I am always learning.
As a white learner in the process of truth and reconciliation, I acknowledge that systematic colonial ideals, policies, and regulations have provided me privilege and afforded me societal benefits that are unfair.
Through my work, it is my commitment to play an active role in decolonizing the practice of therapeutic healing. I want to support those who have been stripped of their power and rights, in reclaiming it. If you identify with this experience, please contact me for pro-bono services.
My name comes from my great grand mother Helena who was Welsh, and I use she/her pronouns. I grew up on Coast Salish territory on the land of the Hul’qumi’num’ speaking peoples and feel deeply fortunate to have been taught by many Indigenous elders from all over Turtle Island. They have shown me how to live with care in my heart, dignity in my relationships, and integrity with the land.
Registered Canadian Counsellor, CCPA
Masters of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Bachelor of French Education, UBC
Bachelor of Arts in History & Holocaust Studies, UBC
Healing Trauma with Self-Compassion Certification, Gabor Maté
How to Work with the Traumatized Brain, Bessel van der Kolk
Mastery of Transformation through Toltec Teachings, Liz Forrest
Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapy Course, Daybreak Therapy
My favourite resources
mental health is political
yung_pueblo (Instagram account)
upstreampodcast (Instagram account)
grief
Defining the Future of Grief Psychology with Love, Lorraine Hedtke
Helping Children Deal With Grief, Child Mind Institute
Making Sense of Grief, Psychology Today
nervous system regulation
BounceBack BC & Anxiety Canada: free skill-building programs
6 Steps to Emotional Self-Regulation - Overcoming amygdala hijack
"Just Breathe" by Julie Bayer Salzman & Josh Salzman,
thenapministry (Instagram account)
literature
The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van der Kolk
The Myth of Normal, Gabor Mate
When the Body Says No, Gabor Mate
Belonging, Toko-pa Turner
Emotional Inheritance, Galit Atlas
Trauma and Identity, Vivian Broughton
Ten Steps to Nanette, Hannah Gadsby
Women Who Run With the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes
It’s Not You, Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People, Ramani Durvasula
Complex PTSD, From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker
self-compassion
Test how self-compassionate you are, Kristin Neff
Self-Compassion Exercises, Kristin Neff
Learning to Respond Not React, Tara Brach
the.holistic.psychologist (Instagram account)
roots of trauma
Difference Between ADHD and BPD
The Wisdom of Trauma, Gabor Maté
drdoylesays (Instagram account)
Hidden Brain (podcast)
Invisiblilia (podcast)
Description of Addiction, Gabor Maté
Dictionary of Obscure Shadows, John Koenig
The Toxic Signs You’re Dealing with a Narcissist, Dr. Ramani Durvasula
vagus nerve
How to Reset your Vagus Nerve - "11 scientifically proven methods that boost health & happiness, promote healing, aid relaxation, and create mental clarity"
5 Techniques to Train the Vagus Nerve: "Increased vagal tone is related to positive emotions and emotional regulation"
Polyvagal Theory Explained Simply, Sukie Baxter
somaticexperiencingit (Instagram account)
neurodiversity
Highly Sensitive Person: The Signs, Challenges and Strengths of Being Sensitive w/ Dr. Ketam Hamdan (podcast)
Nanette, Hannah Gadsby (film)
Douglas, Hannah Gadsby (film)
adhd_love_ (Instagram account)
Refocused exploring adult ADHD (podcast)