Hello, I’m Leigh, and I am pleased to be starting my journey as a practicum student with the North Shore CBT Centre. I am currently in my final year of graduate studies in Clinical Counselling at City University of Vancouver.

After receiving a social justice degree at the University of Victoria, I worked in the field of mental health and substance misuse for many years before pursuing my graduate studies.  The combination of my educational and professional background has helped me to grow in awareness and sensitivity around using an anti-oppressive framework in my counselling approach. Additionally, I work with a trauma-informed lens,

including knowledge of intergenerational trauma.

I believe that it is important to create a safe space and develop a relationship that is collaborative and client-led, as we develop a treatment plan together that best suits your specific needs. I feel that the therapeutic process is not only an opportunity to explore difficult topics and feelings but can also include playfulness and creativity.

I am passionate about supporting youth and young adults (12 – 30 years) who may be experiencing family or relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance misuse, and mental health symptoms due to PTSD and C-PTSD, or other traumatic stress responses. I also offer support for grief and loss. I am comfortable with conversations around bereavement, illness, death, and finding meaning in life.

The main approaches that I utilize are:

​

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-Based Techniques

​

When I’m not working, you can find me spending time somewhere out in nature or in my garden.

​