More About Lydia

I made the decision to leave a super fun career in the film industry in 2000 in order to seek out a more meaningful existence supporting others. I took my career change very seriously and ended up moving to the US on a full scholarship to study depression in multiple sclerosis patients as part of a doctoral program in clinical neuropsychology. Four years later, I moved back to Canada and began working for the health authorities both as a clinician and in leadership. In 2022, I decided to take the leap to private practice, bringing my years of clinical training and experience to the broader community. What a joy this has been! 

 

Outside of work, I'm an avid gardener and DIY house fixer-upper.  I am blessed to live in the Cowichan Valley and am often outdoors, off exploring with my dog in tow. I am a seeker of moments of awe, be it prompted by the beauty of nature or of creativity. 

 

Lydia's Style

I have a very conversational way of being with clients. I suppose it could be considered casual. This is not be confused with not taking my work seriously. I am extremely well versed in empirically based therapies and understand the factors that predict success for my clients. By using Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) along with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), I use a client driven (yet therapist guided) approach to re-discovering hope. I offer a safe environment to explore how past events can shape your current day behaviours and decision-making. I will help you learn to make healthy changes while offering highly competent support all the while. 

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Benefits of Therapy with Lydia

I'm highly approachable, and although I bring years of expertise to my practice, I'm very much down-to-earth. While I believe therapy should be client centred, I am completely unafraid to offer direction when appropriate. For clients, this results is a strong feeling of safety and the sense that, "She's got this!" While therapy can be thought of as "heavy", I'm often surprised at the moments of lightness and joy that crop up in my work with others. Humour can be wonderfully healing and I love to share it with my clients when the times are right. 

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Education

• 2007 Masters of Science (clinical psychology), University of Utah

• 1995 Bachelor of Arts (sociology), University of Victoria

 

Professional Affiliation

2009- Present: Registered Clinical Counsellor #3450