Honest, Real, Change. This is how I would define my style of counseling. I have developed a style that is down to earth, which focuses on working with the skills that an individual already possesses, while developing the abilities they need to bring them to the next level. I also help solve issues in the “here and now” while working on other skills that can/should be develop in the future. Reaching out can be hard to do but it is important.
I was born and raised in Montreal for 24 years and I am proud of my hometown and miss it regularly. I consider Boston my second home and have lived here for 17 years. I am also very proud to be living in the Boston area. French is my first language but thanks to my dad, I am able to speak English fluently. You can tell my accent especially after I speak to someone in French.
I studied at McGill University for my Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in Psychology. McGill emphasizes research based psychology, which I originally resented but now appreciate my research based mind when studies are published. I obtain my Masters in Counseling Psychology at Assumption College, which emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is part of the Aaron T. Beck Insititute. I have a speciality in children and family from Assumption, as well as in CBT.
Since 2004, I mostly worked with law enforcement agencies like parole, probation, jails, drug courts as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. I enjoyed the work and miss it from time to time. I also was part of a crisis team for 13 years, where I did evaluations at hospitals and in the community. During this time, I spent a year in rural Vermont working as a counselor there too.
I am CISM (Critical Incident and Stress Management) trained, a Reiki Practioner and a Buddhist, although I feel like every spiritual belief has its place. I completed my EMDR training, working on my supervised hours. In addition, I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) in my work. I am also working on a diet and weight loss management certification, as I feel this will tie in my work where I emphasize the mind-body-spirit connection .
I offer discounts for first responders, military personnel and family, lawyers, and corrections workers. Je parle Français couramment.