Debra has worked as a social worker and counsellor with adults and children for over 25 years. 

Debra is passionate about the importance of compassion, human connection, relationships and strength-based approaches to promote healing and personal growth.  Her approach is attachment and trauma-informed, and uses evidence-based concepts drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing & more.

She has supported people with mental health and addiction, foster parents, adopters and adult survivors of childhood abuse and domestic abuse. She specializes in Anxiety in Children. She is experienced in helping adults and children to understand and manage anxiety, chronic stress, process guilt and shame arising from trauma, and work through grief and loss.

EDUCATION:

• BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Applied Social Sciences with Qualification in Social Work at Northumbria University
• Post Qualifying Award in Social Work through the British Association of Adoption and Fostering. 
• MA in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, focusing her research on Canadian social policy, child welfare and adoption.

Suzanne has been journeying with Children, Youth and Adults for over 30 years. Working with parents to understand and co-create solutions is important to a child's sense of self. She brings 'compassionate curiosity'; coupled with a calling to help people understand their experiences of anxiety, depression, grief, loss and trauma.

From working and teaching in Early Childhood Education, she became drawn to understand the layers and complexities of life that impact children and individuals. She completed a Bachelor in Social Work with Honors from Carleton University in 2008. Work experience includes Children’s Mental Health, Violence against Women sector, and Addiction.

Suzanne utilizes an eclectic person-centred skill set drawn from a creative arts background, talk therapy and play-based activities. Using an anti-oppressive and strengths-based approach informed by attachment theory, narrative therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.  Suzanne is taking courses through the Traumatology Institute to add the Clinical Traumatologist designation. Expected completion date Fall 2021.