It is an absolute honor to be joining Live in Light Counselling (LILC) Services as a practicum student completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP). In the past few years I have been counselling and have very much enjoyed this work as I find it very rewarding to help others navigate their challenges and realize their personal strengths. I look forward to connecting virtually with my new clients!

My personal philosophy in life is to “do you: work smarter and not harder.” Many of us have an idea of what we want in this life, or the things that matter to us. These values are often tied largely to our sense of identity and held dear to our hearts. However, when we disregard them, we often become locked in a cycle of discomfort, stress, and sometimes frustration, which can bring forth feelings of discontentment. Sometimes we understand we are not content, but we don’t know what to do about it, or why it’s happening. Or sometimes we know what to do about it, but we become “stuck” in this knowing.

Speaking to someone we trust can help us to develop insight, awareness, and ultimately help us to access and nurture many of the tools that already exist within us. When we can use those strengths to our advantage, we are not only doing what comes naturally to us, life, as it is, typically becomes better. As Dr. Suess once said: “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you. Shout aloud, I am glad to be what I am.” As a psychotherapist my goal is to help you understand yourself and the strengths that you possess within you. In our sessions we may also explore how you relate to others, view the world around you, your past experiences, your beliefs, and last but certainly not least – your goals, wants and needs.

Has someone ever asked you or have you ever thought about what it is that you want out of this life?

Presently, I am offering short-term solution – focused psychotherapy, though I also recognize that my clients are the drivers of their own treatment. With collaboration as a key tenet of treatment, longer term counseling as well as integration and borrowing from other therapies may be necessary. The three modalities I gravitate towards are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness MBCT. Through these strategies we can explore the hows and whys, and then develop newer, more adaptive ways of being that align with our true self.

I am excited, honoured, and humbled to be working with each of you on your personal journey.

Warmly,

Sheila

RP(Q), OCT, MEd, BEd, BPA