About Shelmar Haven Therapy
Therapy, for me, is rooted in the belief that healing happens through connection. My work is shaped by both my clinical training and my lived experience, and by a deep respect for the resilience people carry, often quietly, through difficult seasons of life.
I am an immigrant and first-generation Canadian, and my journey has deeply shaped how I understand identity, belonging, and emotional experience. From an early age, I found myself drawn to listening to others’ stories and being present with people in moments of difficulty. Over time, this became less about informal support and more about a clear calling toward therapeutic work.
Before entering the counselling field, I worked in different professional roles, each of which helped shape how I understand people, systems, and change. Eventually, I felt a strong pull to shift into the mental health field—a transition that felt both intentional and deeply aligned.
My early clinical work began in community settings supporting individuals navigating substance use and trauma, often in complex and real-world environments where support needed to be both practical and compassionate. From there, I worked with youth, young adults, and caregivers supporting children experiencing mental health challenges. Across these roles, I developed a deeper understanding of how stress, trauma, and relational experiences shape the way people move through the world.
Over time, these experiences have shaped a grounded, relational approach to therapy—one that values presence, collaboration, and meeting people where they are.
My Path to this Work
My Approach to Therapy
I offer a grounded, relational approach to therapy that prioritizes safety, collaboration, and genuine human connection. I believe therapy isn't about fixing people—it's about creating a space where you can better understand yourself, make sense of your experiences, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
My work is trauma-informed and evidence-based, with each session tailored to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Together, we'll explore the patterns, emotions, and experiences that may be shaping your life today while developing practical strategies to support healing, resilience, and personal growth.
To support this individualized approach, I integrate evidence-based therapies based on your unique needs and goals.
Above all, I believe meaningful change happens within a trusting therapeutic relationship. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and respect as we work toward the changes that matter most to you.
-
Utilizing evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to help you safely process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
-
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Mindfulness practices to help you identify thought patterns, build practical skills to manage intense emotions, and move forward.
-
Integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed practices to help you understand different parts of yourself and build secure connections with others.
Professional Credentials
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #25914, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)# 10010635, and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)# 19799.
These designations reflect my clinical training and commitment to ethical, professional, evidence-based care.
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and quiet moments of reflection. Together, these practices help me stay grounded and present in both my personal and professional life.
Beginning therapy is a personal decision, and there's no right or wrong time to take that first step. If you're considering therapy and feel we may be a good fit, I'd be honoured to support you on your journey. I invite you to reach out when you feel ready.