Director, Canadian Counselling Programs (AB & BC)
As Director of Canadian Counselling Programs, I oversee the strategic development of the Master of Counselling Programs in Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, and Vancouver. I have worked with City University since 2007 in a number of roles including associate faculty, internship coordinator, local program director, and national director. Clinically, I specialize in the treatment of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and am a practicing psychologist in Alberta and Ontario. I do extensive work nationally and internationally in the area of human trafficking and founded North America’s first mental health hotline for survivors of human trafficking in 2010. Over the past decade, I have lectured extensively on the topic of psychological trauma in Canada, the USA, France, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Hungary, the UK, Guyana, and the Czech Republic.
Research
I consider myself to be a lifelong learner with a passion for research. My doctoral dissertation examined the topic of soul loss in survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I am currently writing a book on the findings of my recent study on soul loss and heroism in survivors of human trafficking.
Teaching
I experience teaching as an exciting learning opportunity through which my students and I get to challenge our biases, play with new ideas, and develop new insights. I co-teach courses on psychological trauma as well as addiction in Edmonton, AB’s Master of Counselling Program.