Individual Counselling

“ I offer in-person counselling to both adults and youth in Vancouver and online sessions. My in-person counselling sessions are based in East Vancouver and I offer online counselling sessions using the Jane App. ”

What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a voluntary process where a variety of concerns can be discussed including but not limited to depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, stress, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, and self-harm. Talking to a counsellor can help an individual gain awareness, clarify issues, identify patterns regarding their behavior, where they feel stuck, and how to move forward. Together, you and your counsellor will determine measures to help you cope. While it is not possible to change the past, it is possible to change how you think, feel and react to past experiences which in turn will help you in both your present day and in the future.

What Counselling Is Not

Counselling is not a space where your counsellor tells you what to do. Counsellors provide support and insight, they do not tell individuals what to do. Some people feel stuck and ask their counsellors how they should move forward. Counsellors are not able to answer this question.
Counselling is not a lifelong commitment. Counsellors are part of an individual’s healing journey and over time, they disappear into the background. Some people have counselling for several years but other people have counselling for six to eight months or so before they feel ready to stop.
Counselling is not a catch-up with your friend. Your counsellor will be friendly but also professional. They will adhere to boundaries and ethical standards hence, if they are invited to a social gathering, they will politely decline. Your counsellor is not your friend and while at times it may feel like your counsellor is more than just a counsellor, it is not possible to spend time with them outside of counselling sessions.

Things To Consider Before You Start Your Counselling Journey

I have worked as a counsellor for over six years and during this time I have supported a range of people on many different issues. Based on this and my own life experience, I encourage you to think about the following before you start counselling:

I encourage you to sign up for a free consultation with a counsellor before booking an appointment. Many counsellors, in Vancouver, including myself, offer a free 15-minute consultation over the phone which enables you to ask any questions you may have and also gives some insight on what to expect should you pursue counselling.
Some people share past traumas and abuse in counselling sessions. This can be upsetting and emotional however, it should not be re-traumatising. As a counsellor, I am mindful of this and thus explain to individuals that this is one of the risks of counselling.
While most of the information you share is confidential, there are some exceptions that your counsellor will share with you before you start counselling. Most counsellors will email you a consent form, others will have a paper copy for you to read and sign in your first session. Counsellors will clearly state when confidentiality may be breached and they will explain why.

Things To Consider Once You Start Your Counselling Journey

Starting your counselling journey can feel both terrifying and a relief. Some people have had counselling in the past and thus, are more familiar with the process. I invite you to think about the following once you start counselling:

Many counsellors will ask clients what they wish to work on in counselling. Developing goals can help determine the direction of counselling sessions. Sometimes clients are not sure what they want to work on in counselling and that is okay as over time this changes and they share what they wish to gain from counselling.
I encourage clients to practice self-care before and after a counselling session. Self-care centers around taking care of yourself and being extra kind towards yourself. Counselling is no walk in the park, if it was, everyone would be signing up for sessions. Counselling is hard work and sometimes individuals feel raw and vulnerable after sessions. A self-care sandwich can help with this.
Counselling is like heavy lifting in the gym. Talking about past traumatic experiences may feel overwhelming and uncomfortable however, over time, this will change. As individuals feel safe, heard, and understood, talking about their past feels a little less overwhelming. I check in with clients before a counselling session starts and then again at the end, before the end. In some instances, a client may not feel better at the end, they may feel the same but I like to ensure that they do not feel worse.

Things To Consider Once You Finish Your Counselling Journey.

Finishing your counselling journey can feel both exciting and upsetting. Some people have formed a good relationship with their counsellor and thus they feel sad about leaving.

Some people feel lighter, validated, stronger, and equipped to embark upon new opportunities. While in the beginning there may have been some embarrassment and shame, many people feel less embarrassed about seeking counselling. Some people feel happier and share the benefits of counselling with friends and family members.
Some people find they have grown and increased their personal development as a result of committing to counselling. However, once they finish, they may find that others have not achieved the same growth. This can be upsetting and for some people disappointing. In some cases, an individual may find that they have outgrown a relationship which can feel upsetting.
Some people finish counselling with more acceptance of their past, new insights, and coping mechanisms. Some people also process past traumas thus they are no longer impacted by this in their present day. A change or a challenge in an individual’s present-day may feel overwhelming despite all the strides made in counselling. In some cases, a one-off counselling session may help.

Call 604-997-4757 and speak to me to learn more or schedule an appointment.

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