My Training

I discovered yoga and began a full time practice at the age of 18. After practicing for 5 years, I lived in an ashram in Varanasi, India where I met my teacher, practiced and studied daily. I have now been practicing for 14 years and teaching for 7.
I studied Holistic Nutrition at the Institute for Holistic Nutrition in Toronto where I took a particular interest in macrobiotic nutrition, Ayurveda, herbalism, and the use of supplements to treat acute ailments in the body.
My education includes an Honors Bachelors of Social Work at York University in Toronto and a Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto where I specialized in a collaborative Mental Health, and Clinical Counselling for Addictions Program.

I specialized in studying psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy, transpersonal therapy and analytical psychology. I use an integrative approach that combines the above approaches with empowerment, person centered and strength based practice. When or if the need arises I will also use motivational interviewing and mindful practice approaches.
I bring with me practice experience as a clinical counsellor and program coordinator at a Health Center in downtown Toronto and clinical counsellor and Case Manager at a women’s inpatient/outpatient drug treatment facility.

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My Story

I grew up as a very athletic and creative, extra sensitive person. Because of my sensitivity I was prone to anxiety and panic attacks. I always used creativity and athleticism as a means to discharge my anxious energy, but I never really had the tools to cope with my feelings.
At the age of 18 I had an incredibly painful injury in my lower spine. I had two herniated discs in my lower spine pressing on a nerve in my left leg.

When I went to the doctors they told me I was a young and healthy person, they did not seem to take my pain seriously, instead they prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications and sent me home. Over the months my condition worsened and I recognize now I was not receiving the help that I needed.

The doctor I was seeing made me think this was going to be my life forever. I was left with zero hop that I would recover, both physically and mentally.
It was not the doctor’s fault, old science did not know what science today has led us to understand. I am sure some of you are nodding to yourselves knowing you have been there with a doctor before or perhaps with that feeling of hopelessness before.

I ended up in the hospital and was sent to see a specialist. The specialist realized that if I didn’t go for immediate surgery there was going to be permanent nerve damage in my leg and I may lose my ability to feel or move forever. I went for surgery, I woke up without anymore pain, and that is really where my journey began.

Since then I made it my mission to study everything I could to get me to optimal health. I realized I needed to eat better so my body could be stronger. I began a light yoga practice that slowly strengthened my body. I think the biggest thing that changed for me, however, was I began meditating which helped to quell my anxiety. I believe that I stored my anxiety in my lower spine, which caused my injury. Many years after that if I ever felt incredibly anxious about something, I would feel that pain in my spine all over again.
It has been 14 years since that defining moment of my life. The way I eat, practice yoga, think, deal with my emotions, everything has changed, and I am still on my journey healing and getting better at living life day by day. I have hope now. Not just for myself but for every person out there.
We can all live fully healthy, happy lives. We can all heal from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, we can figure out ways to live better.

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