About Me

I am a Registered Social Worker, working in the field of social services for the last 15 years. My main area of expertise and experience is working with youth. I have helped youth with issues including (but not limited to) exploring involvement in the justice system, helping them find new and alternate ways to achieve their desired goals, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and finding new directions in their lives. Other issues I have helped people with include mental health concerns, past traumas, relationships in their lives (family, dating and peers), emotions, stress management, anger, substance use, and exploring possible future life paths (I.e., careers, schools and relationships).

I am a compassionate counsellor with a very strong ability to connect with clients, helping them examine themselves honestly and in a caring manner. I take an empathetic approach by validating experiences, and challenging clients to reach their personal goals. My eclectic approach to counselling is strongly influenced by Solution-Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychoeducation, and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT). I take a client-centred approach and work collaboratively with clients, encouraging them to lead the direction of the work.

I obtained my Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto in 2004 and regularly participate in continuing education and training to advance my knowledge and skill sets . Some topics of training I have participated in include mindfulness, trauma, neuroscience, anxiety and resilience.

Counselling and therapy can be a very difficult process that triggers our emotional senses. For this reason, I take great pride in being able to provide clients with a comfortable and safe space to explore their own lives and help them identify their personal strengths and challenges. I feel privileged to have been able to take a few steps in life’s journey with all the clients I have worked with. I always start sessions slowly and allow clients to become comfortable with my approach and the process of counselling before exploring the bigger issues that are the cause of difficulties, stress and suffering for my clients. My end goal is for my clients to leave feeling listened to, validated, and more equipped to deal with the struggles in life, having developed an enhanced awareness and understanding of life, themselves and the people around them.

What Does Counselling with Chris Look Like

When you call for a consultation, we will briefly explore reasons you may be seeking counselling. I will share with you my approaches to counselling and give you an opportunity to assess whether my personality and style match your needs and expectations.

Upon agreement to start counselling, we will begin with some introductions to outline the process and expectations of our counselling sessions. I will then provide you with a survey to complete as a way for me to get to know you better.

After reviewing the survey together, we will set goals and identify steps we will take to achieve the goals.

We will work on the steps and periodically assess whether the counselling is meeting your needs and/or whether revisions need to be made.

Completion of counselling entails reviewing the progress made and ‘where you go from here.’