Get to Know Me

When I was in my early 20s, I couldn’t understand why I felt anxious, sad and angry a lot of the time. I had difficulties maintaining relationships and had very low self-esteem. When a Quest Institute Cognitive Hypnotherapist came into my life, I was able to turn things around. As I worked through past trauma and learned valuable tools, my self-esteem and confidence grew. I could manage my anxiety and I felt happier. I was finally able to develop deep and meaningful relationships, and over time, my insecurities diminished. My company name, The First Step to Freedom, echoes this journey where it all started with one step. A phone call that led me to find freedom from the things that were weighing me down.

Since this time, I have completed my Batchelor of science in psychology (BSc Psych) and Master of arts in counselling psychology (MACP). I have qualified as a Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapist, an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner, and I have been awarded the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) certification. I have lived in Three Sisters, Canmore (Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi) with my partner since 2015, enjoying all the beauty and fun that the Bow Valley has to offer. We now have a puppy who keeps us busy in the mountains and lakes.

As a mental health counsellor, I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space. I recognize and celebrate the unique qualities and experiences that each individual brings to the therapeutic process. And I’ll work with you to address your concerns using a holistic approach that respects your individuality. Learn more about my approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

Since building a local business within the Bow Valley community, and training as a counselling psychologist and cognitive hypnotherapist, my life has changed in so many positive and powerful ways. I hope your journey to wellness does the same for you, too.

Discover My Biggest Tip for Managing Stress

In this 5-minute interview, I speak with Laura Lohk at the Quest Institute. We discuss my specialities as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, why I became a hypnotherapist and what my biggest tip is to help you manage stress and anxiety.

Questions? Get in touch with me  – I'd love to chat.

Qualifications and training

• Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) - Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University, Canada

• BSc (Hons) Psychology - The Open University

• Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy - The Quest Institute

• Hypnotherapist Practitioner Diploma (HPD) - National Council of Hypnotherapy

• Master NLP Practitioner - The Quest Institute

• Accredited Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner - EFT International    

• Specialist ADHD Training - Breaking the ADHD Code (BTAC) - CambiumEd Consulting Inc.

• Mindfulness Based Inner Repatterning (MBIR) Practitioner - Tania A. Prince Accredited Master Trainer of Trainers EFT International

• The Simmons Method: Smoking Cessation Specialist Training – The Simmons Clinic

• Trauma Informed Practice Training: Level 1 – The Trauma Informed Practice Institute

• Teaching Trauma Informed Mindfulness Training – Center for adolescent studies

• New Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression Training – Envision Learning Platform with Dr Janina Fisher

I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), the Quest Institute (QCHPA), the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and Association for Emotional Freedom Technique (EFTi).