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About Joanne

My Own Experience of Social Anxiety

I was a shy child growing up, although sometimes I could be quite outgoing. 

 

I started having social anxiety when I was around 9 or 10 years of age, and it got worse after I was bullied in middle school.  I suffered from my social fears throughout high school and university.

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When I was a young adult, I took action and sought help for my anxiety. 

 

I found a wonderful counsellor who helped me tremendously in overcoming my social anxiety. 

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On Becoming a Counsellor

Because I was very interested in helping people, I initially decided to become a nurse and I became a Registered Nurse in 1987.

 

I was particularly drawn to the area of mental health, and I started my nursing career in psychiatry.

 

I then transitioned into nursing in a community setting, which gave me the opportunity to help individuals and families  experiencing difficulties in their lives around a wide range of issues, including mental health concerns.

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During this time, my own experience of therapy inspired me so much that I decided to begin my training in the field of psychotherapy and counselling.  Eventually, I became a Registered Professional Counsellor in private practice.

 

I currently live in Sidney, BC and provide online video and phone counselling sessions to clients living in the Greater Victoria area, and throughout British Columbia.

What Makes Me Different From Other Counsellors:

  • I specialize in treating anxiety, panic attacks and phobias.
     

  • I've been where you are and I know how debilitating and scary this can be.  I'm passionate about helping you break free from your fears and worries, and I've made it a point to research and learn as much as I can about anxiety issues so that I can help you through this.

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  • My focus will not only be on helping you gather tools and learn coping strategies to reduce your anxiety, but also on getting at the root of your anxiety. I can teach you how to rewire your anxious brain, so that you can create a mind that is calmer and more emotionally balanced.

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  • I offer a gentle, safe, compassionate approach to counselling that goes beyond addressing your symptoms, and includes your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being.  Together we will focus on your strengths and inner resources, as well as finding solutions that feel right to you.

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Professional Membership

I am a Registered Professional Counsellor and a member of the Canadian Professional Counsellor’s Association.

Education and Training

BScNursing, University of Toronto,1987

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Masters of M.Ed., University of Toronto, 2001

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Certified in Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP), 2012

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Certified in E-Therapy, 2017

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Certified in Motivational Interviewing, 2019

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