Sex addiction therapy online and in Toronto
Betrayal and Trauma Therapist, RPQ, BA, LLB, CSAT
When I was in grade 7, our desks were set up in a way where we sat facing each other. My classmates would take turns sitting at the desk in front of me to tell me their problems and ask for advice. They called it ‘Dr. Liz Time’, and “Dr. Liz” was said in a funny sort of way, drawing out the word “Dooooctor Liz” to highlight my natural inclinations that remained hidden from my own awareness for a long time.
I probably should have known at that time what I was destined to do, but psychotherapy was not talked about much in my small town back then. It was not a career choice that was given consideration in the high school counselors office! Instead they had me pinned for a pediatrician or international business law candidate.
So I weaved my way through many different places: stages as an actor; racetracks as a car broker; and courtrooms as a criminal lawyer, to get to where I am now. While it was a long road, the result gave me a unique and valuable skill set I have built on since grade school.
Actress… 15 years as a Criminal Lawyer…. Yoga and Pilates instructor… and Therapist
Peter tells me that I am a unicorn and I am discovering how all my experiences truly blend to add value to our team and all my clients.
In my work as a criminal lawyer at Legal Aid, I was involved in high intensity mediation, fast-paced courtroom action, and high pressure stakes as people trusted me with their liberty. My advocacy was fueled by compassion for under-resourced clients who would re-offend. I was called to develop my skills to resource my clients in a way that would prevent recidivism (them doing it again!) and promote self-worth and accountability as a way to step out of old patterns and move into a different way of being. I craved more knowledge in how to resource my clients to live happier and more fulfilling lives.
I wanted solutions and I am the type of person to go – ALL IN! Thus began my journey in psychotherapy.
I grew up in a family of multi-generational substance abuse. Alcohol and pills were on the menu before breakfast or hugs. Physical violence, conflict, unpredictability were daily home stays and trauma was taught as a habitual practice. Through these experiences I developed highly adaptive behaviors and high sensitivity. My survival depended on the abilities to read others and de-escalate conflict. to feel into what was going on with the others around me. I learned how to read people and situations and how to de-scalate conflict or provide quick and creative resolution when conflicts did occur.
I am rarely overwhelmed when I encounter people’s stories or life experiences. I invite the difficult conversations and meet them with ease and compassion. Empathy is my superpower with truth and empowerment as its sidekicks. I like to meet people directly and openly as a way to counter shame and promote accountability and choice.
I care deeply and see the therapy room as a place to bring insight and awareness to behaviours and lives, so that my clients can find agency in life choices and be empowered through their own abilities to step into the life that they want for themselves.
My rage room, my comfort pillow, my breathing and our therapeutic dialogues all come together to make positive impact.
Well, I have 4 children…need I say more?
My time outside of the office is spent learning from my 4 boys. We lead a very active life together that is not for the faint of heart, climbing, running, jumping and getting as dirty as possible. I am a master at tag. Navigating the struggles and hardships of parenting and family life has been one of my greatest growing edges. Flexibility and adaptivity are acquired skills that are practiced again and again. I am level headed in stress and a daily teacher in self-regulation. I won’t shy away from cuts and bruises or heartbreak and disappointment. These are important aspects of life.
I find my own self-care through yoga, yoga therapy, pilates, dance and sound meditation. I practice and teach in all four modalities and I am always ready to use them to support clients here at PSA.
I enjoy creative writing, sky-diving, gymnastics, silk and static trapeze, marathon running and appearing on our team podcast
For me physical and mental health are inextricably connected and understanding the body can be a way into finding awareness to direct next steps.
