MY APPROACH

I know that opening up can feel vulnerable, and finding the right counsellor matters. Because of that, I offer a free consultation call where we can get to know one another, discuss what brings you to counselling, and determine whether working together feels like a good fit. As a counsellor, my goal is to create a warm and supportive space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. When people feel understood and safe, therapy can become a meaningful place for insight, healing, and growth.

I enjoy working with individuals who:

• are navigating life transitions

• are university students, teens or early adults adjusting to independence and change

• are curious about themselves and their emotional patterns

• struggle with overthinking, self-criticism, or low self-esteem

• feel emotionally overwhelmed or stuck

• benefit from validation, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of their experiences

• who are open to trying new ways of relating to themselves and their emotions

My approach is integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other modalities. This means that in our work together, we may explore your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, body-based experiences, and relational patterns — including parts of yourself that may feel unfamiliar, automatic, or difficult to make sense of. I aim to help clients better understand themselves with compassion, while also identifying what truly matters to them and what may be contributing to their current struggles. I also offer psychoeducation when helpful, sharing insights that can support a deeper understanding of the mind, body, and nervous system.

My goal as your counsellor is to create a space that feels warm and judgment-free. I hope that through a sense of safety in our work together, you’ll be able to explore your experiences with curiosity, honesty, and care. I’m genuinely interested in getting to know you — what matters to you, how you make sense of things, and what has shaped your story.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20418) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I primarily work with teens (13+) and adults who are navigating concerns such as anxiety, overthinking, self-esteem, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Outside of my counselling work, I’ve spent six years working with youth and their families as a Youth Care Worker, which continues to inform my approach when supporting teens and young adults. I am also approved to work with clients who receive coverage through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).

My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, with additional training in:

• Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• Existential Psychotherapy

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

• Trauma-Informed Practice (Level 1)

I regularly engage in ongoing learning and professional development, as I believe that staying curious and continually evolving is essential to offering thoughtful, effective, and compassionate care.

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. To help you decide if we are a good fit, I offer free 15-minute consultations.

For clients experiencing financial hardship, I offer a small number of reduced-fee therapy spots. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact me at leanne@embodycounselling.ca.

I look forward to meeting you!