Before becoming a counsellor, I spent more than three decades working in the British Columbia justice system. My career began in youth custody and gradually progressed through roles including bail supervisor, probation officer, senior probation officer, and local manager. Over the years I worked closely with individuals navigating conflict, trauma, addiction, and major life transitions.
This experience profoundly shaped how I approach counselling. I saw firsthand that behind anger, harmful behaviour, or crisis there is always pain, fear, or unmet needs. When people are met with respect, honesty, and accountability, real change becomes possible.
Therapeutic Approach
My approach is creating a space where clients feel supported while also being challenged to reflect on patterns that may no longer be serving them. Through practical conversations, reflective questions, and real-life examples, I help clients gain insight and develop tools they can use in everyday situations.
I was born and raised in Kamloops and remain deeply connected to this community. Outside of counselling, I enjoy reading, learning and growing both personally and professionally.
I take a practical and collaborative approach to counselling. My work focuses on helping clients understand how past experiences, environments, and learned behaviours shape their current patterns.
Behaviours such as anger, avoidance, or substance use are often attempts to cope with deeper emotional pain. When we take the time to understand what is happening underneath these patterns, we can begin to develop healthier ways of responding.
In our work together, I help clients explore their experiences, develop greater self-awareness, and build practical strategies that support lasting change. Counselling is not about perfection. It is about learning, accountability, and moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Who I Work With
Adults
I work with adults who may be struggling with anger, addiction, stress, relationship conflict, or feeling stuck in patterns that are difficult to change. Together we explore what is happening beneath these experiences and develop healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges.
Men
Many men carry pressure to manage their emotions alone. I work with men who are navigating anger, stress, identity challenges, relationship struggles, or life transitions and are looking for practical tools and honest conversations that support growth.
Athletes and Student Athletes
Athletes often face unique pressures related to performance, competition, academics, and expectations. I support athletes in building confidence, focus, emotional regulation, and resilience so they can perform at their best both in sport and in life.
Justice-Involved Individuals
With decades of experience working in the justice system, I support individuals navigating probation, reintegration after incarceration, or the emotional and relational challenges connected to involvement with the legal system.
Individuals in Addiction Recovery
I work with individuals who are seeking to better understand their relationship with substances and develop healthier ways of coping with stress, trauma, and life challenges as they move toward recovery.
Couples
I support couples experiencing communication breakdowns, recurring conflict, emotional distance, or trust issues. My approach helps partners better understand their role in relationship dynamics while learning practical ways to rebuild connection and mutual respect.
Sports and Performance Psychology
Sports have always been an important part of my life. For over 20 years, I have coached youth sports and worked with student-athletes in Kamloops, including specialized coaching at the elite U15 AAA hockey and soccer levels. While athletics offer powerful opportunities to build discipline, resilience, and teamwork, today’s competitive environment introduces unique pressures. Elite athletes often struggle to balance performance anxiety, academic expectations, and their identity outside of sports.
The Mental Side of the Game
Much of athletic success happens before stepping onto the ice or field. Mindset, preparation, and emotional regulation make the difference between burning out and truly thriving.
Utilizing my dual background as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a long-time AAA coach, I enjoy helping athletes build the mental resilience required to:
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- Overcome performance anxiety and competitive slumps
- Manage the intense stress of scouting and draft years
- Maintain identity and life balance off the scoreboard
Anger Management
Much of my career has involved working with individuals who struggle with anger, conflict, and intense emotional reactions. Through my years in corrections, I worked closely with people navigating high-stress situations, relationship conflict, and moments where emotions escalate . Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of how anger develops and how it can affect our relationships, decisions, and overall wellbeing.
I approach anger with curiosity rather than judgment. In my experience, anger is rarely the whole story. It often acts as a shield protecting deeper emotions such as hurt, fear, frustration, or shame. My work is focused on helping clients slow down and understand what is happening beneath the anger so they can begin responding differently when those emotions arise.
In our work together, we look at patterns. We explore what triggers anger, how it builds, and what happens in the moments before reactions occur. From there, I help clients develop practical strategies to pause, regulate their emotions, and approach conflict in healthier and more constructive ways.
I tend to be direct but supportive in my approach. I believe meaningful change happens when we are willing to honestly look at our patterns and take responsibility for how we respond in difficult situations. My goal is not simply to help clients reduce anger, but to help them build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and feel more in control of their emotional responses.
Training
Degrees
- Master of Education (M.Ed.), Clinical Counselling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Justice and Public Safety Studies
Professional Experience
Over 30 years of experience within the British Columbia justice system, including youth custody, probation services, and leadership roles in corrections and community supervision.
Bridging Elite Athletics and Mental Well-being: 20+ years coaching U15 AAA hockey and soccer in Kamloops, BC.
Additional Training
- Compassionate Inquiry in Action: Healing Deep Traumatic Wounds – Dr. Gabor Maté
- Deep Traumatic Wounds
- Motivational Interviewing
- Addiction Recovery and Stages of Change Model
- Anger Management Interventions
- Trauma-Informed Counselling Approaches