Welcome to my first blog! Thank you for taking the time to allow me to introduce myself.
The idea of writing a blog has always appealed to me. I recognize that having a platform to express my ideas and to share my personal experiences to help others is a huge responsibility and an incredible opportunity. I hope that you will take this journey with me and be patient, because as with anything new, I expect there to be a learning curve.
My journey into the counselling world began early in life. I started noticing that my friends (and even acquaintances) felt at ease when sharing personal anecdotes about their life. I realized that I had a knack for being a good listener and being able to relate to others through similar or shared experiences. I discovered very quickly how much I enjoyed helping others and connecting with them.
In university I took several psychology courses. Although I enjoyed the content, I found it much too clinical for my tastes. My passion lies with connecting to people and relating to others through their everyday lives. This is what ultimately steered me away from psychology and towards counselling. I have always enjoyed the intricacy of human nature, and more importantly, how we can learn from every experience.
I first graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia. This got the ball rolling and put my foot in the door towards a career. Fortunately, I was able to fit in some overseas travel before I re-entered post secondary to begin my teaching program. I consider these months of travel as part of my education. It was a turning point in my life. I developed a broader appreciation for the world at large and for people of different cultures, but most profoundly, I got to know myself like I had never known before. There is something very pure about the solo traveling experience—a level of anonymity that is very satisfying and allows for introspection without the context that connects you to home.
Becoming a teacher was never an end goal for me. I greatly admire the effort and energy teachers commit themselves to each and every day. The profession has changed dramatically since I was last in the classroom over ten years ago. Conversing with many teachers, I have learned that there is considerably more stress for classroom teachers today, and continues to be with each passing year.
Teaching elementary school children was a wonderful experience. One of my highlights was teaching at a primary school in East London in the U.K in 2003. It was interesting to compare the Canadian and British school system. Once back in Canada, I landed a much-anticipated classroom of my own. However, after several years of teaching intermediate students, I set my sights on a new goal. Fortunately for me, an opportunity arose to complete my Masters in Counselling Psychology through the University of Victoria. To date, it is the best professional decision I have ever made.
Currently, I am working in the school system with children from Kindergarten through Grade 7. I enjoy working with the students themselves as well as their families, teachers and support staff, and with various community resources. Additionally, I work as a Life Coach and Lifestyle Specialist for an Employee and Family Assistance Program. This is also rewarding as I am able to help guide parents through the many challenges they encounter with their children.
A long-time dream of mine has been to open a private practice and to start working with clients within my own community. This very blog is evidence that I have arrived! I am so excited for this new phase in my life. I thank you once again for your support by taking the time to read my blog!
