Personal Counselling

• Are you in private practice? Yes
• Do you participate in any insurance plans? Yes
  It is the responsibility of the client to check with their employer to see if they have insurance coverage. 
• Do you offer sliding scale/reduced fee counselling? No
• Telephone/Video counselling: Yes
• Language/s Spoken: English
  
  

What kind of clients do you work with?

• Individual Adults
• Couples
• Families
  
  

Bio

Andrea provides a safe and compassionate space for people to process thoughts and emotions, gain insights about life patterns, and move towards a place of healing and freedom. She specializes in collaborating with individuals to find their unique path of transformation and self-discovery, while working towards their therapeutic goals. She is committed to walking with people through the challenges, pain, trauma, and transitions that arise in life.

Andrea helps to facilitate change through dialogue, psycho-education, the integration of current research in neuroscience, somatic-based and body-centred therapies—including EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy)—trauma-informed experiential exercises, and emotional regulation and practical skill-building techniques.

Andrea counsels from a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens. She seeks to see each individual as a whole person, to understand their personal narratives, families of origin, belief systems, cultural backgrounds and history. Andrea creates space for people to reconnect with their bodies. She provides opportunities for individuals to explore thought patterns and body reactions and sensations that may feel foreign, confusing or unmanageable. She is committed to walking with her clients towards a holistic integration of self, and supporting each individual in building resiliency, seeking sustainable growth, and pursuing authentic and lasting transformation.

Message from Therapist

It is my honour and privilege to support growth, change and connection in my practice. I believe in the beauty and sacredness of the therapeutic relationship, in the importance of building trust, and in offering respect and authentic empathy. I am committed to hearing you and supporting you in your journey and in pursuing your goals. I highly value the practice of attuned listening, and being present in a non-judgmental, accepting and compassionate way. We can approach change through curiosity, discovery, and honesty. It is my desire to offer you a consistent experience of safety, and a place to be seen, known and understood.  As we journey together, we can pursue and encounter healing that endures.

Credentials, Training, Qualifications

Education

Andrea graduated with a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University and completed her undergraduate degree in Speech Sciences, Psychology and Linguistics from the University of British Columbia. Andrea worked as the Pastor and Director of Healing Ministries at a local church, and as a Family Counsellor and Mental Health Practitioner in Public Practice before transitioning into full time Private Practice. Andrea is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #11254 with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Expertise

• Faith and Spiritual Integration
• Trauma and Abuse: Interpersonal (Emotional, Spiritual, Psychological, Mental, Physical and Sexual), Single Incident, PTSD, Complex, Developmental
• Attachment
• Family of Origin Issues and Conflict
• Relationships and Communication
• Cultural and Racial Identity, and Acculturation
• Anxiety and Depression
• Identity, Life Transitions, and Career
  
  

Counselling Methods Used

Andrea is an integrative therapist, and she uses a variety of modalities and therapeutic techniques to suit each individual's needs and preferences. These include person-centred therapy, attachment-based therapy, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, somatic-based therapies, gestalt therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)*, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and existential therapy. 

*EMDR is a psychotherapy that integrates the perception of disturbing cognitions, emotions, and sensations to help the brain process and heal from distressing and traumatic memories. It is effective in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD and panic.

Inclusion of this counsellor on our website does not imply that the RCAV has endorsed the efficacy of a treatment, therapy practiced, or any other service offered by the private professional counsellor. We have verified that the counsellors on our website are registered professional counsellors. Each counsellor has informed us that they are Catholic or a practicing Christian from another tradition and will support clients that want to adhere to the Church’s teachings in the area of life, marriage and family. We cannot guarantee that you will be satisfied with each therapist, as there are many factors that influence therapeutic compatibility. It is solely your responsibility to find out whether a therapist possesses the qualities that are most important to you. We suggest that you take the time to ask the therapist any questions that you might have, to ensure both of you are comfortable and are a good fit with the therapist.