About Me

I worked as a professional stage manager before becoming a drama and talk therapist. It was during this time that I came to understand the impact of play, performance, and being witnessed.

I had stage fright and social anxiety throughout my adolescence and young adult life. I worried about embarrassing myself, doing or saying things “wrong,” and—most of all—being vulnerable. I was used to working and living “behind the scenes,” where it felt safer. Over time, I developed coping strategies that weren’t good for me and negatively affected my self-esteem and relationships.

Drama therapy offered me a space to explore my experiences and beliefs in a creative, curious, and engaging way. This process gently challenged the defenses that had once kept me “safe.” Through play and humour, I was able to soften these defenses, discover new ways of expressing myself and my emotions, and explore with curiosity rather than fear. I’m confident it can do the same for you. 

I know how challenging vulnerability and change can be. That is why I strive to create a space where clients can show up as they are, share without judgment, and explore at their own pace while feeling held and supported.

My Approach to Therapy

I work from a client-centered and trauma-informed lens and believe therapy should be relational, collaborative, and flexible. 

In my practice, I draw from narrative therapy, attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, and trauma-informed exposure-based approaches—modalities I have experienced as deeply effective, both personally and professionally.

My primary focus is to meet clients where they are and support them in navigating the stressors, defenses, and maladaptive beliefs that may be getting in their way. I believe the stories we tell ourselves—and the ones we have been told—shape how we see ourselves and move through everyday life. I help clients develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of self.

Introspection can be uncomfortable and confronting, but in therapy there is also room for play, laughter, and celebration—powerful tools that support growth, and I’m here to support you through it all. 

J’fais aussi des sessions en chiac si tu préfères en français.

Education and Experience

I moved from a small Acadian town in New Brunswick to the big city (a.k.a. Montréal) to pursue a degree in Technical Theatre. It was while working on plays about suicide and drug addiction that I decided to work towards a career that includes performance and therapy. I completed a minor in Psychology and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies with a specialization in Drama Therapy.

I then moved to an even bigger city—Minneapolis, Minnesota—where I worked as a trauma-centered psychotherapist with homeless youths, and in various elementary schools where I facilitated age-appropriate therapeutic education on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for children and educators. I provided daily individual stress-reduction sessions, and supported clients from diverse cultural backgrounds experiencing toxic and traumatic stress.

After relocating back to Canada, I began working as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in private practice with children, adolescents, and adults, and developed a special interest in exploring issues such as depression, anxiety, gender identity, attachment difficulties, addiction, and complex trauma. 

At Umbrella Insights, I work under the supervision of Katherine Van Meyl, MA, RP., in my work with teenagers and adults.