Assured Psychology | Calgary, Alberta
Counselling Adults and Couples
I have taken a unique career path. While I began my academic career in psychology by completing an undergraduate honours degree in psychology, I took a significant detour by attending law school, becoming a lawyer, and practising law in rural Alberta. While I enjoyed working directly with clients, the impersonal nature of law soon began to feel hollow.
As a lawyer, the best part of my role was meeting with clients and working collaboratively with them to identify practical solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. Unfortunately, such work comprised a relatively small fraction of my job. To focus my time and abilities on personal, client-focused, work I returned to psychology and earned a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Lethbridge.
My mental health experience has entailed participation in the public, private, and non-profit spheres. Each of my varied roles has shaped my perspective, establishing my unique, integrative, approach to counselling. Starting with obtaining a detailed history, I seek to strike a balance between understanding my clients as individuals and providing them with something of value each session. While we share much as humans, I believe honouring the distinctive characteristics of those whom I have the privilege of working with requires customizing my approach to their individual needs. Consequently, I draw from various theoretical approaches. By combining my psychological expertise with the wisdom of my clients, I seek to alleviate distress, promote goal achievement, and facilitate personal growth.
Outside of work, I do my best to practice what I preach. By engaging in self-care, strengthening my interpersonal relationships, and striving to find balance between personal and professional life, I continually strive to become the best possible version of myself, while maintaining self-compassion for my imperfections.