Imago Therapists in North Vancouver, BC
Whether you're navigating life transitions, processing trauma, or striving for healthier boundaries, I'm here to support you. I work with a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, queer identity, parenting (including queer parenting), and relationship dynamics.
Throughout over a decade of clinical experience working with clients I have developed an approach that is rooted in dynamic psychotherapy and attachment-based theories, while also integrating person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused techniques. I see people as inherently capable of growth and evolution.
Whether you're navigating life transitions, processing trauma, or striving for healthier boundaries, I'm here to support you. I work with a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, queer identity, parenting (including queer parenting), and relationship dynamics.
Throughout over a decade of clinical experience working with clients I have developed an approach that is rooted in dynamic psychotherapy and attachment-based theories, while also integrating person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused techniques. I see people as inherently capable of growth and evolution.
When your relationship becomes plagued by misunderstanding and distance, you worry and fear the worst. No matter how hard you try to resolve things, arguments continue to escalate. I can help you achieve the lasting bond you long for. I specialize in helping couples tune into their deepest needs and translate them into clear signals that help our partner respond to us. I have helped hundreds of couples learn effective communication patterns that strengthen the bond between them. You can grow close again, rekindling the spark of intimacy, to last a lifetime.
When your relationship becomes plagued by misunderstanding and distance, you worry and fear the worst. No matter how hard you try to resolve things, arguments continue to escalate. I can help you achieve the lasting bond you long for. I specialize in helping couples tune into their deepest needs and translate them into clear signals that help our partner respond to us. I have helped hundreds of couples learn effective communication patterns that strengthen the bond between them. You can grow close again, rekindling the spark of intimacy, to last a lifetime.
Over 30 years of experience as a Relationship & Sexual Intimacy Therapist helping couples rebuild trust, reignite passion, and develop deep emotional and physical connection in North Vancouver & Duncan BC. Feeling disconnected from your partner? Struggling with communication, conflict, or a lack of sexual fulfillment? I’ve worked with over 1,000 couples to navigate complex challenges and create lasting change. I offer 50- or 75-minute sessions tailored to your relationship’s unique needs, as well as powerful 3-day Couples Immersions. If you're looking for couples counselling that goes beyond surface fixes, let's connect.
Over 30 years of experience as a Relationship & Sexual Intimacy Therapist helping couples rebuild trust, reignite passion, and develop deep emotional and physical connection in North Vancouver & Duncan BC. Feeling disconnected from your partner? Struggling with communication, conflict, or a lack of sexual fulfillment? I’ve worked with over 1,000 couples to navigate complex challenges and create lasting change. I offer 50- or 75-minute sessions tailored to your relationship’s unique needs, as well as powerful 3-day Couples Immersions. If you're looking for couples counselling that goes beyond surface fixes, let's connect.
Please reach out to me to schedule your free initial consultation to chat about some of the challenges you're facing and to explore how therapy with me might be able to help.
I hope that you will feel free to share your story with me in your own way, and know that I wont judge you. I hope that you will feel safe enough to be able to express yourself as freely and as honestly as possible, knowing that there are no thoughts or feelings that aren't allowed. You are free to feel whatever it is that you feel, and say whatever it is that you want to say. I will help you to explore and unpack whatever it is you might be going through.
Please reach out to me to schedule your free initial consultation to chat about some of the challenges you're facing and to explore how therapy with me might be able to help.
I hope that you will feel free to share your story with me in your own way, and know that I wont judge you. I hope that you will feel safe enough to be able to express yourself as freely and as honestly as possible, knowing that there are no thoughts or feelings that aren't allowed. You are free to feel whatever it is that you feel, and say whatever it is that you want to say. I will help you to explore and unpack whatever it is you might be going through.
Imagine you’re sitting across from each other again…
Not as enemies. Not as strangers.
Just… you two.
Imagine your hands don’t pull away this time.
Imagine your eyes meet—and don’t look down.
Imagine the words you never said…
finally finding their way out.
Imagine the silence isn’t heavy—
it’s safe.
Imagine the anger softens…
and underneath it, something honest is still there.
Imagine a kind of love that still has dignity—
respect, even in the pain.
Maybe nothing is the same as before.
But maybe… something real is still possible.
You don’t have to imagine it alone.
Couples Counselling — where the conversation begins again.
Imagine you’re sitting across from each other again…
Not as enemies. Not as strangers.
Just… you two.
Imagine your hands don’t pull away this time.
Imagine your eyes meet—and don’t look down.
Imagine the words you never said…
finally finding their way out.
Imagine the silence isn’t heavy—
it’s safe.
Imagine the anger softens…
and underneath it, something honest is still there.
Imagine a kind of love that still has dignity—
respect, even in the pain.
Maybe nothing is the same as before.
But maybe… something real is still possible.
You don’t have to imagine it alone.
Couples Counselling — where the conversation begins again.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
What I hear most in my practise is that people want more meaning in their lives, in their work and in their loving relationships. According to current trends, anxiety and depression is on the rise. According to the Canadian Mood Disorders report 2008, 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental illness over their lifetime. We may have become too focused on the results and lost sight of the process. The better we feel about ourselves because we are practising great lifestyle habits and relating meaningfully, soulfully, the more in the 'zone' we feel day to day.
What I hear most in my practise is that people want more meaning in their lives, in their work and in their loving relationships. According to current trends, anxiety and depression is on the rise. According to the Canadian Mood Disorders report 2008, 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental illness over their lifetime. We may have become too focused on the results and lost sight of the process. The better we feel about ourselves because we are practising great lifestyle habits and relating meaningfully, soulfully, the more in the 'zone' we feel day to day.
More Therapists Nearby
I offer individual and couples counselling to neurotypical and neurodistinct clients (e.g. ADHD, autism) to work on issues such as, but not limited to, guilt and shame, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, communication skills, grief and loss, and disorganisation. Our sessions together would be about collaboratively increasing insight, clarity and encouragement, while also building a customised “menu” of practical resources to help reorient your daily life.
I offer counselling primarily in English, and can also support clients who are more comfortable expressing themselves in Malay or Indonesian.
I offer individual and couples counselling to neurotypical and neurodistinct clients (e.g. ADHD, autism) to work on issues such as, but not limited to, guilt and shame, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, communication skills, grief and loss, and disorganisation. Our sessions together would be about collaboratively increasing insight, clarity and encouragement, while also building a customised “menu” of practical resources to help reorient your daily life.
I offer counselling primarily in English, and can also support clients who are more comfortable expressing themselves in Malay or Indonesian.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety ( adults/children) and couples counselling.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety ( adults/children) and couples counselling.
Richmond Counselling & Wellness has been caring for individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents since 2003. We are a group of Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Certified Counsellors who all have extensive training in helping with so many of the issues people face today. We have a warm, welcoming, private, sound-proofed and comfortable environment that serves as a safe and accepting escape away from the stresses of everyday life. BOOK ONLINE @ richmondcounselling.janeapp.com OR call 604-279-8992
Richmond Counselling & Wellness has been caring for individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents since 2003. We are a group of Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Certified Counsellors who all have extensive training in helping with so many of the issues people face today. We have a warm, welcoming, private, sound-proofed and comfortable environment that serves as a safe and accepting escape away from the stresses of everyday life. BOOK ONLINE @ richmondcounselling.janeapp.com OR call 604-279-8992
"한국어"는 위에. I provide Korean and English counselling in Vancouver, Surrey, and online throughout BC. I support clients with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, burnout, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting, workplace stress, postpartum depression, life transitions, and families of children with autism. With over 25 years of experience supporting people in community and faith-based settings, as an ECE and mother of four, I also support Korean immigrants and multicultural families, and offer ICBC trauma counselling, WorkSafeBC, CVAP, and MCFD referrals.
"한국어"는 위에. I provide Korean and English counselling in Vancouver, Surrey, and online throughout BC. I support clients with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, burnout, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting, workplace stress, postpartum depression, life transitions, and families of children with autism. With over 25 years of experience supporting people in community and faith-based settings, as an ECE and mother of four, I also support Korean immigrants and multicultural families, and offer ICBC trauma counselling, WorkSafeBC, CVAP, and MCFD referrals.
I focus on working with intense emotions, insecure attachment, acute and developmental trauma, nervous system healing, and neurodiversity. Part of therapy with me is practicing being in safe, secure relationship where your feedback and needs are valued & integrated into our work. I primarily work through a body-based somatic lens, with additional training in the worlds of sex therapy, relationships, and altered state integration. I have seen how connecting with and resourcing the body to process stuck emotions in a loving container leads to healing and relief.
I focus on working with intense emotions, insecure attachment, acute and developmental trauma, nervous system healing, and neurodiversity. Part of therapy with me is practicing being in safe, secure relationship where your feedback and needs are valued & integrated into our work. I primarily work through a body-based somatic lens, with additional training in the worlds of sex therapy, relationships, and altered state integration. I have seen how connecting with and resourcing the body to process stuck emotions in a loving container leads to healing and relief.
Are you exhausted from loving someone who struggles with addiction? Do you feel caught between helping and enabling, supporting and protecting yourself? Many partners, parents, and family members quietly carry guilt, fear, resentment, and grief, often while putting their own needs last. Loving someone with an addiction can feel overwhelming and isolating. You may find yourself managing crises, walking on eggshells, or wondering if anything you do is actually helping. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and we can help!
Are you exhausted from loving someone who struggles with addiction? Do you feel caught between helping and enabling, supporting and protecting yourself? Many partners, parents, and family members quietly carry guilt, fear, resentment, and grief, often while putting their own needs last. Loving someone with an addiction can feel overwhelming and isolating. You may find yourself managing crises, walking on eggshells, or wondering if anything you do is actually helping. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and we can help!
There are times when life seems overwhelming, and you need that extra support and guidance to embark on a journey to reflect, reorganize and regain new strength. I hope to accompany you on this journey by providing a safe place to articulate your feelings and thoughts. When you start to understand your struggles and name them, you can begin to face, tackle, and solve your problems. I hope to guide and support you in your journey to rediscovering yourself, your voice, and renewed hopes for your future. I find it meaningful and rewarding to celebrate with people who overcome their life challenges and come out empowered with hope.
There are times when life seems overwhelming, and you need that extra support and guidance to embark on a journey to reflect, reorganize and regain new strength. I hope to accompany you on this journey by providing a safe place to articulate your feelings and thoughts. When you start to understand your struggles and name them, you can begin to face, tackle, and solve your problems. I hope to guide and support you in your journey to rediscovering yourself, your voice, and renewed hopes for your future. I find it meaningful and rewarding to celebrate with people who overcome their life challenges and come out empowered with hope.
Couples work is informed by Gottman, EFT, and Imago Dialogue, and effective communication skills.
Whether you’re new to therapy or a returning client, welcome! Starting this process can be challenging. Are you possibly feeling stuck, lost, alone, frustrated? Discouraged with how to move forward, towards what matters to you, authentic you? Confused and/or curious about self-identity, sexuality, intimacy, sex, relationships? Are you asking yourself how do I navigate feelings of fear and/or other emotions? What is preventing me from feeling safe, accepted, and connected? I’d be honoured to support you in finding clarity, connection, and courage.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”-Brene Brown
Couples work is informed by Gottman, EFT, and Imago Dialogue, and effective communication skills.
Whether you’re new to therapy or a returning client, welcome! Starting this process can be challenging. Are you possibly feeling stuck, lost, alone, frustrated? Discouraged with how to move forward, towards what matters to you, authentic you? Confused and/or curious about self-identity, sexuality, intimacy, sex, relationships? Are you asking yourself how do I navigate feelings of fear and/or other emotions? What is preventing me from feeling safe, accepted, and connected? I’d be honoured to support you in finding clarity, connection, and courage.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”-Brene Brown
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety (adults/children), and couples counselling.
Shelley Ugyan, RRC, is an acclaimed author, speaker and has over 25 years experience in mental and holistic health. Her evidence based tools including Cognitive Behavioural reconditioning as well as psychodynamic, relational and hypnosis approaches set you on a path to direct healing, starting immediately in the first 80 minute session. Her approach is genuine, empowering and powerful. Healing is probable, and happens as a result of conscious daily actions and unconscious dynamics that shift as a result of this process. Shelley is known for her groundbreaking therapeutic work in anxiety (adults/children), and couples counselling.
At The Compassion Centre, my approach to psychotherapy is grounded in creating a safe, compassionate, and connected space for healing. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, I have a special interest in chronic pain and trauma, recognizing the strong mind-body connection. I support individuals, couples, and families, with experience in complex grief, PTSD, and complex trauma.
My approach is integrative and personalized, drawing from ACT, CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, TIR, Hypnotherapy, NLP, and attachment-based therapies. Registered with CRPO, member of BCACC, and Certified Hypnotherapist (NGH).
At The Compassion Centre, my approach to psychotherapy is grounded in creating a safe, compassionate, and connected space for healing. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, I have a special interest in chronic pain and trauma, recognizing the strong mind-body connection. I support individuals, couples, and families, with experience in complex grief, PTSD, and complex trauma.
My approach is integrative and personalized, drawing from ACT, CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, TIR, Hypnotherapy, NLP, and attachment-based therapies. Registered with CRPO, member of BCACC, and Certified Hypnotherapist (NGH).
Are you in a relationship where you find yourself fighting all the time or not able to communicate? I help individuals and couples who are struggling with marital and relationship issues, specifically with communication trouble. I also specialize with pre marital/commitment education.My clients come to see me because they want to talk. They don't want to have issues. But talking with me is a way of managing their issues at the very least. And at the best, it is about solving issues.I would like to support you as we work together to sort it out.
Are you in a relationship where you find yourself fighting all the time or not able to communicate? I help individuals and couples who are struggling with marital and relationship issues, specifically with communication trouble. I also specialize with pre marital/commitment education.My clients come to see me because they want to talk. They don't want to have issues. But talking with me is a way of managing their issues at the very least. And at the best, it is about solving issues.I would like to support you as we work together to sort it out.
Are you going through something emotionally painful? Experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, or addiction? I will work efficiently and effectively with you to find the root of your struggles, so you can put an end to your suffering and find permanent resolution to the problems you are experiencing. I have been trained in a highly specialized approach that can help restore happiness and clarity in your life, regardless of how complex or upsetting your situation may be.
Are you going through something emotionally painful? Experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, or addiction? I will work efficiently and effectively with you to find the root of your struggles, so you can put an end to your suffering and find permanent resolution to the problems you are experiencing. I have been trained in a highly specialized approach that can help restore happiness and clarity in your life, regardless of how complex or upsetting your situation may be.
Life can be painful and it can be life changing to connect to a sensitive, compassionate and trained practitioner. I create a safe space for clients to be seen and understood as they are guided through self-discovery and healing. My goal is that each person will uncover the potential and strength of their true inner self from a place of self-compassion and insight. I have a hearty sense of humour, I'm down to earth, warm and intuitive. I provide individual and couples counselling and work with a wide variety of clients and concerns. I take a neurobiological, attachment and nervous system approach to my work.
Life can be painful and it can be life changing to connect to a sensitive, compassionate and trained practitioner. I create a safe space for clients to be seen and understood as they are guided through self-discovery and healing. My goal is that each person will uncover the potential and strength of their true inner self from a place of self-compassion and insight. I have a hearty sense of humour, I'm down to earth, warm and intuitive. I provide individual and couples counselling and work with a wide variety of clients and concerns. I take a neurobiological, attachment and nervous system approach to my work.
See more therapy options for North Vancouver
Nearby Imago Counsellors Searches for North Vancouver
- Abbotsford
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- Langley
- Maple Ridge
- Nanaimo
- New Westminster
- Richmond
- Surrey
- Vancouver
- West Vancouver
Imago Counsellors
How does Imago therapy work?
Imago relationship therapy is a form of couples counseling meant to help partners address conflict, communication problems, and related issues. Imago sessions typically involve couples sitting facing each other and participating in guided conversations. Therapy will also involve exercises such as re-imagining one’s partner as a wounded child; re-romanticising a relationship through appreciation, surprises, and even gift-giving and restructuring frustrations by transforming complaints into requests. The ultimate goal is to re-envision the relationship as a source of safety and happiness.
What is the Imago method?
A core technique of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, in which partners learn to avoid hurtful statements and establish ways to interact based on each having equal space and power. In the dialogue, partners take turns as the “sender,” who shares their thoughts, and the “receiver.” The receiver is asked to “mirror,” or paraphrase, what their partner has said, without response or rebuttal, and then validate their statements, acknowledging understanding even if they do not personally agree with it. Finally, the receiver displays empathy by stating what they imagine the other is feeling, and showing appreciation for it.
How long does Imago therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for Imago therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core techniques of Imago coaching, some couples quickly make progress, but most should expect sessions to extend for months, encompassing at least 12 to 20 sessions, along with extensive “homework” from their therapist.
Does Imago therapy work?
There is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of Imago therapy, but some smaller studies suggest that it does help couples, at least in the short-term. A 2017 study found that marital satisfaction increased significantly after couples completed 12 sessions of Imago therapy, and remained higher for some time after that, but did not always result in “complete recovery.” Other studies found greater empathy and fewer feelings of relationship burnout in couples after therapy. Some research suggests that Imago therapy can aid individuals as well as couples; people with ADHD in particular may benefit from the development of communication, self-control, and listening skills that form the basis of the technique.