Contemplation Psych

Why contemplation?

The word contemplation comes from latin for "with" and "temple".

I believe that in turning inwards into a sacred inner world, we can catch our breath amidst the noise of our busy lives, the commotion of our bodies, the chatter of the mind and the frenzy of emotions.

Contemplation, although similar to meditation or mindfulness, encompasses a broader definition of contemplative practices which propel us toward a purposeful and conscious life. Did you know that activities like walking, reading, creating art, singing, writing, being in nature, holding someone's hand can all be considered contemplative acts? Contemplation isn't so much about what you do, it's about how you engage with your experience.

I take a contemplative approach in my psychology practice, working with adults, couples, even in play with kids! I strongly believe that there is enrichment to life by taking a contemplative approach to all parts of life - the good, the hard and the ugly.

What to expect

Counselling Psychology

I strive to bring a relaxed and warm presence to what can otherwise be some daunting conversations. It's normal to be unsure of where to start. Rest assured that we will determine the direction of our work together collaboratively.

Maybe you're looking to improve your relationships, gain clarity on what's holding you back, boost your confidence or just feel more like yourself again. Working with me, you'll find that I operate with the mentality of "the problem is the problem; the person is not the problem". This means doing away with blame & shame, to uncover and nurture an authentic version of yourself.

In my psychology practice, I've been described as sensitive, down-to-earth, cheery, open, geeky... I have a strong aversion to worksheets/homework in therapy, but I do like to follow a structure, and I'm often enthusiastic to share recommendations with clients to do their own learning (and become experts or masters of mental health in their own lives).

Professional Trainings:

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Level I
Gottman Couples Therapy Level II
Emotion Focused Therapy (Couples and Individual)

You'll find me learning and reading about:

Somatic Therapies
Internal Family Systems
Polyvagal Theory
Attachment & Developmental Psychology
Existential Psychology
Mindfulness, Yoga
Spirituality

As a registered psychologist, I'm regulated through the College of Alberta Psychologists and am committed to upholding the principles of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists. I maintain confidentiality of our work together, except in circumstances where I am legally mandated to disclose your information. If a request is made for your file, I will always obtain consent to release from my clients and share only what is necessary for the purposes of the request.

Please note that to protect the integrity of our work together, I do not provide psychological services to multiple individuals from the same family, and I don't provide counselling to individuals with whom I have associated as an end-of-life doula. I do not complete formal assessments. I am able to provide referrals.

I work with people of all cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and with various abilities.

What to expect

End-of-Life Doula

The word doula is said to come from greek, "woman who serves", and is often associated with someone who helps in birth. An end-of-life doula provides non-medical support for someone in death. Contemplative approaches to dying can be found in spiritual traditions and existential psychology traditions.

I'm careful to disclose that I'm not a medical or academic expert on this topic. Most people aren't experts in death when they receive a terminal diagnosis or lose a loved one, and yet death will certainly affect us all in this human experience. My interest in this field is driven by an interest in universal human experiences.

My role as an end-of-life doula, or death doula, is first of all a form of personal enrichment which is infused into all of my work. When I learn about death, sit with, or talk to someone who is dying, contemplate my own mortality, listen to stories about or reminisce about amazing loved ones who are no longer here, I feel a richness to my life that's hard to put in words. The best way I can describe it is how I savour every little moment that I can, noticing small details as I walk outside, holding hugs a microsecond longer, even sometimes exuberantly doing the dishes or cleaning the house because it feels so special to be alive. Wacky, right?!

In working with me as a death doula, my role is first as someone who can help to de-stigmatize conversations that are often filled with fear around death. I aspire to bring some lightness, some peace, some gentle thoughtfulness to conversations around death and preparing for end-of-life.

While many sources predict that there is a growing need for doulas to support individual folks and their families (at all ages or stages in life) to prepare for a 'good death', my impact right now is focused on planting seeds for healthy conversations. I am not taking clients for active bedside or on-call work. I may be able to provide a referral.

Doulas do not provide medical or psychological assessment/intervention (regardless of their clinical background or licensure), in their scope as a doula. I do not evaluate suitability for MAID.

The real power of contemplation is that it naturally turns into decisive action, and that action brings about fundamental changes in our Lives

Why contemplation?

What to expect

Counselling Psychology

What to expect

End-of-Life Doula

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