I am a trauma counsellor who helps people find joy and meaning in their lives after disaster has occurred.  I am particularly drawn to working with people who are living with chronic disease or disability, or who are in palliative care. In 2004, I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis so I have first-hand knowledge of how suddenly one’s life can be changed by bad news or an accident. If you are overwhelmed by life circumstances and drowning in feelings of grief and loss, I can meet you there; I understand you and have been there. In many ways, I’m still there.

I am also always available to talk to people who love and support disabled, ill people and people who are in palliative care. You make life worth living for the disabled and ill and it takes a tremendous toll on your mental, physical and emotional health. I am proud to support Indigenous populations with intergenerational trauma and I have undergone specialized training in Disaster Psychosocial Services. I continue to volunteer at Wildfire Evacuation Centres to support those impacted by BC wildfires with psychosocial first aid.

My primary counselling methodology is Humanistic Existentialism. In plain language, I like to help people find the answers to the big questions: Why did this happen to me? Now what? What is my purpose in life? How do I get unstuck and move past this situation? I also use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in my counselling sessions and I draw from a variety of methodologies to help my clients with their problems. In all of my sessions you will find me practicing Unconditional Positive Regard (Carl Rogers).

My history includes working as a cattle rancher (I spent a lot of time pondering the big questions on the back of a horse), raising children, volunteering with the MS Society of Canada, working as a fitness coach (yes, a disabled fitness coach) and authoring two books: A Quiet Roar: Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Raising Janis: an autistic child grows up.  Doing research for my second book gave me an interest in, and appreciation for, working with people on the autism spectrum and their caregivers.

Prior to tackling a master’s degree in counselling psychology, I earned an undergraduate degree in German and Russian languages and literature. I am fluent in German and welcome any excuse to keep my language skills sharp. If you want to converse with me in Russian it will be more difficult and will likely involve a lot of sign language and hand-waving, but I’m game to try!

I have been married to Tom (my caregiver and phenomenal support person) for 36 terrific and tumultuous years and we have three grown children. I am relatively new to Kamloops, BC and am loving living here. When I’m not supporting clients, I am enjoying all that the area has to offer and spending time with my first grandchild, who arrived in 2022.

My counselling services are covered by most Extended Health Programs, including Blue Cross and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).