Find a Therapist in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Psychotherapy or counselling is helpful to address whatever issues you may be facing in your life in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. At West Coast Counselling, we use your goals as a framework from which to build therapy around. We may use cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative or solution-focused therapy, to name a few, in which to help you manage your issues.

My approach to therapy is inspired by the teachings of Carl Rogers, who believed that the most effective way to help individuals was through a warm, empathetic, and understanding relationship. I create a safe space for my clients to be open, honest, and vulnerable, allowing them to work through their challenges and find their own answers within themselves.  I use a holistic and integrative approach, drawing from a range of therapies, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), ego states theory, somatic approaches, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, resonance and more.

Throughout my life and educational career, I have learned the benefits of understanding how our brain and body develop and impact each other. The brain is like any other body part - when injured or not functioning properly, it requires proper attention and care to heal and strengthen it back to a higher functioning state. It is with this knowledge that we can begin to understand ourselves and our own reactions more. My goal is to help you find a path towards self-compassion and a clearer sense of self, while also working together to seek out alternative solutions to create a healthier mindset.

To maintain an overall health, mental health and wellbeing with psychotherapy -- to enhance one's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and environments. Evidence-based practices of therapeutic modalities will be used to support clients' journey toward healing and acceptance. To provide psychoeducation in order for the client to understand their own symptoms and develop goals.

Fundamental to the work is a good therapeutic relationship. That is, we have the collaboration and trust to combine your knowledge of yourself and your situation and my skills and knowledge of the clinical issues to make change happen. With established trust and rapport between us, we can develop a structureless structure for our treatment plan. That is, one flexible enough to give space to deal with thoughts and feelings spontaneously each week, and structured enough to accomplish your goals.

My approach to psychotherapy involves understanding my clients by using a client-centred lens, while also taking on a systems approach to understand the bigger picture. I am informed by Attachment Theory, as well as Emotion-Focused Therapy, and use this to help clients gain a deeper understanding of where they came from and how it is showing up in their current situation. I believe having a level of understanding such as this, leaves clients feeling more connected to themselves and empowered to move forward.

My approach is to work collaboratively with clients using a holistic model of therapy which entails a blending of Eastern and Western modalities. For example, training in meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, proper exercise, a nutritious, science-based diet and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. Also, including talk therapy can then help to reveal core values and issues. Mindfulness training benefits clients in observing clearly thoughts and behaviours. Clients benefit greatly through the use of evidence based interventions by developing the skills needed to evaluate thought patterns and overcome destructive patterns.

Psychotherapy can be effective and greatly beneficial for couples, individuals and families. We strive to create a safe and understanding environment where we work in a collaborative manor based on your goals and needs. We will work with a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs providing optimal results. Through psychotherapy you can begin to see yourself and your world through a non partial and neutral lens. Through the clarity and acceptance of your authentic self we will work to build your tools for ongoing personal growth and success, independent of counselling.