Emotionally Focused Therapists in Surrey, BC
I support families and children/youth using CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, play therapy, EFT and Family systems.
As a BIPOC therapist, parent of two young adults, and an immigrant, I work with individuals, couples and families. I bring over 10 years of clinical expertise to my work, supporting those struggling with anxiety, autism, learning difficulties, depression, overwhelm, trauma, being challenged due to conflict, bullying, ADHD, OCD & Anger Issues.
I support families and children/youth using CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, play therapy, EFT and Family systems.
As a BIPOC therapist, parent of two young adults, and an immigrant, I work with individuals, couples and families. I bring over 10 years of clinical expertise to my work, supporting those struggling with anxiety, autism, learning difficulties, depression, overwhelm, trauma, being challenged due to conflict, bullying, ADHD, OCD & Anger Issues.
Lauren Rasmussen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach is integrative and somatic, drawing from IFS, Somatic Experiencing, EFT, and attachment-based psychodynamic work.
I work with people who feel emotionally shut down, overwhelmed, or like they’re just going through the motions. These are often signs of disconnection — from the body, from others, or from the version of yourself you want to return to. Many of my clients are navigating complex or relational trauma, shame, grief, or the impact of early experiences like emotional neglect or sexual trauma. They may struggle with feeling too much or not enough, with boundaries, or with the weight of patterns they no longer want to carry. What they want is to feel safer in their body, more present in their relationships, and more like themselves again.
My approach is integrative and somatic, drawing from IFS, Somatic Experiencing, EFT, and attachment-based psychodynamic work.
I work with people who feel emotionally shut down, overwhelmed, or like they’re just going through the motions. These are often signs of disconnection — from the body, from others, or from the version of yourself you want to return to. Many of my clients are navigating complex or relational trauma, shame, grief, or the impact of early experiences like emotional neglect or sexual trauma. They may struggle with feeling too much or not enough, with boundaries, or with the weight of patterns they no longer want to carry. What they want is to feel safer in their body, more present in their relationships, and more like themselves again.
I draw from an EFT ( Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Person Centered approaches.
Some areas I have worked with include relationship and marriage distress, men’s mental health, anger, caregiver burnout, depression, anxiety, exploring beliefs and values, religious deconstruction, sexuality, sex and intimacy, and parental support.
I draw from an EFT ( Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Person Centered approaches.
Some areas I have worked with include relationship and marriage distress, men’s mental health, anger, caregiver burnout, depression, anxiety, exploring beliefs and values, religious deconstruction, sexuality, sex and intimacy, and parental support.
I use an emotionally focused style to address this whether it's an Anger Management, Marriage and Relationship or Stress and Anxiety client.
The Spaces Between Counselling .....The Power of Perception The greatest growth my clients experience from our work together is a new way of seeing and experiencing their lives. I'll show you how to move from hopelessness, loneliness, frustration, and fear to clarity and peace. We'll use your struggle as your power spot to create change. Although this can be difficult, that discomfort acts as a motivation to change. That is its job. You are at a place where all the possibilities and richness of life are yours to be found. I can help you take your next steps and I'd be honoured to walk with you.
I use an emotionally focused style to address this whether it's an Anger Management, Marriage and Relationship or Stress and Anxiety client.
The Spaces Between Counselling .....The Power of Perception The greatest growth my clients experience from our work together is a new way of seeing and experiencing their lives. I'll show you how to move from hopelessness, loneliness, frustration, and fear to clarity and peace. We'll use your struggle as your power spot to create change. Although this can be difficult, that discomfort acts as a motivation to change. That is its job. You are at a place where all the possibilities and richness of life are yours to be found. I can help you take your next steps and I'd be honoured to walk with you.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and have training in addictions, ADHD, insomnia, trauma, cognitive behavioural therapy, EFT tapping, emotion-focused therapy, Gottman couples method, internal family systems and mindfulness.
Are you feeling the weight of being stuck, despite your best efforts? You’ve had some success but also feel exhausted. Life's hurdles have felt overwhelming, adding to the stress and disconnection you're experiencing. You long to rediscover a sense of connection and presence, to feel whole again. While you know deep down that change is possible, the journey seems daunting, especially when facing it alone. That's why you're seeking support, a safe and nurturing environment where judgment is left at the door. I work with teens, adults and couples as well as those finding they need support as partners, caregivers and parents.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and have training in addictions, ADHD, insomnia, trauma, cognitive behavioural therapy, EFT tapping, emotion-focused therapy, Gottman couples method, internal family systems and mindfulness.
Are you feeling the weight of being stuck, despite your best efforts? You’ve had some success but also feel exhausted. Life's hurdles have felt overwhelming, adding to the stress and disconnection you're experiencing. You long to rediscover a sense of connection and presence, to feel whole again. While you know deep down that change is possible, the journey seems daunting, especially when facing it alone. That's why you're seeking support, a safe and nurturing environment where judgment is left at the door. I work with teens, adults and couples as well as those finding they need support as partners, caregivers and parents.
Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) is used to explore the connections between present relationships and past experiences.
I often work with those who have experienced relational trauma and are wanting to build secure attachment. My clients learn to manage their overwhelming emotions, find more balance in their relationships, and have access to a safe space to process. My trauma-informed approach always has the nervous system in mind, so I offer body-based tools for self regulation as well as practical strategies based in attachment science for getting your needs met. From a grounded place, we can dive into questions like "How can I move past this feeling?" and "What do I need to be doing differently in order to live the life I want?"
Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) is used to explore the connections between present relationships and past experiences.
I often work with those who have experienced relational trauma and are wanting to build secure attachment. My clients learn to manage their overwhelming emotions, find more balance in their relationships, and have access to a safe space to process. My trauma-informed approach always has the nervous system in mind, so I offer body-based tools for self regulation as well as practical strategies based in attachment science for getting your needs met. From a grounded place, we can dive into questions like "How can I move past this feeling?" and "What do I need to be doing differently in order to live the life I want?"
Such frameworks include Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP), and attachment theory.
Many clients may not know what effective change looks like or how to achieve it. They are stuck in old patterns and bad habits, which makes relationships difficult and restricts living their best life. I accompany my clients on their journey of growth, helping them gain new insights that allow for lasting change and authentic living. I support adults with anxiety, stress, depression, anger, grief, low self-esteem, and trauma. I also help couples with relationship issues and offers premarital preparation. I work with individuals, 18 years and older, and couples. I provide counselling in Punjabi and English.
Such frameworks include Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP), and attachment theory.
Many clients may not know what effective change looks like or how to achieve it. They are stuck in old patterns and bad habits, which makes relationships difficult and restricts living their best life. I accompany my clients on their journey of growth, helping them gain new insights that allow for lasting change and authentic living. I support adults with anxiety, stress, depression, anger, grief, low self-esteem, and trauma. I also help couples with relationship issues and offers premarital preparation. I work with individuals, 18 years and older, and couples. I provide counselling in Punjabi and English.
Trained in Emotionally Focused-Family Therapy, I support parents working with youth.
I hope to hold a compassionate space where we can accept the purposes of our behaviours, while challenging ourselves to pursue new, more pleasant ways of being. We are not always shown the acceptance and compassion I believe is needed to grow into the best version of ourselves. My hope is that our therapy can help you feel accepted as you are so that you can grow into who you’d like to be. Our therapy space can be one in which we can slow down, feel compassion for ourselves, and make meaningful changes towards the goals you put forward.
Trained in Emotionally Focused-Family Therapy, I support parents working with youth.
I hope to hold a compassionate space where we can accept the purposes of our behaviours, while challenging ourselves to pursue new, more pleasant ways of being. We are not always shown the acceptance and compassion I believe is needed to grow into the best version of ourselves. My hope is that our therapy can help you feel accepted as you are so that you can grow into who you’d like to be. Our therapy space can be one in which we can slow down, feel compassion for ourselves, and make meaningful changes towards the goals you put forward.
I draw on several approaches in my work, including Systems, Emotionally Focused, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR/ Self Regulation/ Somatic Therapies.
It's Spring-time? Ready to take a Leap of Faith? I have 30 years experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor working with people just like you. Whether you are anxious or depressed, struggling to balance work and life, grieving a loss, overcoming trauma, facing a life transition, or struggling with an uncertain future, I can help you get back on track. I offer expert, evidence-based, brief, trauma-informed, goal- focused counselling to individuals, regardless of your cultural or family background.
I draw on several approaches in my work, including Systems, Emotionally Focused, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR/ Self Regulation/ Somatic Therapies.
It's Spring-time? Ready to take a Leap of Faith? I have 30 years experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor working with people just like you. Whether you are anxious or depressed, struggling to balance work and life, grieving a loss, overcoming trauma, facing a life transition, or struggling with an uncertain future, I can help you get back on track. I offer expert, evidence-based, brief, trauma-informed, goal- focused counselling to individuals, regardless of your cultural or family background.
Over the years, I have gained experience and training in using various therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR, EFT, Somatic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative, and Art Therapy.
Currently accepting new clients in-person or online! I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from SFU. I am a BCACC registered clinical counsellor with over two decades of experience. I use an evidence-based approach to manage and lift a variety of issues, including ADHD, Autism, attachment, trauma, relational abuse, codependency, inner critic, depression, anger, anxiety, loneliness, relationship issues, and negative self-concept. I take pride in being able to support individuals, couples and families from all walks of life.
Over the years, I have gained experience and training in using various therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR, EFT, Somatic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative, and Art Therapy.
Currently accepting new clients in-person or online! I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from SFU. I am a BCACC registered clinical counsellor with over two decades of experience. I use an evidence-based approach to manage and lift a variety of issues, including ADHD, Autism, attachment, trauma, relational abuse, codependency, inner critic, depression, anger, anxiety, loneliness, relationship issues, and negative self-concept. I take pride in being able to support individuals, couples and families from all walks of life.
Other therapies I draw on are attachment-based and emotionally focused.
I work with clients who come from a variety of backgrounds and specialize in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation and neuro-affirming care. My practice is neurobiologically informed and draws upon somatic techniques, parts work (such as IFS), as well as conventional talk therapy. It’s important for me to provide my clients with a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings. The therapeutic relationship offers so much potential for deeper healing, especially when you have attachment wounds from your early relationships.
Other therapies I draw on are attachment-based and emotionally focused.
I work with clients who come from a variety of backgrounds and specialize in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation and neuro-affirming care. My practice is neurobiologically informed and draws upon somatic techniques, parts work (such as IFS), as well as conventional talk therapy. It’s important for me to provide my clients with a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings. The therapeutic relationship offers so much potential for deeper healing, especially when you have attachment wounds from your early relationships.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors
I offer CBT, Solution Focus, EMDR, EFT, ACT, etc.
We all have our unique journeys that is often filled with challenges and obstacles that can be extremely difficult to solely manage effectively. We are all worthy and deserving of healing and inner peace. I create a safe and confidential place where the individuals, couples and family and children experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, loss, communication, sexual abuse, relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol, eating disorder, trauma, separation and divorce, family violence and Indian Residential School effects. You will know what your needs are, what you want and why, make reachable goals and take steps to get them.
I offer CBT, Solution Focus, EMDR, EFT, ACT, etc.
We all have our unique journeys that is often filled with challenges and obstacles that can be extremely difficult to solely manage effectively. We are all worthy and deserving of healing and inner peace. I create a safe and confidential place where the individuals, couples and family and children experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, loss, communication, sexual abuse, relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol, eating disorder, trauma, separation and divorce, family violence and Indian Residential School effects. You will know what your needs are, what you want and why, make reachable goals and take steps to get them.
My therapeutic approach is based on the importance of cultivating strong and secure attachments and is informed by the Neufeld Developmental Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
I am passionate about working with individuals, children, parents, and families. I enjoy working with children with special needs and I am drawn to working with children who have experienced loss or trauma, including fostering and adoption. I love helping parents feel equipped and empowered to connect with, and parent, their children. I also love seeing hurting relationships healed and restored with both adults & children. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where connection can flourish leading to change.
My therapeutic approach is based on the importance of cultivating strong and secure attachments and is informed by the Neufeld Developmental Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
I am passionate about working with individuals, children, parents, and families. I enjoy working with children with special needs and I am drawn to working with children who have experienced loss or trauma, including fostering and adoption. I love helping parents feel equipped and empowered to connect with, and parent, their children. I also love seeing hurting relationships healed and restored with both adults & children. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where connection can flourish leading to change.
Specific training in Motivational Interviewing, MBSR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Level-3 Certified Eating Disorders Intuitive Therapist
Only within a non-judgemental, empathetic, and warm therapeutic space, can people feel safe to open up and be vulnerable; I hope to create just that for my clients. I am a person-centred counsellor that welcomes collaborative dialogue with my clients as they discover progress, determination, growth, and celebration. Whilst borrowing from various therapeutic modalities to guide my work, I am an avid believer in the power of self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Inner Child work. I am also trained in providing Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
Specific training in Motivational Interviewing, MBSR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Level-3 Certified Eating Disorders Intuitive Therapist
Only within a non-judgemental, empathetic, and warm therapeutic space, can people feel safe to open up and be vulnerable; I hope to create just that for my clients. I am a person-centred counsellor that welcomes collaborative dialogue with my clients as they discover progress, determination, growth, and celebration. Whilst borrowing from various therapeutic modalities to guide my work, I am an avid believer in the power of self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Inner Child work. I am also trained in providing Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
I will often lead in an Emotionally Focused path while highlighting other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Somatic Therapy to ensure we are connecting with our mental, emotional, and physical space.
We are all travelling through life, finding and losing track of ourselves. there comes a time where we may feel unaligned and stuck with our current path. Bringing awareness to our path allows a moment to recenter ourselves to understand where we’d like to go next.
I will often lead in an Emotionally Focused path while highlighting other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Somatic Therapy to ensure we are connecting with our mental, emotional, and physical space.
We are all travelling through life, finding and losing track of ourselves. there comes a time where we may feel unaligned and stuck with our current path. Bringing awareness to our path allows a moment to recenter ourselves to understand where we’d like to go next.
I will often lead in an Emotionally Focused path while highlighting other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Somatic Therapy to ensure we are connecting with our mental, emotional, and physical space.
I believe the most important connection we have in life is the one we have within ourselves. Throughout life, we cycle between finding and losing track of ourselves. We are constantly changing, depending on the struggles we face. I believe that we need to be reminded of the empathy, warmth, and compassion we have for ourselves.
I will often lead in an Emotionally Focused path while highlighting other approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Somatic Therapy to ensure we are connecting with our mental, emotional, and physical space.
I believe the most important connection we have in life is the one we have within ourselves. Throughout life, we cycle between finding and losing track of ourselves. We are constantly changing, depending on the struggles we face. I believe that we need to be reminded of the empathy, warmth, and compassion we have for ourselves.
I utilize a trauma informed, client centred, strength base approach that draws from many theoretical orientations such as narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, mindful self compassion, EMDR and/or EFT (to name a few).
Do you feel like you’re constantly negotiating your own identity amongst challenges and responsibilities in your life? From defining your role as a parent or a partner, to living within a multi-generational/multi-family home, relationships can become a source of ongoing stress.Unexpected changes such as a health crisis or separation can send you into a world of healthcare or social programs that can make you feel overwhelmed.As someone who identifies as BIPOC, and who lives with a chronic illness, I have lived experience in negotiating these worlds. I invite you to work with me to develop strategies to help you cope, heal and grow.
I utilize a trauma informed, client centred, strength base approach that draws from many theoretical orientations such as narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, mindful self compassion, EMDR and/or EFT (to name a few).
Do you feel like you’re constantly negotiating your own identity amongst challenges and responsibilities in your life? From defining your role as a parent or a partner, to living within a multi-generational/multi-family home, relationships can become a source of ongoing stress.Unexpected changes such as a health crisis or separation can send you into a world of healthcare or social programs that can make you feel overwhelmed.As someone who identifies as BIPOC, and who lives with a chronic illness, I have lived experience in negotiating these worlds. I invite you to work with me to develop strategies to help you cope, heal and grow.
Ruth employs EFT ( Emotionally Focused Therapy) for Couples Counselling.
Ruth believes that people need to stay connected in meaningful and supportive relationships in order to effect change. Trained in systemic therapy, she works from the premise that when one member hurts, the whole system/family hurts.
To this end, she walks alongside her clients and holds their hand as they collaboratively unravel hidden possibilities and opportunities inherent in their struggles, challenges and pain. A warm nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic space for clients to explore change and growth. Areas of specialization include: Trauma. Anxiety. Depression. Couples. Marriage. Family
Ruth employs EFT ( Emotionally Focused Therapy) for Couples Counselling.
Ruth believes that people need to stay connected in meaningful and supportive relationships in order to effect change. Trained in systemic therapy, she works from the premise that when one member hurts, the whole system/family hurts.
To this end, she walks alongside her clients and holds their hand as they collaboratively unravel hidden possibilities and opportunities inherent in their struggles, challenges and pain. A warm nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic space for clients to explore change and growth. Areas of specialization include: Trauma. Anxiety. Depression. Couples. Marriage. Family
I provide individual, couples, and family counselling using a variety of techniques, including person-centred therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy, among others.
Clarity. Understanding. Acceptance. These are all things we want for ourselves but, occasionally, the mirror of our mind becomes clouded and tarnished by anxiety, depression, trauma, and a variety of other life struggles. This can distort how we see ourselves, people around us, and the potential for our future. We can work together to shift your view, restore clarity and hope for the present, and bring new possibilities for a transformed future into focus.
I provide individual, couples, and family counselling using a variety of techniques, including person-centred therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy, among others.
Clarity. Understanding. Acceptance. These are all things we want for ourselves but, occasionally, the mirror of our mind becomes clouded and tarnished by anxiety, depression, trauma, and a variety of other life struggles. This can distort how we see ourselves, people around us, and the potential for our future. We can work together to shift your view, restore clarity and hope for the present, and bring new possibilities for a transformed future into focus.
EFT explores experiences with emotions and the ways in which we have adopted behaviours to meet our emotional and relational needs.
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Have you ever wished you could find peace from food stress, anxiety, and guilt? Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to feel confident in a body while carrying the weight of the world's judgements and pressures? Body and food peace is a radical pursuit in the face of diet culture and weight stigma, and it is a journey I would be honored to navigate together with you. I work with my clients to explore body image shame, diet culture, intuitive eating, emotion regulation, and authentic living.
EFT explores experiences with emotions and the ways in which we have adopted behaviours to meet our emotional and relational needs.
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Have you ever wished you could find peace from food stress, anxiety, and guilt? Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to feel confident in a body while carrying the weight of the world's judgements and pressures? Body and food peace is a radical pursuit in the face of diet culture and weight stigma, and it is a journey I would be honored to navigate together with you. I work with my clients to explore body image shame, diet culture, intuitive eating, emotion regulation, and authentic living.
See more therapy options for Surrey
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Surrey
- Aldergrove
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- Langley
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- White Rock
Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.