I was born and raised in a city just outside Kyiv, Ukraine. From a young age, I've always wanted to help people, support them in their struggles, and rejoice with them in their successes. Driven by my desire to learn and experience other cultures, I left Ukraine in my early twenties and lived in several other countries before settling in Canada seventeen years ago. I currently reside in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our cat, Ra.

​

I'm passionate about social change and equally fascinated by the workings of the human mind and the heart. This passion led me to the study of politics, philosophy, and eventually psychotherapy. I bring my multifaceted life experiences and extensive education to my counselling work. As a lifelong learner, I continue to engage in professional development, personal therapy, and supervision to ensure that my clients receive the highest quality of care.

​

Having lived in several different countries, I'm culturally responsive and offer services in English and Ukrainian. As a social justice advocate, inspired by the strength of Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ people, I am committed to building inclusive communities that foster health and wellness.

​

My counselling approach is grounded in the values of kindness and compassion and is primarily insight- and depth-oriented. I help you gently examine the causes of your distress and encourage you to look within yourself for understanding, wisdom, and guidance. I believe in a non-pathologizing approach to mental health, where all parts of your experience are welcome, and healing results from integrating genuine self-acceptance and self-compassion into everyday living.

​

Counselling is my second career. For over a decade, prior to becoming a therapist, my professional background has been in university teaching and research. I've enjoyed teaching because it assists people on the path of intellectual and personal growth, and being of such assistance has always been one of my core values. During my teaching career, I found one-on-one work with students especially rewarding. I see counselling therapy as another way of making a difference in people's lives through meaningful connections.

​

I was also drawn to the mental health field because I have benefited from counselling on numerous occasions as a client. I have experienced first hand the transformative effect of good therapy and feel honoured to be able to contribute to this form of personal and social change through my work with clients.