“After my first session with Tom, I was very happy I chose him. Tom was very easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable. I trusted him with everything I said, and never felt pressured.

He helped me believe I was in control of my life, everything is my decision and choice.

I left every session feeling better”

Trauma

Whether your trauma is based in a specific event or part of Interpersonal abuse or neglect, it can be very hard to deal with.

I focus heavily on our basic needs, emotions, thoughts and beliefs in an attempt to re-establish feelings of safety. Alongside this we explore skills and strategies to move forward with healthy relationships.

I work collaboratively with the local VCH team to support people who need extra care.

Relationship & Family Conflict

As a social worker I focus much of our healing within the context of humans as relational beings.

This means we have to talk about how our relationships function and break these down into systems and patterns.

I meet with couples and families in order to promote the natural healing and supportive capabilities found within the relationships already present.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional dysregulation is usually directly associated with trauma or a failure to meet developmental goals.

Angry outbursts, excessive crying, self-harm and creating chaotic situations/relationships are all signs of dysregulation.

I utilize a variety of modalities from direct skill work, grounding/mindfulness work, exploring narratives and most importantly Acceptance and Self Compassion approaches.

I may request you attend programs in the community to compliment your work with me.

General Counseling & Therapy

All trained and registered Therapists should be able to work with a large variety of issues including Anxiety, Depression, Grief/Loss and many others.

If there is a specific issue that I think someone else would be better suited to treat, I will tell you, and happily refer you.

Addiction

There is no single definition of Addiction that experts agree on. Addiction in my practice is treated as a symptom and coping mechanism to deal with unwanted thoughts, sensations and emotions.

My role is to help you find out what role substances perform in your life and attempt to replace these maladaptive skills with more healthy ones.

Indigenous Specific Issues

Anyone living in North America should be aware of the devastating effects of the Imperial/Colonial efforts that ripped the heart out of the Indigenous People of Turtle Island.

There are unique traumas and experiences that First Nation, Metis and Inuit people experience.

I focus a lot of energy on implementing Indigenous healing practices and use smudging and carving as ways of working in a culturally sensitive way.