Get to Know Me
Helping You Move Forward
Since 2016, I've helped my clients break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. Life's too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. I am here to help my clients achieve a more positive outlook on life, and provide them with all the tools necessary to get them there. Let me help you learn and develop better ways to handle the issues that are standing in the way of your goals.
Mary is a registered clinical counsellor (RCC # 14348). She received her Bachelor of Education degree from Simon Fraser University and her Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University. Her professional life began as an elementary school teacher and she was later inspired to go back to school to further her education and to continue her work by helping and supporting others through counselling. Mary brings with her a wealth of life experience. She comes from a large family, has been married for 30 years and has adult children. Having aging parents she understands well the concerns of the “sandwich generation” taking care of both children and elderly parents.
Mary specializes in helping her clients navigate life transitions, helping them make healthier life decisions and building stronger, healthier relationships. She treats individuals, and couples and offers comprehensive services dealing with depression, anxiety, stress management, low self –esteem, life transitions (including career changes, mid- life, empty nest syndrome, care of elderly parents), trauma, parental issues, grief or loss, relationship issues, communication problems, anger management, low self -esteem, disordered eating, social building skills and family of origin issues.
About Me
I come from a large Italian and French Canadian family. I am a happily married mother of 3 children. I also have a dog that I love dearly. I like to travel and meet new people. I enjoy reading and I love to learn new things. I am a life long learner. I enjoy socializing with my friends and family and always appreciate a good laugh. I love music of many genres, nature walks, skiing, shopping, good meals and good movies.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, my first personal encounter with therapy was while experiencing a mid-life transition. This was a situation in which I was very unfamiliar. A friend suggested counselling. Until then I had never experienced a relationship where I felt so heard and so validated. How often do you get to feel that special and have it all about you? I found that the empathy and insight provided by my therapist was a game changer. With much support and hard work I got through it and decided to become a counsellor myself, wanting as many people as possible to experience not only the unique counsellor-client relationship but the wonder of change no matter how small. I love to work with adults of all ages.Living with young adults gives me some perspective on the trials and tribulations of this younger generation and being a middle-aged woman allows me to have much insight into many types of relationships and life transitions.
Therapeutic Approach
I work with others in a warm, sensitive, caring environment creating a non-judgmental, confidential space where clients can feel respected and heard. I believe that therapy cannot exist without creating a strong client-therapist relationship built on trust, support and safety. I am able to encourage my clients to find self-understanding and insight and to put those insights into action, helping them shift their lives in a positive direction. I incorporate a holistic approach to counselling, tailoring therapy for each individual using mental, emotional, physical and spiritual components as needed.
My work is influenced by many evidence based counselling practices including, Adlerian, Client Centred, CBT, Mindfulness, Focus Oriented therapy, Attachment based Somatic therapy,and Solution Focused therapy, Emotion Focused individual and couples therapy, and Gottman Couples therapy. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye movement reprocessing and desensitization) used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias and many other issues. I believe that counselling is a collaborative process and that the client is the expert of his or her life and tailor my approach to each individual’s needs. I treat every client with great respect as a special, unique individual.
“Most of us are trying to live an authentic life. Deep down, we want to take off our game face and be real and imperfect. Brene Brown