to the stressor. Anxiety is characterized by avoidance behaviors, concerns over embarrassment, preoccupation with the opinions and appraisals of others and concerns about being without help.
Depression
Depression is a state of excessive sadness, loss of energy, and/or loss of interest. Depression can be characterized by feelings of despair, hopelessness, shame and guilt. In depression, concentration and focus is effected, plans feel like too much, presence with people becomes exhausting, and simple tasks seem not worth while.
Relationships
All things are woven into relationship. Intimate partners, family, friends, employers, community, nations, cultures, ecology, and even oneself. Healing in relationship considers the sustainability of intersecting patterns in which we find ourselves unharmed, and simultaneously non-harmful in dealings with others.
Global/Ecological Distress
Our world is changing at an alarming rate. Some argue that we have entered the Anthropocene in which human impact is the greatest driver of planetary change. Furthermore, it is often stressful upon individuals and families when the well-being of community and culture has been abandoned by those pursuing power and profit.