My approach is client-centered and guided by your goals. I follow your unique path toward growth and possibility, offering compassion and competence every step of the way. I work extensively with issues of identity—whether ethnic, cultural, or personal—and with questions of meaning and belonging. I have particular experience supporting expats, first- and second-generation Canadians, and those affected by racism and antisemitism.
I do mainly counselling by phone or video. I offer limited spots face to face in Vancouver. I began offering video counselling over 15 years ago, when I relocated from Montreal to Vancouver.
If you’re struggling with depression and/or anxiety, we can work together to explore how your past experiences may be affecting you today—and to find new ways of coping with overwhelming emotions or situations. My approach is eclectic, drawing from mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and psychodynamic theory. Cognitive therapy, for example, can help you identify and shift destructive thought patterns, allowing you to manage distressing emotions more effectively. Psychodynamic work explores the deeper, often unconscious feelings and beliefs that may be shaping your behavior.
Many people don’t realize that repressed anger can often lead to anxiety or depression. Or that focusing on who they think they should be can distract them from recognizing and valuing who they truly are.
I also work with people navigating significant life challenges—such as divorce, workplace conflict, retirement, relocation (especially expats), racism, antisemitism, and more—helping them process their current situation and move forward.
Mindfulness practices and art-based techniques are also available. These methods can be powerful tools for managing anxiety and depression, as well as for creative problem-solving.
Phone and video counselling offer many advantages—greater flexibility around time and geography, lower costs, and a degree of anonymity that can be especially helpful when discussing sensitive issues. You can speak from your home or office, after the kids are asleep, or while traveling.
Interested in Counselling?
Please feel free to email me at [email protected] to arrange a time to talk. I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video to answer your questions and explore how counselling might support you.
Qualifications
Education
B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
B.S.W., McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
M.S.W., Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Experience
25 years in private practice, including work with Employee Assistance Programs across Canada
15 years of long-distance counselling via video and phone 
Rivkah Horowitz Reaches
Vancouver BC