My Journey:
I began studying psychology right out of high school. At this time, my experience of being in the world was very “masculine” or goal oriented and focused on productivity. A series of experiences in my life forced me to slow down and realize that I was often living in autopilot and wasn’t very connected to myself. I began my own personal journey of yoga, mindfulness, and spirituality, which allowed me to develop a deeper connection to myself. For the first time, I learned how to be with the “feminine”, how to feel and be with my emotions and how to truly connect with my body. I became aware of how many of emotional experiences were being held unconsciously in my body.
I once again found myself drawn to becoming a counsellor…
But this time I knew I wanted to take a holistic approach, one that integrated mind, body, and spirit. After completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology from UBC, I continued to build skills and knowledge in somatic therapy and energy healing.
While completing my Master’s, I also began to specialize in women’s reproductive health and worked at various women’s clinics in the area of pregnancy loss (miscarriage and abortion). I continued to integrate my holistic approach with my passion for women’s health and completed several trainings in energy healing specifically related to the womb, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.
At the same time, I was also on my own reproductive journey. With a diagnosis of PCOS, the experience of miscarriage, a challenging birth, and postpartum anxiety, I bring with me my own lived experience as a counsellor and healer specializing in reproductive health.
My Training
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of British Columbia
HOLISTIC HEALING TRAINING:
Certified Womb Healing Practitioner, Sacred Woman Awakening
Womb Reiki Practitioner, In Grace Yoga
Holistic Somatic Healing (specialized in Integrative Pelvic Health), School of Embodied Healing Arts
Reiki Level 2 Practitioner, By the Moon International Holistic Health School
Shamanic Journeying Mentorship, Melanie O’Leary