MEET Ava (They/She)
Warm wishes!
I am a queer, nonbinary neurodivergent Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in trauma healing, abuse recovery, sex and sexuality, and supporting male survivors. If you are feeling overwhelmed and want to get back in touch with your values, feel safe in your body, and live a meaningful, empowered life, I would love to work with you. My supports adults of all ages struggling with big feelings, difficult pasts, and ongoing systemic oppression.
I believe that healing happens within the context of strong relationships - not only with others, but also with ourselves! My work helps you reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit in service of living a valued life where you can experience safety within yourself and in community with others. I strive to provide you a warm and trusting relationship in which you can safely explore vulnerable topics, while also holding space for humour and fun. I like to orient you to your strengths and help you use them to your advantage while also helping you learn practical skills to transform your relationship to yourself and the world.
In addition to talk therapy, I draw from a variety of creative and body-based techniques to help you understand the parts of yourself that exist beyond language. I believe therapy is an opportunity to be creative and practice new ways of being, so that’s what we do! I am trained in a variety of modalities including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, somatic techniques, and more. While my area of focus is in the realm of trauma, I have worked with a variety of concerns including emotional distress, queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, grief and loss, life transitions, and much more.
Working with me is a collaboration between my expertise in theory and process, and your expertise in YOU! You get to set the pace, and what we do together will be adapted to your needs. Accessibility is my priority - I welcome your questions and input for adapting our work to your needs. For your peace of mind, my office is equipped with a HEPA air purifier and I will wear an N95 mask during our session upon request.