MY APPROACH

Healing happens when we feel safe, supported, and connected. In the counselling room, I aim to create an environment where you can feel safe to share your story, get to know yourself better, and move towards growth and healing.

Like all counsellors, I bring my own personal approach to therapy. I also recognize that every client is unique which means that counselling looks different with every client. In my sessions, I offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate presence, and provide tailored psychoeducation, practical tools, and experiential exercises to support you. Together, we can explore the roots of your triggers, patterns, and behaviours to create space for meaningful insight and lasting change.

My approach to counselling is deeply informed by my background in philosophy. This base encourages a thoughtful exploration into how beliefs, values, and perspectives shape our experiences. Part of this work includes examining core beliefs that shape and influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I believe that these beliefs are often formed in response to past experiences and can unconsciously impact how we see ourselves and the world. My approach integrates a deeper cognitive exploration which includes emotional processing and somatic awareness.

Regardless of the reason for coming to therapy, my hope for all my clients is that they feel supported, experience relief, and leave with increased confidence in their ability to face current or future challenges.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20418) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I specialize in working 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!