Adults Therapists in Arbutus Ridge, Vancouver, BC

Developing a trusting and safe relationship is foundational to Sheila’s therapeutic practice. She creates warm and nurturing environment where clients feel understood and respected. Sheila understands that seeking therapy for oneself or a loved one can feel vulnerable. Clients are supported to feel a sense of security and are empowered to be their authentic self while working with Sheila. She has worked in the school system for 25 years. Sheila's continued employment in schools enhances her ability to connect with children and families though a trauma informed lens.

I’m here to help you explore new opportunities for healing, personal growth and lasting change using evidence-based therapy. I am known for my empathic listening, kindness and non-judgmental approach. You can expect to be treated with warmth and understanding at all times.

As a compassionate clinical counsellor, I understand the profound impact of anxiety, depression, family conflicts, trauma, and life transitions on your emotional well-being. These experiences can leave you feeling lost, confused, and filled with despair. I offer unwavering support to help you overcome challenges and create a brighter future. Together, we can navigate life's complexities with ease, finding greater satisfaction along the way.

Do you feel stressed or anxious in your life or overwhelmed in your daily struggles; or feel stuck and depressed? It's known connecting well with a therapist is an important factor for success, so I spend more than one hour at first sessions, at reduced rate, or you can come for 15 minutes without charge. This creates good initial rapport and a better understanding of your problems. I'm well trained & experienced to help you deal with your problem. I work with individuals using cognitive therapy mixed with common sense from my life experience as a wife and mother.

People are not their diagnoses even though these labels can sometimes be informative. I prefer to get to know you. Specifically, what do you want out of therapy? What is currently working for you, not working? What brings you in to see me in this moment? I believe that therapy is not only about reducing our suffering, but also finding meaning and fulfillment in our lives. It is about getting to know ourselves, parts that we love, parts that we are afraid of, parts that we don't yet understand. People are also not things that need to be "fixed", instead, this is a place for healing, self-compassion, and growth.

Do you feel distressed but don't understand why? Have you tried different methods and it only helped a little but never get ahead? Have you ever wondered what the core issue is? Working with me might find you those answers. A lot of people ask who gets counselling, I believe that anyone who experiences stress could get a therapist; however, many have amazing family and friends that allow them to bounce ideas, inspire motivation, and provides insight so counselling really isn't needed. Most people wait till they are in crisis to get help which would mean a rough journey to baseline. Let's be preventative rather than reactionary.

Life conflicts, stress, and traumatic experiences can lead us astray from our true selves and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. As a result, we may feel unable to deal with life's challenges, resulting in emotional dysregulation, including anxiety, depression, shame, and self-sabotaging behaviours. Reaching out to talk to someone about these challenging parts of our lives can be difficult. While some people know what part of their story they want to focus on, others feel confused and overwhelmed. That's ok. Come as you are, wherever you're at, and we can begin from there. We will figure out what comes next together.

Life is complex and ever-changing. Whether you're feeling stuck, struggling in relationships, having difficulty identifying your feelings and values, or struggling to process the effects of a trauma, I am dedicated to providing a safe, empathic, and trusting environment that fosters acceptance, understanding, healing, and growth. At the core of my work is the belief that every person has the capacity to change, and I am committed to working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I deeply believe in championing, supporting and equipping others with the skills necessary to reach their greatest potential. As a former elementary school teacher, the educational system has afforded me a unique lens to see a greater need for support of both our children and parenting community. My passion and primary focus involves working in tandem with you, parents or caregivers, and drawing upon your unique position as those who know your child best. Your innate knowledge and expertise will serve as the foundation for your child to flourish.

My duty and commitment to you are to provide a curious and engaging space for your therapeutic journey. As your therapist, I intend to assist you in learning and uncovering the process of who you are and who you are becoming. I create an environment that is centred around trust and empathy to allow you to explore the deepest parts of who you are. This in turn will unlock your power to best the trials and tribulations you are facing in your life.

As both a therapist and a researcher, I aim to address the dynamic and lived experiences of those who may be struggling with a history of trauma, sexual distress or intimacy-related concerns. I often work with individuals who present well on the surface, seem completely put together when they want to be, and whose problems are not always apparent to others. While things might appear to be going well on the outside, privately they are hurting. Sometimes the source of distress is clearly known, other times it has yet to be discovered.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a background in emotion management, respectful and assertive communication, and mediation. I acknowledge I have the privilege of working on the unceded and traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. I have more than 15 years of experience working with individuals, families and organizations and more than 10 years as co-host and co-producer of "It Takes a Village" parenting and family radio program. My therapeutic approach is informed by client-centred therapy, mindfulness and exploring interactions between emotions, thoughts and behaviour.