Find a Therapist in West Point Grey, British Columbia.

Psychotherapy and counseling provide a space to build on your strengths and uncover solutions to the challenges you face daily. It’s a collaborative process where we work together to explore what’s holding you back, untangle the complexities of life, and move toward the life you desire. I view this work as a partnership, walking alongside you as we navigate the peaks and valleys of your unique journey. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and social justice principles, recognizing that our experiences are deeply influenced by the systems and structures around us. This often means looking beyond the individual to understand how broader social, cultural, and environmental

We implement a range of therapeutic techniques and exercises such as guided imagery, relaxation techniques, expressive arts therapy, journaling, or mindfulness exercises as part of our psychotherapy approach. These interventions are carefully selected and tailored to support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals, which may include relieving emotional distress, managing symptoms of mental health conditions, improving interpersonal relationships, enhancing coping skills, and promoting overall psychological well-being.

Life and relationships become painful, sometimes paralyzing when our emotions overwhelm us. Emotions are actually intended for good - they are intended to give us motivation and information; specifically they inform us of how to act in the way that is in keeping with who we are. I help people to face their emotions, take from them the lessons that they offer and move forward positively in their lives. You do not have to be stuck, paralyzed and fearful, you can be peaceful, productive and motivated.

Counselling is my life's work. I am in love with learning and do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. My first priority is to establish a good relationship with my client(s), to listen and create a safe space for them. I use my instincts, my years of experience and wisdom to customize treatment for each of my clients. I respect the wisdom of each person and believe that counselling can be a collaborative process between therapist and client. I am there to support, encourage, listen with compassion and to guide clients to find their own direction and empowerment. I also teach specific skills for communication, managing depression and anxiety and trauma symptoms.

In psychotherapy, I help clients gain a deeper understanding of their thought processes and the origins of these patterns. We explore childhood experiences, adolescence, and adulthood to uncover how their core beliefs were formed. This journey allows clients to recognize behavior patterns and the emotions tied to those experiences, empowering them to manage their feelings and cultivate positive self-beliefs.

The benefits of Psychotherapy with me are: Having a better Understanding of your problem, issue, and or illness Being able to talk freely and openly (helps to relieve stress) Discover what created the issue Discover different ways to manage your feelings, think, behave and practice them Identify your triggers and learn to how manage them Discover how you react to a situation, or things Create and acquire realistic goals Explore new strategies and coping skills Eliminate your anxieties, fears, and insecurities Improve your self-esteem and confidence Improve you problem-solving skills Learn to break old patterns and unhealthy habits Learn to live a life that is healthy and happy for you

My approach in psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship between client and therapist, respecting your presenting issues, your choices, and pace for change. I often integrate a body-oriented approach in order to engage all parts of the brain and accelerate and deepen the healing process. I may suggest we work using cognitive behavioral therapy and/or sensorimotor psychotherapy (primarily for trauma), along with a variety of other techniques that work well with your presenting problem. I find that many clients are surprised at how quickly they make progress.

I help clients to understand the root cause of their depression and anxiety with Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Conflict and attachment based problems can arise between loved ones , coworkers and the people around you. A balanced social life is important to combat depression. I help my clients to find the key issues in their biggest problem areas. We will create a step by step plan improve and build on relationships and deal with grief.

My counselling approach always begins with building a trusting working relationship. I believe in being genuine, open-minded, non-judgmental and empathic. I understand that it takes courage to reach out for help. By doing so, you are half way there! My goal as a Counsellor is to begin working with clients where they presently are in their lives, listening to their life stories and processing with them any trauma or stress they might have experienced. Moving forward from there, we address current issues and work together to outline what clients want to change. Both intrapersonal and interpersonal difficulties are addressed. I am open to using a variety of different therapeutic approaches.

I practice psychotherapy from a The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) perspective. This model works with the connection to one's self, the emergence of who they are in their full humanity, and identifying and releasing safety strategies that paradoxically keep us out of connection with ourselves and others. If you would like to allow the emergence of YOU to unfold, please reach out.

Clients who receive psychotherapy from me will learn about the root of their issues and how to heal these wounds. Many issues we face in life are deep rooted in our childhood or resulting from traumas we have survived and need to be addressed to be truly free and achieve peace and serenity. I will help you learn to live a vital, rich meaningful life and overcome any mental health issues.

You may be wondering what counselling and psychotherapy looks like. Typically, I will spend some time, perhaps a session or two, getting to know you and your concern in some depth. Then together we decide on a goal and the best way for us to spend our time together. This may involve exploring thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, solving problems, working on skills, or making sense of past experiences. My hope is that, through our work together, you will feel clearer, more focused, and connected with your life and the people in it.

Psychotherapy is a fancy word for "talk therapy." Within a safe, therapeutic relationship psychotherapy can help clients explore and gain an understanding of how their past may be influencing the present and how behavioural and relationship patterns may be getting in the way of reaching goals. Heather is familiar with all of the major approaches to psychotherapy and may incorporate other forms of therapy, including somatic therapies, to respond to the unique needs of each client.