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What I do
I obtained my Master of Social Work degree, with a clinical focus in substance use and trauma, from the University of Toronto. While some Social Workers provide child protection services, and some do discharge planning from hospital medical and mental health admissions, other Social Workers are clinically trained to provide psychotherapy (aka counselling or “therapy”) – and that is exactly the type of Social Work that I practice.
Over the past many years, I have provided care to individuals struggling with trauma, substance use, chronic health conditions (including HIV), eating disorders, disordered eating, and a number of other mental health concerns (such as depression, anxiety, and OCD). I have held positions in a variety of settings, including an acute child and youth mental health inpatient setting, a high risk youth mental health outreach program, and a community eating disorders program.
In my private practice, I primarily work with adults and adolescents, providing therapy for disordered eating, eating disorders, feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and grief. My therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized. I am skilled in Family Based Treatment (FBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), have a strong social justice lens, and use a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach. I am also currently completing training to become a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor.
Additional information and resources for each of these treatment modalities can be provided upon request.
I am currently based out of Victoria, BC. I offer in person services for local clients, as well as virtual services for clients across BC and Ontario. Affordable group options are offered periodically and will be advertised under the “Services” section of this website when available.
My Approach
Collaborative Care
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therapy is accepting of client readiness for change
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choice and autonomy over therapy process
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client cared for with unconditional positive regard
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non-judgement space
Inclusive Space
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all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds are welcome
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therapy is Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned
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therapy is weight inclusive and respects body diversity
Building Relationship
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building a safe, supportive, and authentic relationship will be foundation of therapy
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client will feel seen, heard, and understood
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therapy is client-centered and strengths-based
Evidence-informed
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treatment planning is informed by evidence
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therapy rooted in current best practice guidelines
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therapy is adapted to meet clients needs, preferences, and life circumstances
I AM A:
Hi, my name is Monica
I am a first generation Canadian, with strong family ties to Germany and Uruguay, however, all of my therapeutic services are offered in English. As a white settler daughter of immigrant parents and grandparents, I have always felt separate from and part of Canada/Canadian culture simultaneously -- both belonging and not belonging. After graduating high school, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia in International Relations and Latin American Studies, deepening my understanding of and passion for my family backgrounds as well as for social justice, particularly in national and global health inequities. During this time I was a lifeguard, swim and first aid instructor - passionate about playing in the water and teaching life saving skills and interventions to both adolescents and adults.
After wandering around Europe post-graduation and spending all of my savings (and then some), I returned to Vancouver and eventually started working at AIDS Vancouver in 2010, where I held a number of roles, including Acting Executive Director, and used my passion for social justice, health, and mental health to work with individual clients as well as teams of volunteers and staff, to offer meaningful, non-judgemental support to those struggling with food insecurity, housing, and a range of mental health challenges. Yearning for the clinical skills to do more, I decided to pursue graduate training specialising in mental health counselling.
When I am not at work, I love to play. For me, playing often looks like spending time in nature - skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, running, camping (any & all of it!). I love attending live music (and sometimes write concert reviews, linked here). I also adore auntie time with my nieces and nephews - I am lucky enough to be the auntie to my best friends’ kiddos as well as my brother's kids. Building forts, going to the pool or beach, water fights, playgrounds, reading books, and movie nights are simply the best. I am also a big advocate of doing less, owning less, and prioritising rest.
