Hello, my name is Emily (she/her)! Thanks for reaching out for counselling support.
I believe that we’re all doing the best that we can within the contexts we exist in — and — that sometimes there are things that hold us back from showing up in our lives how we’d like to. If this is true for you, I’m so thankful you’ve landed here. I want to share a little about me so that you better understand who I am and what working together might look like.
OUR JOURNEY
My hope is that you would feel safe, seen, and supported in our time together. In our work, my aim is to empower you, in whatever season you find yourself in, to seek a fuller understanding of your experience and walk away with a compassionate perspective of the challenges of being human.
I recognize that everyone is unique and has their own important story to share. You’re the expert in your experiences and story, and I’m here to support you along the way. Together, we will work collaboratively on the goals you feel are important. This is your time. We go at a pace that feels comfortable for you and continue to check in along the way to ensure we’re on the right track. While we will discuss and work through the challenges that bring you to therapy, we will also create room for the ways you’ve adapted and coped up to this point, and ensure you’re feeling supported and encouraged at every step.
You’ll notice that my work is grounded in a client-led and strengths-based approach, and may include the following therapeutic tools as they are appropriate and relevant for you:
- Mindfulness-Based and Compassion-Focused
- Trauma-Informed
- Holistic (i.e., incorporating body-based or somatic and relational elements of well-being, as well as thoughts and emotions)
- Narrative Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Observed and Experiential Integration (OEI)
MY EXPERIENCE
Professionally, I’m both a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), with a Master of Counselling degree from Athabasca University. In the last decade, I’ve worked in a variety of roles within mental health services. Private practice, community-based, and non-profit work have allowed me to gain expertise and walk alongside a broad diversity of people. As a facilitator for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), I often support conversations in workplaces and community spaces around how best to care for those in our lives who may be struggling. I actively seek to break down the stigma that still comes with experiencing mental health challenges.
I’m familiar and comfortable working with concerns such as life transitions and identity exploration, substance use, anxiety and depression, PTSD, and navigating social and cultural contexts. I have lived experience in supporting individuals who care for people in their personal and professional lives. Occupational awareness training through First Responder Health, Critical Incident Stress Management (Group Debriefing), and other trauma-related training and experience allow me to support those within the first responder and professional helper communities. I know firsthand how important it is to proactively create space for our own mental wellness and recovery, and simultaneously how difficult it can be to do so.
On a personal note, mental wellness in my life looks like: getting outside in nature or close to water; snuggling up with my family and our bulldog, Bruce; exploring new local spots like wineries and coffee shops; seeing a therapist of my own; and embracing creativity through books, music, and photography.
NEXT STEPS
Whether you think we may be a good fit, or you still have some questions, I’d love to chat further by booking a free initial 15-minute consultation call. On this Jane booking page, you can book both virtual appointments and in person appointments at the Coquitlam office. For in person in Vancouver and neurofeedback, please book through Providence Therapy here.
I look forward to hearing from you!