My name is Em and I’m a non-binary, queer, neurodivergent psychotherapist (RP Qualifying). I am deeply connected to queer and trans-affirming care and neurodivergent-affirming practice. I strive for a therapy space that creates an opportunity to explore your experiences and emotions, free of assumptions that a cisgender identity and heterosexuality are the ‘norm’. In alignment with neurodivergent-affirming principles, I don't believe there is a 'right' or 'wrong' way to function. I love to work with folks to identify accessible accommodations, build self-trust, explore values and recognize special interests! I will always make space to celebrate both small and big wins in the therapy space. I also believe in acknowledging the systemic factors that may impact your wellbeing (e.g. capitalism, patriarchy, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia). We so often internalize the normative narratives of the societies and cultures we are brought up in and it is important to recognize the ways in which these systems influence our beliefs.

While I acknowledge that a shared identity with a client may offer a bridge of connection, I am committed to approaching each client with curiosity, humility and compassion. My therapy style is compassionate and validating, with gentle challenging and humour.  I believe in a person-first approach, which means that I strive to understand you as a full, complex human, outside of the goals you may have for our therapeutic work. Therapy is a relationship and I’m deeply aligned with your autonomy, agency and consent throughout the therapeutic process.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic, with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-compassion — I do not believe that there is a “one-size fits all” approach because we are all unique, complex and nuanced beings. I like to integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) or "parts work" into my therapeutic approach as I'm deeply connected with its principles of curiosity, creativity, patience and compassion. Even our more 'harmful' behaviours stem from our parts trying to protect us. IFS can help us move towards understanding and compassion for all facets of ourselves. I am committed to an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, culturally responsive and socially just framework to psychotherapy and my greatest hope is that you come to feel safe, supported and empowered throughout our work together.