As a therapist, I enjoy uncovering the complex layers of a client’s lived experience. If you become a client of mine, I make it my business to understand how you exist in the world around you and how your past affects the present. This way, we can identify your strengths as well as any unprocessed traumas or blockages to healing. I also spend time processing with my clients about life circumstances or upcoming challenges, such as deciding whether or not to change careers, navigating how to survive the holidays, or planning how to have a difficult conversation with a loved one. I work primarily with adults and teens, ages 13 and up.
Hi, I’m Belle!
I’m an Edmonton-based psychologist specializing in trauma, self-worth, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The work that I do is resilience-based and trauma-informed, drawing from a few different modalities based on the needs of my clients. I often work with people who feel powerless about stuck patterns that lead to relationship conflict, depression, or anxiety. I have also effectively walked alongside many individuals with past trauma, acute trauma (such as motor vehicle accidents), and complex PTSD. My strength as a therapist comes from my authenticity and warmth, while also bringing an element of humour into my sessions.
I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), Somatic Experiencing, and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy). I frequently integrate other somatic approaches, mindfulness, and parts work (ego state interventions) into my practice. Please feel free to view my complete list of trainings I have taken.
Although I welcome and see clients from all walks of life, by virtue of my experiences and training, I have developed a few niches and special interests. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults as they navigate life, school, and relationships. Many of my clients are BIPOC individuals looking to either heal through racial trauma/discrimination, or to navigate their cultural identities and histories with a BIPOC therapist who “gets it.” I also work with many clients who are burnt-out and struggling with boundaries. As I have a faith background, many of my clients are Christians wanting a non-judgmental and safe place to process about life and/or heal through past experiences. My other special interests include working with overwhelmed achievers, clients healing through complex PTSD, and those wanting to learn the language of boundaries to implement healthy limits in their relationships and work life.
I offer in-person counselling to those living in Edmonton and the surrounding area, as well as video counselling for all of Alberta. My office is located in Ritchie Mill (#411, 10171 Saskatchewan Drive NW). Ritchie Mill has plenty of parking and is a ten-minute walk north of Whyte Ave.
My View On Counselling
Studies have shown that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in therapeutic change. In therapy, I believe my role is to help my clients feel seen, heard, and understood while both guiding and journeying alongside them towards wholeness and healing.
Many of us have been taught that who we are is not okay. Because of this, we often feel as though we are not good enough and begin to lose touch with important parts of ourselves. This can lead to overwhelming feelings of isolation and shame. Maybe this feeling is very old, a familiar feeling you’ve felt for as long as you can remember; or, maybe this feeling has surfaced recently during a particularly hard season for you. You may also find yourself repeating a similar pattern, internally or in relationship to others. Maybe, in remembering a difficult experience, you find your body reacting in a way that is not working for you.
Counselling is the process of unearthing and shedding light on what’s there in order to regain connection to ourselves and others. Often this process can be emotional as we explore the parts of us that so deeply want to heal and be witnessed. I see collaboration as key, working with my clients to put together a plan to help them reach their goals. With warm compassion and an open mind, I aim to support you in navigating hard seasons, processing emotions, and resolving trauma.
