Susan is only taking new clients at our North Shore location. Effective April 1, Susan will be practising exclusively at our North Shore clinic.

I completed my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2007. I am experienced in providing psychotherapy to treat highly complex cases, as well as treating high functioning people who have been thrown a curveball in life.

I am highly skilled in attuning to my client’s emotional state and inner life, and in forming deep and healing connections. Therapy may include psychoeducation and skill building, depending on the client’s stated goals and priorities. Where suffering is so great that it prevents functioning, symptom reduction and stabilization can be paramount.

I support my clients in accessing their emotions in an authentic and productive way. Together, we experience moving with the emotion, using it to give direction and meaning to life. I am adept at working with clients to challenge beliefs, patterns, and coping strategies that may no longer be serving them. In their place, new ways of being can be explored and applied. It is through this process that clients are able to attain a more connected life, both to self and other, and establish a more genuine sense of purpose.

Susan is only taking new clients at our North Shore location. Effective April 1, Susan will be pr... Read More

I often hear from my clients that I help them to understand themselves better, and that they leave our sessions finally ‘getting’ their struggles in a different way. Most of my clients comment on how natural it feels to talk to me, and feel safe opening up in the non-judgmental and accepting space I create. Together, we will identify what has held you back from experiencing life and relationships the way you wish you could. We’ll set realistic and meaningful goals for our treatment, and look to remove the internal barriers that keep you stuck.

I tailor each counselling relationship to the unique needs of my clients. Drawing from evidence based modalities, I apply powerful strategies and interventions to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

AREAS OF FOCUS/SPECIALTY

Anxiety & Stress Depression Self Esteem/ Self Worth/Confidence Grief & Loss Relationships Ending/Breakups Healing from Coercive Relationships

THERAPY MODALITIES

Person Centred Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy Narrative Therapy

POPULATIONS

Adults Teens

Accepting New Clients

I often hear from my clients that I help them to understand themselves better, and that they leav... Read More

Clients have told me that they find me down to earth, warm and attentive. And that they appreciate my clarity, kindness and sense of humour.

I pride myself on being a great listener – to me, this means listening deeply to what you’re telling me in the moment, while also remembering details from what you’ve previously shared, so that we can make connections, see patterns and gain new perspectives in your life.

My counselling approach is an integrated one, which means that I draw from a variety of counselling theories & techniques that I adapt to meet your specific needs and situation. Regardless of the style I always ground my work in curiosity, collaboration and the creation of relational safety.

Generally, I find sessions weave between talk therapy and more somatic (body-based) practices. We’ll use language as a way to help make sense of your thoughts, emotions and experiences. This gives us a framework to develop understanding, create meaning and ultimately make new choices. I also incorporate somatic practices to help you gain awareness of your feelings and body sensations, build emotional regulation and develop skills to better manage stress and other challenging symptoms.

Clients have told me that they find me down to earth, warm and attentive. And that they appreciat... Read More

Sonja is not currently accepting new clients. Please be advised that booking with Sonja as a new client may result in your appointment’s cancellation. Thank you!

Being truly seen and attended to can be elusive in our daily lives, especially in this era of perpetual distraction and personal branding. As a therapist, I thrive on genuine connection and, together with my clients, getting to the root of their struggles. Through this exploration, I often get to witness significant transformation – whether that is improved relationships with loved ones, being less anxious, or choosing a more meaningful path in life. I know how hard it is to change old patterns and show up differently, and my favourite part of being a therapist is being able to celebrate my clients’ wins, big and small.

When I hear from clients that “I can finally let other people in, after years of pushing them away” and “I’m more present and less reactive with my kids,” this validates to me the power of good therapy.

I use a range of proven therapeutic interventions that can be adjusted to your needs and situation. Sometimes, we will tailor specific strategies to help you move through challenging situations with more confidence and ease. Other times, it is beneficial to directly respond to your inner critic, and move you from a place of doubting yourself to trusting yourself. As a trauma informed therapist, I can also help guide you to feel more grounded in your body, and less activated by daily triggers. Above all, my aim is that you feel supported, understood, and that you leave each session with more clarity, insight, and strategies than you arrived with.

I work extensively with couples, and I love helping people improve their relationships! Couples who see me can expect to explore beyond their arguments and conflict, creating a relationship in which each partner can safely lower their defences and build more empathy, trust and respect. When I see couples reconnect on a deeper level than ever before, it truly lights me up inside!

Sonja is not currently accepting new clients. Please be advised that booking with Sonja as a new ... Read More