Hello. My name is Shirley, and I'm glad you've found your way to us. Let me take a moment to tell you a little bit about myself to see if I might be a good fit for you.

I graduated from the M.Ed. Counselling program at Western University more than 30 years ago.  I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and I was an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Counselling program at Western University.  I've also published two books on PTSD, as well as several articles on clinical and mental health.

Throughout my years of working with all types of people and issues, I have developed a deep respect and clear understanding of what it means to be person-centred and trauma-informed.  In other words, everything we do in your therapy sessions is collaborative, paced to your unique needs and style, and implemented in a gentle but impactful way to create the change you've been looking for. 

As well, because effective healing often requires a combination of therapy approaches, I've trained extensively in a variety of treatment modalities that are excellent in helping people heal and grow.  These include DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, Parts Work Therapy, CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model) Therapy, as well as the Polyvagal healing principles that allow you to resolve your issues beyond simple management and coping. 

For those interested in trauma therapy with me, please see:

​

​