Christian psychotherapy is a specialized, one-to-one relational participation in God’s work of healing and formation. It is one of the many means through which God can care for and form His people. It begins with the conviction that genuine healing and lasting transformation ultimately flow from our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in community with others. A trained therapist therefore serves as one part of the broader community of care through which God brings healing and growth.

Alongside evidence-based psychological care, Christian therapy intentionally incorporates Scripture, prayer, theological reflection, and spiritual practices that help cultivate deeper dependence upon God and growth in Christlike character. While psychotherapy can reduce suffering and strengthen psychological well-being, Christian hope extends further: growing in love, wisdom, perseverance, and the fruit of the Spirit as we learn to live more fully in Christ. Because Christians currently live in the “already but not yet” of God’s redemptive-historical plan, therapy also recognizes that not every wound will be fully healed in this life. Even so, suffering need not be meaningless. It can become a place where God forms endurance, mature character, and hope while we participate in God’s renewing work and await the restoration of all things.

Yes! Although many of my clients are Christians seeking to integrate their faith with psychotherapy, I also welcome clients from all religious backgrounds and those who do not identify as religious. My goal is to understand each person’s unique story, values, and concerns, and to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological care that respects their dignity, agency, and worldview. I do not impose my beliefs on clients. Rather, I tailor therapy to each person’s goals and preferences while remaining open to discussing spiritual questions whenever they are important to the client.

My Christian faith shapes the way I understand persons, relationships, suffering, hope, and human flourishing. It motivates me to serve people both within and beyond the church with compassion, humility, and wisdom. Whether or not a client shares my faith, I seek to walk alongside them with respect, helping them pursue greater well-being, resilience, meaning, and growth.

Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors all play valuable roles in supporting mental health. The right choice depends on your needs and preferences.

As a registered psychologist, I have completed doctoral-level education and extensive supervised clinical training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health concerns. My practice focuses primarily on providing evidence-based psychotherapy for adults, while also offering diagnostic assessments and clinical documentation when appropriate. Unlike psychiatrists, I do not prescribe medication.

Many mental health professionals provide psychotherapy. What distinguishes psychologists is our advanced training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and the science of psychotherapeutic change. This allows us to work with a wide range of mental health concerns while integrating research, clinical expertise, and individualized care.

For a comparison of the education, training, and scope of practice of different mental health professionals, see the Ontario Psychological Association’s professional comparison chart.

Yes. Although psychological services are not covered by OHIP, many extended health benefit plans cover some or all of the cost of services provided by a registered psychologist.

Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan, so I encourage you to contact your insurer to confirm your benefits. After each session, you will receive a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a difficult first step. Simply contact me to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether my practice is a good fit for your needs.

Beginning therapy often brings a mixture of hope and uncertainty. The first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin developing a shared understanding of your concerns, goals, and expectations for therapy. We will review important information such as confidentiality, fees, and clinic policies, discuss your current concerns and relevant background, and begin considering a treatment plan together.

The first session is also an opportunity to determine whether we are a good fit for working together. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important predictors of successful therapy. If we believe another clinician or service would better meet your needs, I will be happy to discuss other options and provide appropriate referrals.

The frequency of therapy depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. Many clients begin by meeting weekly, while others attend less frequently (bi-weekly or monthly). During our initial sessions, we will discuss a schedule that fits your treatment goals, availability, and financial considerations. As therapy progresses, we can adjust the frequency together based on your needs.

The length of therapy varies from person to person and depends on your goals, concerns, and life circumstances. Some clients seek short-term therapy focused on a specific issue (1-8 sessions), while others benefit from a longer therapeutic relationship that allows for deeper personal growth and lasting change (over a year). During our work together, we will regularly review your goals and progress and decide collaboratively when therapy has achieved what you were hoping for.

Abide Psychology is not a crisis service, and I cannot guarantee immediate availability outside of scheduled appointments. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact your local crisis service immediately.

Ontario-wide crisis resources include:

• 9-1-1 (emergency)

• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text)

• Your nearest hospital emergency department

• Your local crisis response service (e.g., COAST or other regional services, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association)

If you are a current client and your concern is urgent but not an emergency, you are welcome to contact me, and I will respond as soon as I am able during regular business hours.

Common consultation and workshop topics include:

• When should a pastor refer someone to a mental health professional?

• How can churches care well for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or OCD?

• Understanding the relationship between sin, suffering, and mental illness.

• How can church leaders respond wisely to conflict, anger, and forgiveness?

• Understanding emotion from psychological and biblical perspectives.

• Christian approaches to psychology and mental health.

• Spiritual formation and emotional maturity.

• Custom workshops tailored to your congregation or ministry team.

If you have a question or topic of interest that is not on this list, feel free to make a suggestion!