Moving towards a life of vitality
Spring/Summer 2024: Available appts on Monday and Friday mornings
About Me
Hi I'm Karoline...
About Me
My journey of more than 20 years as a helping professional has inspired me to find newer and more innovative ways to help you transcend stress and live a rich and meaningful life. I’ve had a lifelong love for psychology. I’m fascinated by the science of happiness, emotional well-being, motivation, and how to reverse the cumulative impact of stress.
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Supporting people while they “reset” their internal and external lives has been a very gratifying way for me to spend my professional life. One of my favorite things to do is help reignite a spark in my clients (skills, talents, and interests that have been buried by being in 'survival mode').
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"Adversity is a part of life, one that provides opportunities for evolution. Crises force a redefinition of ourselves and what’s important."
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I don’t see people as a set of problems or diagnoses that need to be cured. I love to hear peoples’ stories, learn what drives them, and help them draw on their strengths to create change in their lives.
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I understand that people need immediate strategies that work to reduce their distress, maintain their health, and allow them to stay connected to the people they love. I love teaching people new skills and techniques so that they can live better, with less anxiety, a more joyful mood, and better emotional health.​
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I have lived experience as a dementia caregiver, so I understand that change often has to happen right in the eye of the storm. You’ll find my approach to be direct, efficient, highly productive, and collaborative. That said, I use a lot humour along the way.
My clients come from all walks of life; executives, helping professionals, stay-at-home parents, caregivers, young adults, empty-nesters, retirees….They share a desire to learn, grow, and create meaningful change. Many of my clients describe themselves as “fixers” or "perfectionists" who want to “learn to let go”, “find peace” or “be happier.” My clients often describe themselves as being “stuck in their head” and want to live more fully in the present.
You’ve come to the right place!
Services
I provide counselling services to individuals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I use techniques from Mindfulness and Positive Psychology.
COGNITIVE
BEHAVIOR
THERAPY
Understanding the inter-relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Learn practical strategies for change.
ACCEPTANCE & COMMITMENT THERAPY
Move toward acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings. Use your energy to commit to a valued life.
MINDFULNESS
Learning to pay attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally
POSITIVE
PSYCHOLOGY
Applying the science of flourishing and optimal functioning to promote quality of life
What to expect from a counselling appointment with me:
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I'll ask you about your most urgent concerns, pressing issues, and goals to set the agenda
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You'll be given time to explore your concerns, with a lot of questions from me
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I'll offer feedback and strategies if that's what you've asked for
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You may leave the appointment with resources such as techniques to try, things to read/watch, or things to reflect on
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I'll ask for your feedback about how we did in terms of meeting your needs
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You'll receive a receipt immediately for insurance purposes
FREE MEET & GREET
Let's spend 20 minutes by phone or video chat to make sure working with me is right for you.
SECURE VIDEO CHAT
Encrypted video chat using a secure portal in the convenience of your home $200/hr
FACE TO FACE SESSION
Join me at my office in Brentwood, or meet in a local park for a "walk and talk" session
$200/hr
Specialities
Elevate Mood
Overcome Anxiety
Heal Burnout
You can learn to slowly activate yourself again, reconnect to the people in your life, and do more of what matters. I can help you feel more peaceful, motivated, and experience joy again. Prolonged stress can lead to symptoms of depression, including low energy, poor motivation, guilt, and hopelessness. More than just talking things out, specific strategies and techniques are often needed to help a person transcend these difficult symptoms.
I can help you address the symptoms of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), health anxiety, and phobias. You'll learn to take energy back from anxiety and use it for valued activities and relationships. You can learn to settle racing thoughts, approach feared situations, and manage overwhelming emotions. You may also be a candidate for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to address overwhelming symptoms.
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Burnout occurs when prolonged and excessive stress causes emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. You may feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Burnout often includes feelings of detachment, cynicism, and a sense of being trapped. Burnout can occur in professional situations, often in health and helping jobs. Caregiver burnout can go unrecognized until the symptoms become severe. You can learn to heal your body and emotions and recover energy and motivation.
Fix Insomnia
I can help you sleep deeply and naturally. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is a proven method for treating chronic insomnia. Evidence shows it is as effective as sleeping medications, but helps people for a lifetime. You can learn to reduce reliance on sleeping medications, and return to restful, natural sleep, often with as little as 2-4 weeks of focused effort.
Navigate Transitions
Divorce, employment changes, a new baby, grief and loss, empty-nest, and retirement are just a few life experiences that cause significant upheaval and distress. You can learn to make sense of difficult feelings, re-evaluate priorities, and re-engage in meaningful living.