I will be the first to encourage you to ask me any question about myself because successful counseling is often measured by the trust between a counsellor and a patient.

Let me share briefly some of my background so that you have a better understanding about me as a counsellor.

Growing up in small town Saskatchewan helped me appreciate the community unity that still defines my desire for strong family and neighbourhood connections. Sadly, my family dealt with many losses early in my life, but with the help of a strong community, I learned much in the way of living through pain, change and loss.

I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Sociology and Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Calgary. Before becoming a Psychologist, I worked with numerous Non-For-Profit agencies in Saskatchewan, Alberta and even West Africa. At each of these positions, I worked tirelessly with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities by integrating common needs and promoting collaboration, health and preventative strategies.

Area of profound interest to me are:

• Attachment, family unity and communication
• Couples counselling, and pre-marriage preparation
• Emotions and their impact on intelligence, functioning and experiencing
• Brain science and resulting impacts on mental, physical, psychological & spiritual health
• Christianity, spirituality, and finding hope during difficult times
• Life changes and transitions
• Creativity, identity, self-esteem and expression, personal fulfillment and living one’s purpose
• Nature and its role in healing

I hope this has given you some insight into me as a counsellor. I very much look forward to speaking to you .

Thank you,

Maria