Hello, I’m Leona, and I became a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) because I wanted to help others overcome the struggles they face. I have lived experience with childhood emotional neglect, trauma, chronic pain, and nervous system dysregulation and wanted to help people experiencing similar challenges.
We can work together to alleviate your pain and suffering, helping you start on a path towards a better quality of life and a more fulfilling future. I will focus on you, your personal priorities, and your unique challenges to help you achieve the goals you are bringing to therapy.
What is my approach to therapy?
I have an honest, empathetic and collaborative style to help you explore, understand, and bring awareness to the underlying causes of your current challenges. Additionally, I bring a patient, caring and understanding attitude to helping you to heal and get more out of your life.
I strive to create a steady and welcoming space where you feel safe enough to be vulnerable and find healing for the wounds and struggles that have been holding you back. My compassion and understanding enable you to feel seen and heard, as your pain and suffering are acknowledged and witnessed, and we work together to find a path to ease your suffering.
We can work at a pace that is right for you and your body. We can work together to create a sufficient level of safety, allowing us to effectively undertake the transformative work necessary to achieve the goals you bring to therapy.
I will help you enlarge your toolbox with insights, skills, strategies, and knowledge to alleviate your current challenges, face them with more confidence and ease, and create a foundation that establishes lasting change.
We can process your past trauma, childhood neglect, and other wounds of the past, so it doesn’t cause you as much pain and suffering in the present.
I believe you are capable of overcoming the experiences and burdens that you have been carrying for too long. I will be there to support and encourage you throughout your healing journey. Ultimately, I strive to help you improve or rebuild your life based on what matters most to you. I want you to see yourself as the unique and special human being you are, with so much to offer the world.
What are some of the results my clients have experienced, and what may be possible for you?
- Improved coping and feeling more in control of their lives
- Better boundaries, improved self-care, increased function, and a better quality of life.
- Reduction in trauma triggers, trauma symptoms, and trauma’s effect on their lives.
- Increase in their sense of safety, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
- Reduction in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-critical tendencies.
- Increased awareness and knowledge.
- Reduced feelings of emptiness, shame, and guilt.
- Improved sleep and ability to relax.
- A feeling of being unburdened from the past, a sense of freedom, and an embrace of their true selves.
Who I Am As A Professional
I have experience and/or training in the following conditions:
- PTSD, Complex Trauma, and Trauma
- Chronic Pain Management
- Nociplastic Pain Treatment
- Emotional Neglect and Abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Disability and Chronic Illness
- Nervous System Dysregulation
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma-Exposed Professionals
- Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Developmental and Relational Trauma
- Religious and Spiritual Trauma
- Dealing with Emotionally Immature Adults
- Dissociation
- Disability and Chronic Illness
- Sleep Issues
- Substance Use Disorders
- Suicide
Here are some of the modalities I’m trained in and have integrated into therapy:
- EMDR, Flash Technique
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Advanced Application
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)
- Polyvagal Theory
- Mindfulness
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Somatic Experiencing and other somatic approaches
- Radically-Open DBT
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (#19052) and hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (with a Concentration in Psychology) from Athabasca University.
I am continually learning about new techniques and skills, exploring ways to serve my clients, including you, better. Additionally, I am continuing to learn how to harness the brain’s power to help with healing processes and to alleviate pain and suffering.
I consistently apply what I learn with clients in a flexible and compassionate way that honours their experiences and promotes their healing. I use my knowledge to empower my clients and help them understand what is likely happening in their body and brain, so they can use that knowledge and skills to reduce their suffering.
Who I Am As a Person
I am a gentle and compassionate individual who is fascinated by science and history, and I always strive to learn. I am rooted in my Christian faith that is focused on love and grace. When I’m not counselling, I’m often watching documentaries and sports, reading, spending time in nature, and playing The Legend of Zelda games.
Discover a Path Towards a Better Future
We can work together to bring more freedom and purpose to your life. Please book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discover how I can assist you.