MY APPROACH

I see therapy as a genuine, collaborative conversation — one where we can explore your experiences with curiosity, honesty, and even a bit of humour. I’m genuinely interested in getting to know you: what matters to you, how you make sense of things, and what shapes your story. My goal isn’t to have all the answers, but to think things through together. I’ll sometimes share what I’m noticing or ask questions that invite reflection, always checking if it resonates. Therapy, is a place to reflect, gain insight, and begin to see yourself and your life in new ways. I believe this is necessary for meaningful change to take place.

My approach is integrative, drawing from attachment and parts work, AEDP, CBT and others. I often help clients trace present patterns back to earlier experiences or relationships, exploring how our pasts continue to shape our perceptions and reactions today. I’m also influenced by an understanding of human behaviour through the lens of evolution — the ways our biology, stress responses, and need for belonging impact how we relate to ourselves and others.

At its core, I believe therapy is a place to feel safe, supported, and cared for — something that can make it easier to take care of ourselves and feel safe to make changes in our lives. When working with teens, I place particular emphasis on offering a steady, caring, and nonjudgmental presence. Adolescence can be a turbulent but essential part of becoming who we are, and having a stable adult who listens and believes in you can make all the difference.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20418) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I work with teens, couples, and adults who are working through concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, attachment, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Outside of my clinical work, I have six years of experience working with youth and their families as a Youth Care Worker. I am also certified to work with clients who receive coverage through First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

My approach to counselling is person-centered and trauma informed. I have also completed training in the following areas:

• 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 seek out training, new resources, and updated information to ensure I am providing the best possible support to my clients. I believe that staying curious and continually evolving in my work is essential for offering effective, compassionate, and informed care.

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. To help you decide if we are a good fit, I offer free 15-minute consultations. I also provide a limited number of reduced, sliding-scale fee spots for clients facing economic hardship. Please feel free to reach out to me at leanne@embodycounselling.ca to learn more.

I believe that seeking therapy is a brave and valuable step toward healing. I look forward to meeting you!