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I am an internationally educated registered clinical counsellor, fully licensed as an Italian Clinical Psychologist. My specialization lies in the strategic integrated brief approach (solutions-focused) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With nearly 13 years of extensive experience in the clinical field, I have developed a person-centred approach, tailoring psychotherapy plans based on the unique needs, personality, and motivation of each individual.

Throughout my career, every person I have helped has offered me the opportunity to embark on a unique journey into their life and soul. I firmly believe that for counselling consultations to be successful, they must possess four key characteristics: mutual selection between counsellor and client, genuine interactions without judgment or labels, respect for differences and the opportunity to learn from them, and authenticity, allowing both parties to express themselves genuinely at various moments in life.

I share my technical tools and knowledge with clients, as I believe there is no relationship without mutual exchange. In the first session, I typically aim to understand the main problem negatively affecting the client’s life. From there, I provide a clear picture of the situation and what we can do together to start the healing process.

I support the imperfection and compassion inherent in the human experience, recognizing that everyone needs love and the capacity to be compassionate. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel valued and understood, fostering growth and healing through empathy and respect.

I am an internationally educated registered clinical counsellor, fully licensed as an Italian Cli... Read More

I work with individuals, couples and families to help them overcome relationship problems, trauma-related issues, depression, anxiety, grief and substance use disorders. I am trained in different therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, Bowen Family Systems Therapy, and Solution-focused Brief Therapy.

I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.

I work with individuals, couples and families to help them overcome relationship problems, trauma... Read More

Are you or a loved one looking to make the best of a current situation, or feel stuck as to how to move forward in life? If so, I would be honoured to provide support in a therapeutic journey together.

Counselling needs to be void of any biased judgment, and I like to see the therapeutic relationship as one of skill building and sometimes even fun. Patience is also important as change takes place and we learn to accept our current situation though also learning to put our best foot forward. My take is that eventually we transform, having integrated our difficult memories with a wiser sense of self, and then begin to thrive within our new sense of freedom.

I have been in training to become a counsellor since 2012, have earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, and have been counselling for 7 years now. I have worked with people of all walks of life including children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, caregivers, veterans and refugees. I also run a mindfulness practice for groups, having been trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

I provide counselling as to small or big life challenges, varying forms of trauma, and an array of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, etc. I work with several therapeutic modalities including CBT, Mindfulness and EMDR.

Are you or a loved one looking to make the best of a current situation, or feel stuck as to how t... Read More

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC#19891) and hold a graduate degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I gained my master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I feel it would be an honour to walk beside you on your path to healing. I believe every client is an individual, and I accept them where they are and join with them thenceforth.

Further, with my own experience as a client and a counsellor, I can relate to how daunting it could feel reaching for that initial support. Therefore, I begin with the most significant aspect of counselling, the therapeutic alliance. I primarily work with a trauma-informed approach. This approach reinforces my belief that every behaviour has a reason.

I work from a Person-Centered (PC) perspective, which means I use a non-judgmental, curious and compassionate approach to support my clients. At the same time, with my perspective of understanding the uniqueness of every client, I take an eclectic therapeutic approach. Thus, as per the need of an individual, I borrow techniques from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Adlerian & Play Therapy approaches. Using the PC approach, my role is to walk beside you in your journey while providing you with a safe space. At the same time, I also explore with you whatever questions or thoughts you have about your life and your concerns.

I specialize in anxiety, depression and grief, chronic pain, and transition issues and have been working closely with trauma and relationship issues. My past experiences have also allowed me to work with toddlers and infants. In my journey of healing people, I have also been fortunate to help clients with neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental disorders. I have played an active role in advocating to support my clients holistically.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsello... Read More

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Yoshiko is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She specializes in supporting those experiencing grief and loss (from death, work, illness, physical ability, relationship) as well as those feeling the pain from pet loss. She also works with immigrants and international students with regards to adjustment, stress and time management related to life transition. She is completely fluent in both English and Japanese.

People find that Yoshiko is very warm, kind and has a wonderful sense of humour. Above all, she is grateful for the opportunity to work with clients side by side while they go through their journey.

Yoshiko is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She ... Read More

Alexandra is a BC Register Clinical Counsellor with a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling with Distinction, a Masters Degree, and more than twenty years of experience. Alexandra provides therapy to all clients including children, adolescents, individuals, adults, couples and families.

Her specialties in counselling include:

Couples counselling, Depression and anxiety, Confidence and self-esteem, Grief, Child/teen therapy, Parenting/family issues, Attachment issues, Life and work stress, and life transitions.

She uses cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, Gottman couples therapy and Hakomi Somatic therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and EMDR for children.

She believes that play therapy is a powerful modality to address childhood trauma, behavioural challenges, attachment issues and other challenges. Children can have trouble expressing their feelings through talk therapy; however, with a story or a paintbrush, they can access emotions, articulate fears and work out challenges.

Along these lines, she uses art therapy as an effective, creative approach for people of all ages to explore their challenges and understand better their barriers through creating a visual image. She uses art therapy in individual counselling sessions as a tool for self-exploration, communication, and healing.

Alexandra is a BC Register Clinical Counsellor with a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling with Disti... Read More

With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of mental health, I am committed to empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges and create a journey of transformation. Throughout my 11-year experience, I have honed my skills in supporting those facing high-risk situations, substance use, anxiety, depression, and relationships.

My professional journey has led me to work with diverse populations, from families and adults to youth, in a range of settings, including the school system and child protection. These invaluable experiences have allowed me to cultivate a holistic understanding of the unique needs and dynamics within each context. Guiding individuals through their most challenging moments and witnessing their growth has solidified my passion for fostering positive change.

In my practice, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques, yet remains flexible and tailored to the individual’s needs. By utilizing a combination of therapeutic modalities, I empower clients to develop coping strategies, build emotional resilience, and ultimately thrive to their best ability. It is my privilege to be part of their journey towards self-discovery, healing, and a more comfortable future.

My background encompasses a diverse range of clients and their unique needs, spanning from anxiety and relationship challenges to trauma, depression and substance use.

With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of mental health, I am committed to empoweri... Read More

Belinda began her journey as a medical doctor. However, she realized that most of her patients did not come to her because of the prescriptions she gave them for their medical conditions, but because they all needed somebody non-judgmental and authentic to listen to their stories. Thus began her career in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

Belinda graduated with a degree in masters of counselling from City University of Seattle in Vancouver, BC and is a well recognized registered clinical counsellor with BCACC.

Having grown up in a multicultural society with a career that spanned different continents and patients that where from diverse and rich cultures, Belinda is non-judgemental, respectful and client-centered with a goal towards ensuring that her clients do not measure life by the number of breaths they take, but by the moments in life that take their breath away! She tells her clients that life is to be lived to the fullest and we should not allow ourselves to miss out in this great journey as a result of our fears and anxieties.

Belinda provides her clients with the necessary tools required to learn new skills and in the process acquire a better way of coping. She respects the fact that each person is unique and as a result, she is very flexible and strives to meet her clients at the point they are. She has a special interest in helping her clients build their self-esteem, communication and relationships. She also helps with anger management, depression, and anxiety.

Areas of Practice & Approaches Used * Adjustments to Separation and Divorce * Anxiety, Stress and Phobia * Child or Adolescent * Codependency * Depression or Low Mood * ICBC Accident Counselling * Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders * Trauma Counselling * Racial Identity * Women’s Issues * Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) * Person-Centred * Trauma-Focused

Belinda began her journey as a medical doctor. However, she realized that most of her patients di... Read More

Naveena is currently completing her Master of Counselling at City University and plans on becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor upon completing her degree. She is a student member with the BCACC. Naveena holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Naveena takes a person-centered and strengths-based approach to her counselling. She is a pleasant and nurturing individual who makes meaningful connections with others. Her core strength as a counsellor is to help clients develop their insight.

Counselling approaches: • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy • Solution Focused Therapy • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy • Trauma Informed Therapy

Naveena is currently completing her Master of Counselling at City University and plans on becomin... Read More

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I would be honoured to support you in your healing journey. There are so many reasons why you might be called toward a deeper connection with yourself. You might be here because you are feeling overstimulated and overwhelmed. You might be feeling depleted and socially withdrawn. You might be curious about how your earlier life experiences influence your daily life now. I can support you in making sense of how things got to the way they are now and how you can start to make some changes happen to get closer towards where you would rather be.

I work with many brave and courageous people just like you. Because embarking on your therapy journey will be one of the bravest things you can do. Together we can make sense of your experience, and what is keeping you stuck, so you can finally feel free to move forward, knowing that you’re not alone. I’ve got you. The first steps in reaching out to THAT first session are often the scariest. And it would be an honour to hear your story and hold space for you.

Can you believe I began my private practice having never had received therapy myself? Yes, me a mental health professional who has been in this field for a decade, and I had zero experience as an actual client, on the receiving end of

A little bit like my father who was a builder and plumber, but our house was always the last on his to-do list.

What I do know is that I have spent so much time and training learning how to provide a great experience when it comes to counselling that when it came time to receive my own therapy, I realised just how transformative vulnerability can be in therapy,

Being in front of a therapist is hard, right? I totally get it, because I have been there.

That’s why it is not enough for me to provide great therapy for you. Yes, I will be able to listen nonjudgmentally and guide self-discovery. But I also want to create a safe and cozy sanctuary that is equally as accepting of your joy as your struggles. I want us to create a therapeutic relationship that supports the essence of you and allows your authentic self to shine. I want you to leave your sessions having felt deeply seen, heard and understood.

I would be honoured to support you in your healing journey. There are so many reasons why you mig... Read More

My practice is focused on trauma care. I work with adults and youth with childhood trauma, individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and relational trauma, and women who are victims of gender-based violence. I provide counselling for concerns stemming from trauma that include self-esteem issues, concurrent disorders, grief and loss, bicultural identity crises, family problems, acculturative stress, and life transitions. I work with families experiencing inter-generational conflict due to acculturation, intercultural tension from changes in family structure and dynamics, and immigrants experiencing mental health issues.

My approach is integrative and holistic with a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed lens influenced by Bruce Perry’s work on the impact of trauma on brain development, which integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology. This approach allows me to gain insight into a client’s unique developmental experiences and trauma responses. I also draw from CBT, humanistic therapies, and emotion-focused therapy. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, I emphasize a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive outlook to decolonize mental health. I am committed to tailoring therapy to the client’s needs and effectively assessing and addressing their concerns with evidence-based treatments.

I strongly emphasize collaboration with my clients, where we take it slow, try to understand their narratives, and explore their experiences through guided discovery. This is where I let the client go deeper into their emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and experiences that may be difficult to explore independently. I support them in unravelling their story so they can openly talk about their concerns and gain clarity on how their situation has impacted them and how they can bring about change when they are ready.

I truly believe that everyone is the expert on their life and holds the potential to heal through their inner strength and wisdom to improve the quality of their life. With validation, compassion, and trust in the therapeutic relationship, I can help individuals heal from past trauma and support them in navigating through emotional complexities and life transitions, enhancing their quality of life and well-being. I offer language support in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi.

My practice is focused on trauma care. I work with adults and youth with childhood trauma, indivi... Read More

Paula is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of the Balearic Islands (Spain). She has broad experience providing individual, family and couples therapy.

She believes that creating a warm and trusting space where you can feel safe, be seen, heard, and validated is an essential component to help you explore your inner world and embrace your strengths and resilience to achieve your goals.

Counselling is a collaborative process where the counsellor and client work together to develop perspective and understanding. She tailors therapy according to each client’s needs, goals, and preferences, based on an integrative approach using multiple evidence-based modalities.

Paula acknowledges that the quality of our relationships and interactions with others can deeply impact our lives and our well-being throughout life. She tends to integrate Attachment-Based Theory to obtain an overall sense of the unique context of each client.

Her work focuses on building a safe relationship while providing a nurturing, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment.

She feels honoured and privileged to work and walk alongside you in your journey.

Paula is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Couns... Read More

A registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC, Certified Canadian Counsellor with CCPA, and a Certified Level I Sensorimotor Psychotherapist. My professional background spans over 20 years of experience in the social services field, having had the privilege of supporting people through life transitions, grief & loss, trauma, mental health, substance use, marriage difficulties, work stress, and career transitions. My clinical work has been both at a community level and as a contracted Clinical counsellor. This journey has given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations, ages, gender, race, and ethnicities. I adhere to collaborative, trauma-informed, narrative, solution-focused, and body-oriented modalities; placing at the center of it all, and ethical praxis and the well-being, needs, an goals of the client. I am LGBTQ2S+ friendly and honouring of the wisdom inherent in each individual and their right to seek their journey of self-discovery and healing in the best way that makes sense to them.

A registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC, Certified Canadian Counsellor with CCPA, and a Certi... Read More

Karmeena graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human Development and a Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling Psychology. Her areas of interest within the field have come from a previous life and professional experience. Her heavy involvement in team activities and sports significantly influenced her to drive to become a counsellor.

Through these experiences, she developed characteristics such as empathy and understanding. Given the diverse population, she has learned to adapt and change the way she works with each individual that is unique to their needs.

Her interests in the field include and are not limited to the use of CBT for individuals with a specific interest in post-traumatic stress disorder. Within her career, she has worked with individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma & grief, relationships and personal development. Karmeena is always looking to expand her knowledge and deepen her skill set in working with all individuals.

Karmeena graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human ... Read More

I am honoured to be a part of your emotional healing. Chances are you are noticing that some things in your life just aren’t working anymore, and I can support you find the changes needed in your life to restore balance. In the counselling setting we can work together to help you get to where you want to be, whether it’s daily functioning, interpersonal relationships or something else.

You will see that my approach is from an attachment-focused, nonjudgmental and genuinely empathetic perspective. Because emotions are held in the body, I will often use Mind-Body Attunement, a somatic therapy that explores the sensations coinciding with the emotions or memory. This therapy is highly effective for healing emotional wounds and supporting individuals to heal through their trauma.

Even though I have been in the counselling field for almost 15 years, I am always on the journey to self-improvement. It is important to me to seek out new tools and refine my current skills through supervision so I can offer the best service to you. This process has also required me to sit in the chair of the client, therefore I understand the work involved in the therapy process as you strive to make changes to your emotional well-being.

I have experience working with a variety of clients and client needs including anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, depression and other diagnoses.

Areas of Practice & Approaches Used * Anger Management * Anxiety and/or Panic * Borderline Personality * Child or Adolescent * Codependency * Domestic Abuse * Depression * Emotional Disturbance * Oppositional Defiance * Parenting * Peer Relationships * Teen Violence * Trauma & PTSD * Attachment-based * Integrative * Mind-Body Attunement * Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) * Person-Centered * Psychoanalytic * Psychodynamic * Somatic * Trauma Focused

I am honoured to be a part of your emotional healing. Chances are you are noticing that some thin... Read More

Mehrdad is a dedicated professional passionate about accompanying individuals through their personal growth and facilitating healing.

With a strong academic and practical background, Mehrdad completed his master’s degree in counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia, complemented by another master’s degree in general psychology. Drawing inspiration from Rumi’s wisdom that “the wound is the place where the light enters you,” Mehrdad embodies an integrative approach to therapy, utilizing various modalities like an art pallet to suit each client’s unique needs.

Having served as a therapist in Fraser Health in Vancouver for eight years and through private practice, Mehrdad has had the privilege of working with diverse clients as a group and individual therapist and utilizing music therapy combined with mindfulness.

Mehrdad is deeply committed to his clients, approaching each therapeutic journey with empathy, understanding, and a steadfast dedication to facilitating meaningful and lasting change.

Mehrdad is a dedicated professional passionate about accompanying individuals through their perso... Read More

I have completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I am excited to connect with those seeking counselling services and aim to be adaptive to the needs of all the individuals I work to support. My experience in providing mental health services focuses on anxiety and stress management, exploring difficulties with depression and mood concerns, and supporting clients in navigating challenges in their personal relationships.

I structure my counselling philosophy around general wellness and Mindfulness practices and draw on the therapeutic modalities of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Positive Psychotherapy (PPT).

I feel fortunate for the opportunity to connect with so many unique individuals. Counselling support can be an effective means towards exploring our challenges and celebrating our success. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are seeking support.

Areas of Practice & Approaches Used * Anxiety and/or Stress Management * ADD & ADHD * Depression * ICBC Accident Counselling * Teen Therapy * Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) * Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) * Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) * Positive Psychotherapy (PPT)

I have completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and am a Registered Clinical C... Read More

Much like plodding through snow-laden terrain in winter, forging forward with therapy can be arduous and foreboding. With commitment and repetition, however, a path emerges, and our journey becomes easier and more familiar with time. Whether we are mired in depression, frenetic with anxiety, battling the legacy of a past trauma, or slogging through the monotony of a tired relationship, therapy can provide us with the tools and insights we need to reorient ourselves to the present and create an informed design for the future.

As a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I only practise evidence-based treatments that have a track-record of efficacy. Some of these include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Trauma Therapy, and elements of Gottman Method Therapy (Levels 1 and 2) for couples. Shortly, I will be augmenting my skill set through further trauma training in Life Integration (LI) and couples training with the Gottman Institute.

Much like plodding through uncharted terrain in winter, moving forward with therapy can be arduous and foreboding. With commitment and repetition, however, a path emerges, and our journey becomes easier and more familiar with time. Whether mired in depression, frenetic with anxiety, or sewn into the pattern of a dysfunctional relationship, therapy can provide us with the tools and insights we need to reorient ourselves to the present and create an informed design for the future. As someone who holds a deep respect for the scientific method, and a reverence for each individual’s spiritual framework, I apply research-based practises to help you distill clouded perspectives and process traumatic experiences. Some of these approaches include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Lifespan Integration Therapy (LI- a contemporary trauma therapy), and Gottman Method Therapy (GMT) for couples. While these modalities provide the structure “or bones” of therapy, my personal approach is informed by a veneration for the following: 1. Irvin Yalom’s existential givens of death, meaning, isolation, and freedom, which denote the parameters of the human condition, 2. Carl Rogers’s client-centred approach, which views individuals through a lens of curiosity and unconditional positive regard, and 3. the bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach, which I use as a heuristic for understanding the facets of life that contribute to wellbeing. With regards to delivery, I find figurative language, particularly the use of metaphor and analogy, effective for creating rich, memorable dialogue, and useful for expediting salient insights. Kintsugi, for example, is the Japanese art form of mending ceramic vessels with gold. While it is a stunning form of art, it is also a valuable metaphor for how adverse experiences (our own cracks and fissures) are part of what make us unique and resilient. In this way, I believe psychotherapy to be a form of Kintsugi for the psyche. On the topic of adversity, it is my mission to understand, and be present for, the plight that has brought you to therapy. As someone who has been on both sides of the table- as an individual client, a couple, and a therapist, I respect the courage, energy, and motivation it takes to instigate change and show vulnerability to someone you’ve never met. It is my hope that we can work together to help you reframe the legacy of your trauma, mitigate depression and anxiety, create connection and grace within your relationship, and help you design an informed path

forward. Until then, I invite you to contemplate this quote by Winston Churchill, 1940: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

Much like plodding through snow-laden terrain in winter, forging forward with therapy can be ardu... Read More