About Me...

I have always been curious about people, their experiences, and the ways in which those experiences shape how they see themselves, others, and the world around them. This curiosity is at the heart of my work as a psychotherapist.

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I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced relational trauma, traumatic events, grief, and other challenging life experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and non-pathologizing, grounded in the belief that our emotions, behaviours, thoughts, and physical responses often make sense when understood within the context of our experiences.

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I am less interested in defining what is wrong and more interested in understanding why something is happening.

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I believe that many of the patterns we struggle with today developed for understandable reasons, often as ways of adapting, protecting ourselves, or navigating difficult circumstances. Rather than approaching these patterns as things that need to be fixed, I work collaboratively with clients to explore their origins, understand the roles they may have played, and develop new ways of relating to themselves and the world around them.

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My therapeutic approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, and person-centred therapy. I recognize that our experiences are not only held in our thoughts, but can also influence our emotional responses, relationships, and nervous systems. Through our work together, I aim to support a deeper connection between these different aspects of your experience, while respecting your individual needs, goals, and pace.

Above all, I prioritize creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, respected, supported, and accepted. I believe meaningful therapeutic work happens through collaboration, curiosity, and connection, and I strive to create a space where you can explore difficult experiences without fear of judgment.

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My Professional Background

My professional journey in mental health began in 2014, working in a maximum-security forensic mental health hospital, where I provided recreation therapy to individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges. This work shaped my understanding of the complexity of human experiences and the importance of looking beyond behaviours, symptoms, and diagnoses to understand the person behind them.

Through this experience, I developed a particular interest in the impact of trauma, the ways people adapt to adversity, and the role that connection, relationships, and meaningful experiences can play in healing.

Wanting to deepen my ability to support individuals in processing their experiences, I pursued my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, graduating in 2023. I began practising psychotherapy in 2022 and established Waters Psychotherapy in 2023.

My background in both institutional mental health care and private practice continues to inform my approach, allowing me to appreciate the complexity of mental health while recognizing the importance of individualized, compassionate care.

My Commitment to Continued Learning

One of the most important parts of my professional identity is my commitment to ongoing learning and development.

I believe that becoming a psychotherapist is not something that ends with obtaining a degree or professional registration. It is a continuous process of learning, reflection, and developing a deeper understanding of the people and experiences we encounter.

I regularly pursue additional education, specialized training, and professional development in areas including trauma, attachment, somatic approaches, and parts-focused therapy. This allows me to continue refining my clinical skills, integrating emerging research, and thoughtfully adapting my approach to better support the individuals I work with.

Ultimately, I believe that effective psychotherapy requires not only clinical knowledge, but also humility, curiosity, and a willingness to continue learning.

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