Schema Therapy in Orillia, ON

I am an internationally trained mental health professional with many years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatment modalities and specialize in Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Schema Therapy (ST), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am CBT accredited by the European Association of BCT and Advanced Schema Therapist accredited by the International Society of Schema Therapy .

Over the years I have specialized in working with adults to help them thrive in relationships and social situations. My goal is to help individuals and couples achieve, and most importantly, sustain healthy relationships. Specializing in social anxiety and assertiveness, dating and relationships, as well as family planning and parenting. My number one objective is to provide you with the proper strategies to have successful interactions with the important people in your life. My practice includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Approaches, Young Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Currently Accepting New Clients! - Empathic Counselling Centre offers you a team of passionate psychotherapists who are dedicated to meet your therapeutic goals. Providing both individual and couples counselling, our therapists are here to help you work through life’s challenges using a client-focused, empathic approach. We specialize in a variety of concerns including anger, anxiety, depression, domestic violence and trauma. We work with you to help you identify your goals in therapy and equip you with tools to help you live your best.

"People are doing the best they can". Absolutely. And, given life experience, skills, supports & lack thereof. Yet, despite our best efforts, situations past or current, perceptions, emotions, ways of coping can be more than what we can effectively navigate alone. We hit ruts. Life isn't what we want it to be. Therapy can help us to understand the issues & actively work toward desired changes. To create "a life worth living", of your own design. Authentically you. If you want positive change, if you're ready to work diligently toward change, if you're ready to "get down & dirty", in partnership, let's talk!

The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. It alters self-views, personality/identity, how you relate to others, and how you approach life in general. Trauma, whether big or small, includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, violence, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.

My goal as a therapist is to provide a relationship with each client that gives space to explore the impact of external stories and your internal worlds. I work mostly with neurodivergent individuals – people who self-identify as Autistic, ADHD, gifted, highly sensitive etc. – with interest in navigating the harmful impact of dominant social norms. My approaches are borrowed from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy , Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness and Religion, with some influence from CBT and Art Therapy.

I am a clinical and health psychologist with a client-centered approach. My therapeutic style is compassionate, empathic, and collaborative. I utilize evidence-based therapy – cognitive behaviour therapy, schema therapy , emotion focused therapy – to develop a treatment plan toward our therapeutic goals. I work with clients to address a range of mental health concerns including mood and anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other issues which impact on emotional well-being. Moreover, I work with clients to help them navigate the impact, stress, and challenges of serious and chronic illness (e.g., cancer, cardiac disease).

I am a registered psychotherapist who mainly focuses on serving Hispanic women, men and marriages virtually. I support clients in their journey to achieve healing from past experiences towards living more fulfilled and blessed lives. I help clients to see themselves, others and life from a healthier perspective; to improve their relationships with themselves, others and God; to find healthier ways to live, to change unhealthy patterns and to reach their goals. I work with a Christian perspective and use different psychological approaches in my work. I believe that you can change your life if you want that and work on that.

Many people come to therapy to increase self-awareness, process painful emotions, resolve relational difficulties, shift narratives of fear or shame, or develop effective coping styles. My approach is grounded in empathy, warmth, and collaboration, and I hold the values of authenticity and inclusivity very close to my heart. I firmly believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the essence of healing and growth in therapy. As such, I strive to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported to achieve your goals.

Seeking out therapy is not only for when you or your relationship are in a state of crisis; therapy can also be preventative when things are going well, proactive when expecting challenging life transitions and reactive when distress starts impacting your daily life. I am ready to meet you where you are in your journey and support you to explore the past, to stand with you in the present and work with you towards future well-being and goals. I believe in the importance of healthy relationships and a comprehensive approach, so welcome working with individuals, couples and families.

During stressful or difficult moments it can be helpful to discuss your concerns with a non-judgemental, supportive person. I am happy to provide support, including coping strategies, during these difficult times with a goal of improving quality of life. I provide short- or long-term therapy using a cognitive-behavioural approach or attachment approach.

NOTE: We provide only online counselling at this time. We are a highly diverse team of counsellors with decades of experience treating nearly any mental health issue. We offer a holistic approach to healing focusing on mental, emotional, spiritual & physical health. We serve individuals, couples, families and groups. If our clients are not completely satisfied, we are committed to providing a change of counsellor on our team, or a referral to a counsellor outside of our agency.

Mindfulness based psychotherapy is a powerful approach to healing that is based on the ancient wisdom of how to work with our own minds. Mindfulness is defined by paying attention, with intention, in the present moment, without judgment. Clients who practice mindfulness skills share that their lives are more positive, they have an enhanced sense of well-being and better relationships all around. In Mindfulness Psychotherapy, I work with clients to support their development of moment-by-moment awareness by teaching a variety of skills and techniques, which will aid in their development.

Whether you are new to therapy or looking for a fresh perspective, I work with people who feel overwhelmed and stuck. Stuck in their grief, fears, or memories—stuck in a job or a relationship that no longer satisfies—stuck with intense emotions that can hijack the mind and derail daily life. What can help is someone to explore how old MOs may be in need of an update. Nothing you have been through needs to limit where you go from here.