Karmen Tuivai

I started as a high school counsellor and loved it so much I decided to get my masters degree. I originally wanted to work with adoptions but the program I did for my masters was clinical therapy. And after two years of being in that program I loved practicing therapy. It was natural to me and I wanted to help people.   It is something I love and I think it shows in how I work with my clients. 

I would tell them it is natural to be a little nervous about therapy. This is a big step! And it takes some vulnerability and bravery. I also think that if they are willing to try it out, therapy can be rewarding and so worth the investment of time and your  willingness to work on your stuff.  

I am patient and non judgemental.  I have experience to help you move toward your goals and values. I will take the approach that you are of worth and I use self compassion work along with therapy modalities that best suit you and your specific challenges. We will work together as a team to strength your skills and focus on ways that we can effectively help you through your difficulties. 

I have experience working with adolescents  and adults with significant  trauma.  I think that the approach I take includes education about trauma, coping skills and then either writing a trauma narrative or doing some memory work with EMDR. It is important to process trauma because I have seen the changes in my clients who have  processed through their  trauma and began their healing journey.