Hi, I’m Andrea.
(She / Her / Hers)
Therapist. Mom. Spouse. Nature-lover. Seeker. Bereaved. Human.
I am here to help you explore your inner world as you navigate the human experience. Whatever challenges you face in the external world, my goal is to support you in drawing on your own ability to meet them with intention, courage, and clarity. It’s surprisingly simple, but not always easy, which is why it’s invaluable to have someone at your side.
My Journey
We all have default ways of responding to inner chaos. For me, it was intellectualizing. When chronic illness arrived in my 20s, I dove deep into research on pain relief, resisting my body’s betrayal. As insomnia, burnout, and depression hit during early parenthood, I chased solutions in an endless stream of parenting and stress management books. When my dad was dying, I researched death, dying, and grief. Yet none of it fully alleviated the inner chaos.
I deeply understand the helplessness and grief that arise when life takes us away from ourselves and makes us feel out of control. Like many, you may rely on familiar coping strategies that once helped but now add layers of distress.
With time, therapy, and mindfulness, I realized that truly feeling my emotions and engaging with all parts of myself, even the ones I don’t like, brings peace and clarity. With each client I help to do the same, I become even more convinced that this is something we can all do.
From Life Sciences to Counselling
In 2021, I left a 15-year career in life sciences to become a counsellor. Since then, I have accompanied individuals and groups through challenging times as a counsellor, hospice volunteer, end-of-life doula, and grief educator.
I’ve worked in both private practice and non-profit sectors, supporting clients navigating:
Grief, end-of-life, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Anxiety, depression, and burnout
Relational trauma, perfectionism, and self-criticism
Addictive behaviors and life transitions
Since settling as a guest in Chief Drygeese territory in 2008, I embrace the ethic of mutual learning and respect these lands invite, integrating it into my practice with all clients.
Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle, Canada
Canadian Certified Counsellor 112 7805, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Certified Grief Educator, David Kessler
Certificate in Contemplative End of Life Care, Institute of Traditional Medicine
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression, Beck Institute
Brainspotting 2 Day Workshop, David Grandin
Mindfulness Based Cognitive, Therapy Program
Credentials
IFS Institute Level 1
IFS with Neurodivergent, Individuals Couples
IFS Trauma Treatment, Program Frank Anderson
Indigenous IFS Fundamentals , Council for Indigenous IFS
Self Led Grieving Mel Galbraith
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT Training:
Trauma Informed ACT, Russ Harris
ACT Therapy: Model, Practice Application, Wilfrid Laurier University
Trauma Informed ACT, Russ Harris
Approach
The foundation of my work is Internal Family Systems (IFS), an experiential, non-pathologizing method that encourages self-awareness and self-compassion. Clients who have experienced traditional talk therapy often find that IFS offers greater clarity and lasting change.
To support and deepen this work, I integrate elements of :
Mindfulness-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Existential therapies that address questions of meaning, identity and purpose
Polyvagal theory to build safety, awareness and regulation of the nervous system
This combination provides a transformative framework that is responsive to what clients bring to the therapy space and allows for meaningful change.