Photo of Carly Ingram, Counsellor in British Columbia
Carly Ingram
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6H  (Online Only)
I use attachment-based and embodied approaches, guiding you through exploring memories, sensations, deeply held beliefs, and emotions.
Negative life experiences can have lasting effects on many aspects of life, including mood, self-esteem, relationships, employment, parenting, and overall wellness. Sometimes the ways that the past affects the present are unclear or unknown, and sometimes the past feels as if it's happening now. The path to healing is often through exploring and addressing these past hurts, which can be extremely intimidating and also rewarding.
I use attachment-based and embodied approaches, guiding you through exploring memories, sensations, deeply held beliefs, and emotions.
Negative life experiences can have lasting effects on many aspects of life, including mood, self-esteem, relationships, employment, parenting, and overall wellness. Sometimes the ways that the past affects the present are unclear or unknown, and sometimes the past feels as if it's happening now. The path to healing is often through exploring and addressing these past hurts, which can be extremely intimidating and also rewarding.
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Photo of Nat Keeling, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Nat Keeling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbotsford, BC V2S  (Online Only)
I am also a relationship therapist blending attachment-based work, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training, my diverse lived experiences, and familiarity with various relationship structures to help build strong, lasting bonds and navigate relationship challenges.
Are you an adult who was recently diagnosed with or suspects that you have ADHD and/or Autism? Do you need help living a fulfilling life as a neurodivergent individual in a world designed for neurotypical folks? Are you looking for someone who intimately understands your struggles with Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA), Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and your highly sensitive nature? You've come to the right place! I am an AuDHD (w/ PDA) counsellor specializing in working with late-diagnosed, and undiagnosed neurodivergent adults using a neurodiversity-centred and compassion-focused approach.
I am also a relationship therapist blending attachment-based work, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training, my diverse lived experiences, and familiarity with various relationship structures to help build strong, lasting bonds and navigate relationship challenges.
Are you an adult who was recently diagnosed with or suspects that you have ADHD and/or Autism? Do you need help living a fulfilling life as a neurodivergent individual in a world designed for neurotypical folks? Are you looking for someone who intimately understands your struggles with Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA), Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and your highly sensitive nature? You've come to the right place! I am an AuDHD (w/ PDA) counsellor specializing in working with late-diagnosed, and undiagnosed neurodivergent adults using a neurodiversity-centred and compassion-focused approach.
(604) 803-9051 View (604) 803-9051
Photo of Brittany MacCartney, Counsellor in British Columbia
Brittany MacCartney
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6Z
I specialize in sexual struggles and am training to be a sex therapist. I work with adults and adolescents on topics ranging from sex, sex work, sexuality, sexual dysfunctions, sex/porn "addiction", queer-identity, polyamory, life transitions, childhood trauma, medical trauma, panic/anxiety. I also work with couples and families drawing from Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Which features attachment based interventions grounded within finding empathy, compassion, and care for both yourself and your partner while creating new patterns of interacting.
I specialize in sexual struggles and am training to be a sex therapist. I work with adults and adolescents on topics ranging from sex, sex work, sexuality, sexual dysfunctions, sex/porn "addiction", queer-identity, polyamory, life transitions, childhood trauma, medical trauma, panic/anxiety. I also work with couples and families drawing from Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Which features attachment based interventions grounded within finding empathy, compassion, and care for both yourself and your partner while creating new patterns of interacting.
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Photo of Carmel Bennett, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Carmel Bennett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8X  (Online Only)
My approach to trauma therapy weaves together experiential, attachment-based, and somatic techniques that emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including AEDP, EMDR, EFT and parts-work.
Welcome! I'm a registered social worker offering online psychotherapy across BC and Ontario. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, I provide a supportive space for BIPOC, Queer, and Neurodiverse folks, but my door is open to all who connect with my values. My approach acknowledges the profound impacts of trauma and systemic injustice, while also valuing the richness and complexity of our experiences that exist alongside suffering. I aim to nurture a space where we address the pain of trauma and oppression, and actively reclaim the immense potential for joy, pleasure, beauty, and fulfillment in your life.
My approach to trauma therapy weaves together experiential, attachment-based, and somatic techniques that emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including AEDP, EMDR, EFT and parts-work.
Welcome! I'm a registered social worker offering online psychotherapy across BC and Ontario. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, I provide a supportive space for BIPOC, Queer, and Neurodiverse folks, but my door is open to all who connect with my values. My approach acknowledges the profound impacts of trauma and systemic injustice, while also valuing the richness and complexity of our experiences that exist alongside suffering. I aim to nurture a space where we address the pain of trauma and oppression, and actively reclaim the immense potential for joy, pleasure, beauty, and fulfillment in your life.
(867) 888-0330 View (867) 888-0330
Photo of Axel McGown, Counsellor in British Columbia
Axel McGown
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nelson, BC V1L
Are things feeling like a lot right now? It's tough out there. Whether you're struggling in your relationships, wondering what the heck a boundary is and how to create them, needing ways to cope with a really intense world, or wanting to trace a frustrating pattern and find new ways forward, you deserve support. I work with folks who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed to build resilience and choice. Using a somatic, attachment-based approach, I aim to create a space of care and acceptance for folks to name and feel feelings, map out unhelpful patterns, and practice new ways of navigating life’s challenges.
Are things feeling like a lot right now? It's tough out there. Whether you're struggling in your relationships, wondering what the heck a boundary is and how to create them, needing ways to cope with a really intense world, or wanting to trace a frustrating pattern and find new ways forward, you deserve support. I work with folks who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed to build resilience and choice. Using a somatic, attachment-based approach, I aim to create a space of care and acceptance for folks to name and feel feelings, map out unhelpful patterns, and practice new ways of navigating life’s challenges.
(431) 430-4118 View (431) 430-4118
Photo of Chill Therapy , Counsellor in British Columbia
Chill Therapy
Counsellor, CCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
I utilize an integrative approach to therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (identifying belief structures we may have that no longer work for us), attachment-based theories (visiting childhood), internal-family systems (understanding the self as many conflicting parts trying to work together), and somatic approaches (hearing internal signals of the body).
Whether you are looking to acknowledge areas of yourself that you have avoided in the past, or to better understand your moods, relationships, and current challenges, together we will create a space to explore these parts of you. I believe that we were not meant to carry things alone, and that healing and growth look different for everyone. Together, we can make space to process what it is that needs your attention, so you can feel more aligned with the version of you that you've been disconnected from.
I utilize an integrative approach to therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (identifying belief structures we may have that no longer work for us), attachment-based theories (visiting childhood), internal-family systems (understanding the self as many conflicting parts trying to work together), and somatic approaches (hearing internal signals of the body).
Whether you are looking to acknowledge areas of yourself that you have avoided in the past, or to better understand your moods, relationships, and current challenges, together we will create a space to explore these parts of you. I believe that we were not meant to carry things alone, and that healing and growth look different for everyone. Together, we can make space to process what it is that needs your attention, so you can feel more aligned with the version of you that you've been disconnected from.
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Photo of Flora Pagan, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Flora Pagan
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8W
My work is grounded in somatic, attachment-based, and social justice approaches and much of my training and experience has focused on relational trauma.
Many of us struggle with emotional experiences that knock us off our feet. Low mood and chronic stress; difficulty with trust and relationships; and difficulty with overwhelm, focus, or organization are painful and isolating experiences. Unfortunately, we’re surrounded with messaging that if only we tried harder, we could think or act our way out of these experiences - leaving us feeling even more alone or frustrated if things don’t change.
My work is grounded in somatic, attachment-based, and social justice approaches and much of my training and experience has focused on relational trauma.
Many of us struggle with emotional experiences that knock us off our feet. Low mood and chronic stress; difficulty with trust and relationships; and difficulty with overwhelm, focus, or organization are painful and isolating experiences. Unfortunately, we’re surrounded with messaging that if only we tried harder, we could think or act our way out of these experiences - leaving us feeling even more alone or frustrated if things don’t change.
(431) 304-6966 View (431) 304-6966
Photo of Sarah Duncan, Counsellor in British Columbia
Sarah Duncan
Counsellor, MA , RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Duncan, BC V9L
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
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Photo of Jess Marshall, Counsellor in British Columbia
Jess Marshall
Counsellor, RCT-C, MA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5S
I may draw from attachment-based, psychodynamic, narrative, mindfulness based, and/or cognitive behavioural approaches.
Feeling disconnected? Perhaps you're struggling to exist in a society that doesn't feel like its accepting of you? I specialize in working with clients who often feel they diverge from societal norms. I have special interest in working with clients who may describe themselves as belonging to these groups: Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, Ethically Non-Monogamous, Kinky, and/or those involved in non-traditional family/relationship dynamics. If this is you, now that you are not alone! My experience may not be the same as yours, but through collaboration, we can work together to help find the best treatment methods for your unique situation.
I may draw from attachment-based, psychodynamic, narrative, mindfulness based, and/or cognitive behavioural approaches.
Feeling disconnected? Perhaps you're struggling to exist in a society that doesn't feel like its accepting of you? I specialize in working with clients who often feel they diverge from societal norms. I have special interest in working with clients who may describe themselves as belonging to these groups: Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, Ethically Non-Monogamous, Kinky, and/or those involved in non-traditional family/relationship dynamics. If this is you, now that you are not alone! My experience may not be the same as yours, but through collaboration, we can work together to help find the best treatment methods for your unique situation.
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Photo of Nicole Che, Counsellor in British Columbia
Nicole Che
Counsellor, MC, RCC, MD, MBBCh
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H  (Online Only)
I use theories and techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Couples Therapy to provide different perspectives, inform though-provoking question, and work through traumas.
Welcoming new clients for virtual appointments only! My areas of focus revolve around the relationship with self and others (friends, partners, families), life transitions, and grief and loss. We will work together to reconnect you with yourself and make sense of the world around you. My hope is to help you find understanding, acceptance and clarity so you can get unstuck and choose a way forward. My experience includes working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-love, complex PTSD/trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.
I use theories and techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Couples Therapy to provide different perspectives, inform though-provoking question, and work through traumas.
Welcoming new clients for virtual appointments only! My areas of focus revolve around the relationship with self and others (friends, partners, families), life transitions, and grief and loss. We will work together to reconnect you with yourself and make sense of the world around you. My hope is to help you find understanding, acceptance and clarity so you can get unstuck and choose a way forward. My experience includes working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-love, complex PTSD/trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.
(672) 906-1325 View (672) 906-1325
Photo of Katrina Kaiser, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in British Columbia
Katrina Kaiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6B
For work with children and families, I draw on attachment-based interventions including Theraplay and my training as a Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) Facilitator.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting support, and attachment wounds unique to those who have been adopted. Most people have experienced challenges in their life and it is normal to feel stuck, lost, or confused as a result of what we have experienced. People have the resources and inner wisdom to heal and by working together we can integrate those painful experiences so they do not remain in the present causing emotional pain and disturbance.
For work with children and families, I draw on attachment-based interventions including Theraplay and my training as a Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) Facilitator.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting support, and attachment wounds unique to those who have been adopted. Most people have experienced challenges in their life and it is normal to feel stuck, lost, or confused as a result of what we have experienced. People have the resources and inner wisdom to heal and by working together we can integrate those painful experiences so they do not remain in the present causing emotional pain and disturbance.
(778) 650-4755 View (778) 650-4755
Photo of Nadia Neely, Counsellor in British Columbia
Nadia Neely
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe that cultivating self-awareness and gaining insight is a crucial first step in bringing about change and facilitating healing. By engaging in self-exploration and becoming more mindful, we can develop a deeper sense of presence in our lives. My approach is empathic, warm, respectful, and flexible. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore the challenges they face without fear of being judged. In my work, I am confident that my authenticity creates a collaborative environment where clients can tap into their inner strengths and resilience as they continue their journey toward healing.
I believe that cultivating self-awareness and gaining insight is a crucial first step in bringing about change and facilitating healing. By engaging in self-exploration and becoming more mindful, we can develop a deeper sense of presence in our lives. My approach is empathic, warm, respectful, and flexible. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore the challenges they face without fear of being judged. In my work, I am confident that my authenticity creates a collaborative environment where clients can tap into their inner strengths and resilience as they continue their journey toward healing.
(604) 802-8880 View (604) 802-8880
Photo of Caitlin Allen, Counsellor in British Columbia
Caitlin Allen
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Squamish, BC V8B
Waitlist for new clients
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
(587) 417-6731 View (587) 417-6731
Photo of Nelson Szeto, Counsellor in British Columbia
Nelson Szeto
Counsellor, MCP, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H
Our approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed/sensitive, neuroscience/evidence-based with a focus on insight (emotion and cognitive awareness and shifts) and behavioural changes.
Our team aims to help you create and discover a life worth living for and have fulfilling relationships with yourself and with others. Living from a place of fear/anger/resentment right now might be impacting how you see the world every single day. It may also affect your relationships with your family members, partners, and/or children (young and adults), friends, even coworkers, and you need help to make sense of it all. Every day, you may experience conflict, lack of connection, fear of something, or other challenges that gets in the way of you finding that sense of belonging and ownership over your life.
Our approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed/sensitive, neuroscience/evidence-based with a focus on insight (emotion and cognitive awareness and shifts) and behavioural changes.
Our team aims to help you create and discover a life worth living for and have fulfilling relationships with yourself and with others. Living from a place of fear/anger/resentment right now might be impacting how you see the world every single day. It may also affect your relationships with your family members, partners, and/or children (young and adults), friends, even coworkers, and you need help to make sense of it all. Every day, you may experience conflict, lack of connection, fear of something, or other challenges that gets in the way of you finding that sense of belonging and ownership over your life.
(778) 716-3889 View (778) 716-3889
Photo of Otherside Health, Counsellor in British Columbia
Otherside Health
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5T  (Online Only)
AEDP is an attachment-based, experiential treatment model ideally suited to address and treat relational trauma.
My work is relational, emotion-focused, and experiential. Relational means establishing a unique and real connection with people — i.e. not being a “blank slate” therapist. Emotion-focused means helping people pay attention to old emotional patterns that may no longer be serving them. Experiential means going beyond just talking about patterns. It means offering actual in-session experiences of doing things a different way — working together to form new and preferred patterns that are conducive to one’s therapy goal(s).
AEDP is an attachment-based, experiential treatment model ideally suited to address and treat relational trauma.
My work is relational, emotion-focused, and experiential. Relational means establishing a unique and real connection with people — i.e. not being a “blank slate” therapist. Emotion-focused means helping people pay attention to old emotional patterns that may no longer be serving them. Experiential means going beyond just talking about patterns. It means offering actual in-session experiences of doing things a different way — working together to form new and preferred patterns that are conducive to one’s therapy goal(s).
(604) 243-5163 View (604) 243-5163
Photo of Healing Quest Counselling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in British Columbia
Healing Quest Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My primary method of treatment is attachment-based EMDR.
If you’re feeling tired, stuck, and alone - struggling with issues from the past and worries about the future, know that healing IS possible. Being held back by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues causes unnecessary suffering. Together we can uncover and resolve sources of unhelpful patterns so you can adjust and move forward. Imagine - no longer feeling stuck, no longer believing something is deeply wrong with you. Imagine living fully.
My primary method of treatment is attachment-based EMDR.
If you’re feeling tired, stuck, and alone - struggling with issues from the past and worries about the future, know that healing IS possible. Being held back by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues causes unnecessary suffering. Together we can uncover and resolve sources of unhelpful patterns so you can adjust and move forward. Imagine - no longer feeling stuck, no longer believing something is deeply wrong with you. Imagine living fully.
(548) 486-5006 View (548) 486-5006
Photo of Monika Grunberg, Counsellor in British Columbia
Monika Grunberg
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
Courtenay, BC V9N
She specializes in emotion-focussed and attachment-based therapies for families, couples and individuals who have histories of troubled relationships.
Monika Grünberg received her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 1999. Prior to completing her degree she worked primarily doing therapy with traumatized women and children in the Greater Vancouver area. She moved to the Comox Valley and began full-time private practice in 1998.
She specializes in emotion-focussed and attachment-based therapies for families, couples and individuals who have histories of troubled relationships.
Monika Grünberg received her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 1999. Prior to completing her degree she worked primarily doing therapy with traumatized women and children in the Greater Vancouver area. She moved to the Comox Valley and began full-time private practice in 1998.
(548) 708-8335 View (548) 708-8335
Photo of Valerie Dolgin, Registered Psychotherapist in British Columbia
Valerie Dolgin
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B  (Online Only)
I have an eclectic approach drawing from relational cultural theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment-based, feminist, trauma-informed, expressive arts, and play therapy.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults. Regardless of their age, my goal is to help clients recognize their inner strength, trust their instincts and develop new ways of managing troubles as they arise. I am passionately curious about the human condition and dedicated to assisting my clients to deepen their connection to self and others. I welcome folks of all ages, stages and orientations. I feel privileged to walk next to my clients on this portion of their journey.
I have an eclectic approach drawing from relational cultural theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment-based, feminist, trauma-informed, expressive arts, and play therapy.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults. Regardless of their age, my goal is to help clients recognize their inner strength, trust their instincts and develop new ways of managing troubles as they arise. I am passionately curious about the human condition and dedicated to assisting my clients to deepen their connection to self and others. I welcome folks of all ages, stages and orientations. I feel privileged to walk next to my clients on this portion of their journey.
(604) 210-6955 View (604) 210-6955
Photo of Chloe Alexandra Myers, Counsellor in British Columbia
Chloe Alexandra Myers
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5T  (Online Only)
I am passionate about supporting people with trauma/ptsd including attachment and developmental trauma. I also specialize in treating depression/anxiety and relationship issues. I believe that when people understand their emotions they can take control of their life. Life is meant to be enjoyed-healing our wounds allows us to have fun and live fully. Building emotional strength means accepting you will experience emotions, they will impact you, and you can ride the wave.
I am passionate about supporting people with trauma/ptsd including attachment and developmental trauma. I also specialize in treating depression/anxiety and relationship issues. I believe that when people understand their emotions they can take control of their life. Life is meant to be enjoyed-healing our wounds allows us to have fun and live fully. Building emotional strength means accepting you will experience emotions, they will impact you, and you can ride the wave.
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Photo of Danielle Downs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in British Columbia
Danielle Downs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon, BC V1T
Waitlist for new clients
Imagine feeling it in your bones that change is possible. How you relate to yourself, others, and life - can change. I want to work with people who are courageous and fearful and unsure. When we have limiting stories of ourselves it can be helpful to have someone else, a professional, hear us - see us- and want to show another way. I will not look away from your shadow, and I do not fear trauma or big emotions. You are so much more than what you've done, your body, and your worst thoughts.
Imagine feeling it in your bones that change is possible. How you relate to yourself, others, and life - can change. I want to work with people who are courageous and fearful and unsure. When we have limiting stories of ourselves it can be helpful to have someone else, a professional, hear us - see us- and want to show another way. I will not look away from your shadow, and I do not fear trauma or big emotions. You are so much more than what you've done, your body, and your worst thoughts.
(306) 992-1648 View (306) 992-1648

See more therapy options for British Columbia


Attachment-based Counsellors

Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?

Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.

What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?

Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.

How long does attachment-based therapy last?

Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.

Does attachment-based therapy work?

Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.