I was born in Aotearoa New Zealand where I grew up and trained first as musician, then Youth Worker and eventually as a Psychotherapist. In 2015 I moved to Canada and have spent the last 10+ years working as a psychotherapist with a diverse populations in Toronto and throughout Ontario.
In my early life I was exposed to Māori models of health, which shaped my perspective and framework toward a holistic, community-focused understanding of wellbeing. Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four dimensions of Māori wellbeing: physical, mental, spiritual, and family/social) views mental health not as an isolated individual issue, but as intrinsically tied to family, community, spirituality, and systemic structures. I take this perspective into my practice as a psychotherapist.
My formal training in psychotherapy took place at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand, where I gained a Masters degree in Psychotherapy. I also hold a graduate diploma in Psycho-Social Studies from AUT and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland.
For my own wellbeing and integral to finding balance, I love to play, write and listen to music, spend time in nature, work out with my queer workout group, spend time with loved ones and get involved in community projects.
My work experience, in addition to 15+ years as a Psychotherapist in both Ontario and New Zealand, includes counselling, advocating and educating at youth, 2SLGBTQIA+, and survivors of sexual violence specific services.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of The Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapists (CAPT). I am also a member of the International Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP). I am committed to ongoing professional development and training. I prioritise staying informed of current developments in treatment and regularly attending workshops, conferences and e-conferences. I practise according to the Code of Ethics of the CRPO.