My approach
My relational somatic approach to psychotherapy is informed by emergent research on attachment and neurophysiology. Clients who work with me can expect a curious invitation to reconnect and attend to the wisdom and resilience inherent in the body. My goal is to support clients in finding creative ways to make sense of and move through distressing experiences related to trauma and/or stresses of daily living within systems that aren't set up for most of us to thrive. I am also a Brainspotting practitioner.
My genuine warmth, humour, care, and curiosity play a big role in my counselling approach. It’s important to me that my clients feel held and well-supported when digging into difficult themes. I want to help clients gain confidence and learn practical approaches to exploring the places and parts of themselves where they feel stuck or lost.
I work collaboratively to better understand and approach the struggles in my clients' lives as well as to encourage and harness their inherent strength and resilience. I welcome and celebrate the full spectrum of human experience. I’m excited to share in your journey of getting to know yourself better, in all your complexity.
Reaching out for support is a great step towards a better relationship with yourself and your communities. Counselling can help guide you towards a deeper, more embodied sense of confidence and agency in your life. It is common for the process to feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; and I will meet you at whatever stage you are in your personal journey.
Populations & Areas of focus
Older youth and adults.
2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Non-normative relationships & lifestyles.
First-generation and immigrant Canadians. People of the Global Majority (PoGM).
Deep thinkers & deep feelers. Artists. Outdoor athletes & enthusiasts.
Gender & sexuality.
Trauma & C-PTSD (abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences, sexualized violence, religious trauma, loss).
Creating & sustaining healthy relationships.
A bit more about me
I am a trans, non-binary latinx settler on the unceded and occupied territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I'm a deep thinker on my journey to reconnecting with the deep feeler in me I had to tuck away for protection. I'm an athlete & rock climber, a spouse, a crocheter of cute stuffies, a baker of cakes and just generally a pretty goofy person.
I have lived in British Columbia since my family immigrated from the stolen and ancestral lands of the Guaraní, Ayoreo, Toba-Maskoy, Aché and Sanapan Peoples (Paraguay) when I was 11 years old. In my spare time you’ll likely find me rock climbing somewhere in the forests of Squamish, BC.
Education
Master of Education in Counselling Psychology
University of British Columbia, 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Victoria, 2012
Professional Memberships
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #17126
British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Registered CVAP provider
Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Selected Professional Training
Brainspotting - Phase 1
Mariya Javed-Payne, MSW
Advanced Practices in Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy
Lisa Mortimore, PhD
Facilitation Team Member: Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy
Lisa Mortimore, PhD
Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy Two-year Training
Lisa Mortimore, PhD
Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
University of British Columbia
Emotionally Focused Therapy with Couples
Vancouver Couple & Family Institute and Centre for EFT Training - Richard Harrison, PhD
AEDP: An Overview from the Ground Up
Vancouver Couple & Family Institute and Centre for EFT Training - Richard Harrison, PhD
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion Core Skills Training
Kristen Neff, PhD & Chris Germer, PhD
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - In contact with Complex PTSD clients: The relational alchemy of healing long standing wounds
Rochelle Sharpe Lohrasbe, PhD