Background

My journey towards becoming a therapist began, like many, with my own therapy. I first found a therapist to work through creative blocks in my filmmaking career and the resulting anxiety. The scope of our work quickly expanded towards the goal of finding meaning and value in my life beyond my production. A few years into therapy, I experienced a deep loss when a close friend of mine died of cancer. I found grief disorienting, and was grateful to have my therapist by my side as I processed the loss. Over time, I realized my priorities had changed, and that I wanted to work with others to support their mental well-being the way I had been lucky enough to have a therapist support mine.

I began volunteering as a crisis-worker at the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto on their 24-hour local distress and Canada Suicide Prevention Service lines, and as a grief counsellor at their Traumatic Loss Survivor Support Program for folks who lost someone to suicide or homicide.  I found these jobs to be incredibly rewarding, and they have strengthened my commitment to remaining present and cultivating a compassionate, respectful, and accepting presence to support people when they need it most.

I have completed a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies for Studies in Education, where I was trained to use an integrative approach. While pursuing my Master’s I completed a practicum at everwell counselling under Clinic Director Carly Fleming.  I have also completed courses and seminars in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) taught by Dr. Russ Harris, Internal Family Systems taught by Derek Scott, Emotion-Focus Therapy (EFT) taught by Sue Johnson, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) taught by Terry Real.

In addition to my training and therapy work experiences, I draw upon my life experiences as a filmmaker, husband and father.