
I specialize in
Depression, Self-esteem, Meaning
Anxiety, Panic, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Trauma, Grief and Loss
Eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Obesity, Body Image)
Relationship issues (I do not provide couples counselling)
Approach
I use a variety of therapy approaches in my work. Read more about them here.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Ego-State Therapy


About Me
Born and raised in Austria, I first came to Canada as an exchange student in 1999. After completing a Master of Arts in Lifespan Developmental Psychology at UVIC, I returned to Salzburg and Munich, where I completed my training in clinical psychology and cognitve behavioral therapy, as well as my dissertation research on meaning in life and support of family caregivers in palliative care. After the birth of our daughter we returned to live in Victoria.
Experience
I worked in inpatient and private practice settings with a wide range of client issues, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and prolonged grief. During my doctoral studies, my focus was on positive psychology approaches, such as promoting meaning and well-being in palliative care. Developing a group psychotherapy intervention (PDF publication) to support family caregivers at such a vulnerable time was very gratifying, particularly after having experienced the loss of both of my parents to cancer as a young adult.


Education
Professional Registration:
2018 EMDR Consultant in Training, EMDR International Association
2018 Certified EMDR Practitioner, EMDR International Association
2015 Registered with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
2012 Psychological Psychotherapist (Licensing for Germany)
2006 Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist, Austria
University Training:
2014 PhD in Psychology/Palliative Care, University of Munich
2004 MA in Life Span Development, University of Victoria
2001 Magistra in Clinical Psychology, University of Salzburg
For more information on professional development and education please click here.
Research
In a project funded by German Cancer Aid, I co-developed and evaluated a group intervention for family caregivers of terminally ill patients. Family caregivers who participated in the six-session group intervention reported significantly higher quality of life and lower depression a year after the intervention than caregivers who did not receive this type of support. [PDF Publication]
For a list of my publications and to read more about my research click here.

Find out more about me here:
Approaches to Counselling | Training & Certifications | Research & Publications