Trauma & Addictions Inclusive Therapist

Hi, I am Joey!

I am a spiritual seeker, biking enthusiast, immigrant twice over, curious learner, and advocate for the marginalized. I am also a Registered Psychotherapist.

Are intense reactions making it harder to develop and maintain relationships?

Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, numbness, flashbacks, or compulsions that take over?

Are you feeling stuck and unable to find your place in life?

I have been there; you do not have to do it alone.

My passion is supporting women, gender-diverse adults, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants and frontline professionals, who have experienced relational & occupational trauma, leading to overdoing, burnout, perfectionism, depression, anxiety, addictions, compulsions, or anger.

As a Certified EMDR, IFS Level-1 Trained, and IFS-Informed EMDR (Steps 2 & 3), Trauma-Focused ACT therapist, I will help you live your best life with what you bring. I draw insights from my lived experiences as an immigrant and survivor/thriver of life and integrate inner knowing, compassion, and neuroscience to create spaces for relief, healing, and transformation.

As a person of colour and a survivor of childhood trauma, I was in that place of darkness. I spiraled into a rabbit hole of self-doubt, negative self-esteem, and being overcome by unbearable memories. With help and support, I used these wounds as a driving force to find my inner light. In doing so, led me in this path of healing and acceptance.

Moreso, I can use this passion to transform individuals, families and communities from a self-attachment, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens. My vision is that we can move towards a world that values equality, empowerment, shared purpose, and growth.

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“Brene Brown defines belonging as “being part of something bigger but also having the courage to stand alone, and to belong to yourself above all else.”
— Brene Brown

  • 19 + years: 12 years as a trauma therapist dealing with interpersonal violence, sexual abuse/ assault;  4 years in mental health and addictions; 3 + years in a group/private practice & family counselling
    Certified EMDR therapist (EMDRIA, 2011)
    Putting It All Together: Somatic Therapy, IFS with EMDR (Alana Epstein, MA LICSW, 2025); Troubleshooting EMDR (Dr. Joany Spierings, 2021); Mindfulness & EMDR (Jaime Mariche Ph.D., 2019); EMDR Conference, (2016 & 2010; Robert Miller, 2016), EMDR Basic 2 (Kathy Karn, M.Ed. & Brynah Schneider Ph.D., C.Psych., 2012)
    IFS Level - 1 Training (Ann Sinko, LMFT, 2024); IFS Consultations (Elizabeth Parsons, MD, 2024-ongoing); Intimacy from Inside Out (IFIO), (Toni Herbine-Blank, and John Palmer, 2025); IFS and Groups (Mary Kruger, October, 2024); 2-Day Advanced Workshops: Clinical Applications of IFS, Frank Anderson, MD, 2022)
    IFS-Informed Therapy Training (Derek Scott, MSW, RSW, 2022-2023 IFS Consultations (Mel Galbraith, MSW, RSW, 2023)
    IFS-Informed EMDR Training (Syzygy Institute, Steps 2 & 3, 2023-24; Consultations (Beau Laviolette, MSW, RSW, 2023)
    Trauma-Focused ACT (Dr. Russ Harris, 2024)
    The Clinician's Guide to Suicide Prevention Summit: Treatment Strategies to Inspire and Save Lives, (PESI, 2021)
    Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I: Bridging the Couples Chasm (John Gottman, Ph.D., Julie Schwartz Gottman, 2020)
    Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATCB, 2006)

  • 8 + years in Mental Health and Addiction - community-based/ out-patient, psychiatric, family counseling, group/private practice
    Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT Centre of Vancouver, 2019; Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, RSW, 2016)
    Problem Gaming, (Dr.  Daria J. Kuss, Ph.D., CPsychol CSci FHEA, 2017)
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training (A. Quimet, Ph.D., C. Psych. & H. Hood, Ph.D., C.Psych., 2017)
    Trauma and Addictions: A Dual Challenge for Women and their Children (Women's College Hospital & Black Creek CHC, 2015)
    Clinical Day: Spotlight on Concurrent Disorders (CAMH, 2014)
    Emotion-Focused Therapy Clinic (L. Greenberg, Ph.D., C. Psych., 2014)
    Taming the Hungry Ghost: Healing Addiction and Mental Illness with Science and Compassion (Dr. Gabor Mate, 2014)
    Pharmacology and Drug Abuse;  Assessment of Addictive Behavior;  Introduction to Addiction, (McMaster Continuing Education, 2013-2014)

  • 11 + years of working with diverse communities - Latino, African-American, LGBT, Asian, Indigenous at the reservation, Middle Eastern, South Asian, African, Caribbean
    Trans 101: Adults and Senior Adults & Transitioning (Rainbow Health Ontario, 2024)
    2SLGBTQ Foundations Course (Rainbow Health Ontario, 2023)
    Cross Cultural Awareness Practices, Cultural Diversity & Ethical Boundaries: Freedom from Stereotypes (Healthcare Training, 2018)
    Sanyas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (PHSA, 2017)