MA, RCC
Specializing in counselling for couples
The circumstances that bring couples to counselling are unique to their partnership and to their relationship journey.I provide couples with guidance and encouragement to work on their goals. This may mean: working on communicating effectively, navigating difficult topics, resolving conflicts in a healthy way, and making meaningful changes that will strengthen your relationship with your partner and with yourself.
I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss your goals and how I can be of assistance to you. I invite you for a free 30-minute in-person consultation and mini session (virtual consultation also available). I am looking forward to connecting with you!
I work with couples to ...
- Recognize their strengths, both individually and as a couple.
- Develop individual goals that will improve their relationship.
- Gain a greater understanding of your partner, and of yourself.
- Express who they are as individuals without blaming their partner.
- Increase their ability to understand that their partner is different from themselves and to listen and respond effectively to these differences.
- Develop healthy ways to work through conflict.
- Explore factors that impact your marriage or relationship, such as parenting or finances.
- Be accountable and build trust.
- Move toward greater emotional and physical intimacy.
- And more!
What can you expect from couples counselling?
As with anything new, it can be daunting to start couples counselling. I strive to provide a compassionate and supportive space to do this important work. I will collaborate with you to ensure that the pace is good for you. In the first session, I will inquire about your relationship history, your strengths, and what you hope to gain from couples counselling. I will offer a plan for the next steps in the counselling process based on the information that you share in our session. You will have activities to work on between sessions to integrate your skills and to promote your personal and relationship growth.What is the developmental model of couples therapy?
The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy was developed by Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson in the 1980’s. The approach focuses on the role of the growth and development of each individual partner as well as that of the couple as a unit.According to Bader (2025) long-term relationships move through the following stages:
- Symbiosis — exclusive bonding
- Differentiation — managing anxiety over differences
- Exploration — moving from “we” back to “I”
- Reconnection — back and forth patterns of intimacy
- Synergy — independence and interdependence
When couples are unable to move to the next stage, or when each partner is at a different stage, difficulties can arise. Taking into account each partner’s stage, the therapist offers strategies and techniques to help them move to the next stage. The therapist also considers other factors, such as each partner’s attachment style, and other presenting issues, such as stress and trauma.
The Developmental Model also integrates aspects of research from three foundational areas, namely, differentiation, attachment, and interpersonal neuroscience.
Differentiation is vital to the growth and longevity of a relationship. Bader defines differentiation as “ the active ongoing process of a person being able to define their thoughts, their feelings, their wishes and their desires to one another and to be able to tolerate their partner doing the same thing” (Bader, 2025).
Attachment theory is a mainstay of developmental theory. Attachment begins in early development with the bond between an infant and their caregiver. Attachment styles, whether secure or insecure (anxious, avoidant, disorganized), and their patterns of behaviour, can positively or negatively impact adult relationships. The good news is that there are strategies that individuals can learn to create more secure attachments with their loved ones. For an overview of attachment theory and a free quiz to learn your attachment style, please see The Attachment Project.
Neuroscientific research provides information on brain functioning as it affects relationships. Couples can learn effective strategies to regulate their emotions during intense interactions, which can help couples communicate clearly and move through conflict effectively.
References
About Me
I am a registered clinical counsellor and an experienced couples counsellor. I am passionate about working with couples! I have been working with couples and individual clients for five years. I have completed level one training in the developmental model of couples therapy. In previous careers I have been an early childhood educator, a business owner, and a college instructor. In my spare time, I enjoy exercise, spending time in nature, reading, and knitting.Education and Credentials
- Bachelor of Child and Youth Care, UVic
- Master of Arts, UVic
- Learning and Teaching Higher Education, Post Graduate Certificate
- Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC, BCACC
Additional Training
- Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Level 1, The Couples Institute
- Overcoming Addictions: Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP) Training Course (Online Course)
- Bowen Family Systems Course, South Island Counselling
- Disordered Eating: The Power of Metaphor
- Triple P Parenting Facilitator Training
Rates and Services
My fee is $170 per 60-minute in-person session. Payment is accepted via Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard, Debit Mastercard, American Express, Discover.I also offer a free 30-minute complimentary consultation in person or via telehealth.