Female Therapists in Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC
I work with folks who feel as though they don't fit into the mold and who have mostly felt alone in their problems. My clients tend to be creative, thoughtful, and have big inner lives, but struggle to show their real selves to the world around them because they've gotten the message that they wouldn’t be welcome - that care and acceptance aren’t a given. Together, we’ll figure out what they need, how to make sense of the wounds that have led them here, and how to care for the parts of themselves that feel rejected by others (and even by themselves.)
I work with folks who feel as though they don't fit into the mold and who have mostly felt alone in their problems. My clients tend to be creative, thoughtful, and have big inner lives, but struggle to show their real selves to the world around them because they've gotten the message that they wouldn’t be welcome - that care and acceptance aren’t a given. Together, we’ll figure out what they need, how to make sense of the wounds that have led them here, and how to care for the parts of themselves that feel rejected by others (and even by themselves.)
I am an existential therapist which means I am listening in particular for the ways you may be struggling with meaning-making in your life and with issues related to grief & loss and overwhelm. I am also trained in the neuro-biological, somatic treatment of trauma so we will spend time together grounding and building skills in your awareness of your own sense of safety in given contexts. Sessions with me feel conversational and will often involve humor despite the heavy content woven in. I will ask questions to help you recognize themes in your experience.
I am an existential therapist which means I am listening in particular for the ways you may be struggling with meaning-making in your life and with issues related to grief & loss and overwhelm. I am also trained in the neuro-biological, somatic treatment of trauma so we will spend time together grounding and building skills in your awareness of your own sense of safety in given contexts. Sessions with me feel conversational and will often involve humor despite the heavy content woven in. I will ask questions to help you recognize themes in your experience.
Ashley Shankar Counselling & Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
Whether you are seeking support as a result of a sudden transition in your life or a longstanding issue that has just become too heavy to carry, I believe therapy can offer a unique space for healing and growth. I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing anxiety, sadness, stress, chronic pain, and trauma in both private practice and in treatment settings.
Whether you are seeking support as a result of a sudden transition in your life or a longstanding issue that has just become too heavy to carry, I believe therapy can offer a unique space for healing and growth. I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing anxiety, sadness, stress, chronic pain, and trauma in both private practice and in treatment settings.
Carmanah Counselling & Integrated Health
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
We have a wonderful team! Please explore all of our bios on the website- www.Carmanahcounselling.com! Krista has a true passion for helping others and takes pride in providing solid assessments and efficient, evidence & relationship-based treatment. Krista’s clients have said that she is compassionate, non-judgemental , relatable, and inclusive. She has a wide range of experience in mental health. She is a supporter/ ally of the LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities
We have a wonderful team! Please explore all of our bios on the website- www.Carmanahcounselling.com! Krista has a true passion for helping others and takes pride in providing solid assessments and efficient, evidence & relationship-based treatment. Krista’s clients have said that she is compassionate, non-judgemental , relatable, and inclusive. She has a wide range of experience in mental health. She is a supporter/ ally of the LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities
Sarah Siddiqui Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Does the feeling of being trapped by painful thoughts, emotions or behaviors keep you from being the person you want to be? Have you struggled with loneliness and building meaningful connections? Are you feeling burnt out because of the state of this world feels uncertain and overwhelming? Do you have a loved one who is struggling with their mental health and you aren't sure how to help?
Does the feeling of being trapped by painful thoughts, emotions or behaviors keep you from being the person you want to be? Have you struggled with loneliness and building meaningful connections? Are you feeling burnt out because of the state of this world feels uncertain and overwhelming? Do you have a loved one who is struggling with their mental health and you aren't sure how to help?
Stephanie Lofquist Counselling
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5N
Reach out to learn more about these online groups: 2SLGBTQ+ Support Group, Women and Non-Binary Support Group and Environmental Destruction Grief and Loss Support Group.
“If what happens does not feel good, ‘like fresh air,’ then it isn’t really therapy that is happening." (Eugene Gendlin) Healing happens within supportive relationships. If you are struggling and overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, shame and self-loathing, substance use, systemic trauma and oppression, issues related to sexual and gender identities, grief and loss, chronic health problems, life transitions and/or relationship changes, I am here to help you to connect with yourself and in relationships with more ease, joy and meaning. I am a white, cis-gender, queer settler and work with an anti-oppressive and justice-focused lens.
Reach out to learn more about these online groups: 2SLGBTQ+ Support Group, Women and Non-Binary Support Group and Environmental Destruction Grief and Loss Support Group.
“If what happens does not feel good, ‘like fresh air,’ then it isn’t really therapy that is happening." (Eugene Gendlin) Healing happens within supportive relationships. If you are struggling and overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, shame and self-loathing, substance use, systemic trauma and oppression, issues related to sexual and gender identities, grief and loss, chronic health problems, life transitions and/or relationship changes, I am here to help you to connect with yourself and in relationships with more ease, joy and meaning. I am a white, cis-gender, queer settler and work with an anti-oppressive and justice-focused lens.
Life can be extremely painful and difficult, especially when you don't have healthy relationships with people that you trust, or that understand you. Authentic connection to self and others is a fundamental need for humans, and without it we can feel even more alone, empty, depressed, anxious, or we can feel that life is meaningless. Not everyone we know is able to handle the weight of our struggles, and this can make it harder to reach out when support is needed. We also may be afraid to burden others with our problems, or we may feel that something is "wrong" with us if we seek help, causing us to suffer in silence.
Life can be extremely painful and difficult, especially when you don't have healthy relationships with people that you trust, or that understand you. Authentic connection to self and others is a fundamental need for humans, and without it we can feel even more alone, empty, depressed, anxious, or we can feel that life is meaningless. Not everyone we know is able to handle the weight of our struggles, and this can make it harder to reach out when support is needed. We also may be afraid to burden others with our problems, or we may feel that something is "wrong" with us if we seek help, causing us to suffer in silence.
Laurel Swenson
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
We all struggle at times. Whether it is a low mood that lingers too long, or anxiety that inhibits your life. Feeling like a failure, a bad parent, or like you just do not feel at home in your skin can start to feel like it poisons everything. Confidence dwindles, emotions feel too unpredictable, or stress seems to get under your skin more than it used to. You may be finding that your close relationships are more stressful than they used to be. Life may feel like it’s getting smaller and smaller. You know something has to change. It is time to reach out for help.
We all struggle at times. Whether it is a low mood that lingers too long, or anxiety that inhibits your life. Feeling like a failure, a bad parent, or like you just do not feel at home in your skin can start to feel like it poisons everything. Confidence dwindles, emotions feel too unpredictable, or stress seems to get under your skin more than it used to. You may be finding that your close relationships are more stressful than they used to be. Life may feel like it’s getting smaller and smaller. You know something has to change. It is time to reach out for help.
My training is predominantly in Internal Family Systems, which focuses on compassionate relation with our parts. My experience both personally and professionally has been working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, suicidality, spiritual crises, and psychedelic integration. My focus in therapy is our relationship and your relationship with yourself and your life. I value radical acceptance and empathy, helping you to adopt these attitudes toward yourself. I believe that our whole self (e.g., thoughts, behaviours, feelings, somatic sensations) makes sense and is working adaptively to help us. Our system is wise, not broken.
My training is predominantly in Internal Family Systems, which focuses on compassionate relation with our parts. My experience both personally and professionally has been working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, suicidality, spiritual crises, and psychedelic integration. My focus in therapy is our relationship and your relationship with yourself and your life. I value radical acceptance and empathy, helping you to adopt these attitudes toward yourself. I believe that our whole self (e.g., thoughts, behaviours, feelings, somatic sensations) makes sense and is working adaptively to help us. Our system is wise, not broken.
One of the most rewarding feelings in life is to feel a sense of ease and acceptance with who you are, despite your vulnerabilities. Like many others, it might be difficult for you to lean on others, yet you face challenges in managing your own emotions. You may feel disconnected from others or who you once were. I have been in the education system for 17 years and have extensive experience working with a variety of children, teens and parents struggling with difficult family dynamics, anxiety, depression, separation, divorce, trauma, major life transitions, and abuse.
One of the most rewarding feelings in life is to feel a sense of ease and acceptance with who you are, despite your vulnerabilities. Like many others, it might be difficult for you to lean on others, yet you face challenges in managing your own emotions. You may feel disconnected from others or who you once were. I have been in the education system for 17 years and have extensive experience working with a variety of children, teens and parents struggling with difficult family dynamics, anxiety, depression, separation, divorce, trauma, major life transitions, and abuse.
Leslie Germain
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
People seek counseling when life feels overwhelming, uncertain or isolating. You might feel undervalued in relationships, or weighed down by stress and anxiety. Perhaps you’re facing a recent ADHD/ASD diagnosis in yourself or a loved one. Life may have thrown you a big decision, or you’re struggling to balance work, family, or cope with grief. It’s easy to feel exhausted, unsure how to ask for help, or worried about burdening others. These are normal feelings, but when they become part of your daily life, it’s time to reach out for support. Counseling can provide a safe space to find balance and relief.
People seek counseling when life feels overwhelming, uncertain or isolating. You might feel undervalued in relationships, or weighed down by stress and anxiety. Perhaps you’re facing a recent ADHD/ASD diagnosis in yourself or a loved one. Life may have thrown you a big decision, or you’re struggling to balance work, family, or cope with grief. It’s easy to feel exhausted, unsure how to ask for help, or worried about burdening others. These are normal feelings, but when they become part of your daily life, it’s time to reach out for support. Counseling can provide a safe space to find balance and relief.
Meet Our Female Counsellors
Nicole Gustavsson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
Welcome! I’m Nicole (she/her), a dedicated therapist and social worker at Carmanah Counselling with a strong commitment to supporting individuals of all ages. Life is complicated, messy and beautiful all wrapped into one. Going to therapy can be an incredible way to make space for the big emotions that life can bring up, for both children and adults. I create a safe, playful environment for children, where therapy becomes engaging and comfortable. If you or your child are dealing with challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, trauma, or emotional dysregulation, I am here to offer compassionate and effective support.
Welcome! I’m Nicole (she/her), a dedicated therapist and social worker at Carmanah Counselling with a strong commitment to supporting individuals of all ages. Life is complicated, messy and beautiful all wrapped into one. Going to therapy can be an incredible way to make space for the big emotions that life can bring up, for both children and adults. I create a safe, playful environment for children, where therapy becomes engaging and comfortable. If you or your child are dealing with challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, trauma, or emotional dysregulation, I am here to offer compassionate and effective support.
Deborah Buthmann
Counsellor, MSc, RCC, CCPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in self-doubt? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or a sense of losing focus. You might notice patterns like people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling unsettled in your relationships. Life transitions-like a breakup, job change, or move-can add to the weight you're carrying. You're not alone in this. I’m here to walk alongside you, make sense of your experiences, and gently support you in creating meaningful change.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in self-doubt? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or a sense of losing focus. You might notice patterns like people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling unsettled in your relationships. Life transitions-like a breakup, job change, or move-can add to the weight you're carrying. You're not alone in this. I’m here to walk alongside you, make sense of your experiences, and gently support you in creating meaningful change.
Perhaps you’re here because you’ve reached your tipping point in life, or find yourself reacting in big ways to seemingly small things and feeling out of control with what life has thrown your way. Maybe you’d like to see a shift in how you view yourself and those around you. Whatever struggles you are facing right now, please know that your journey doesn't have to be taken alone. Change is possible when you feel seen, heard, and cared for. Together we can uncover unhelpful patterns, process difficult emotions, and become more deeply connected to ourselves and others.
Perhaps you’re here because you’ve reached your tipping point in life, or find yourself reacting in big ways to seemingly small things and feeling out of control with what life has thrown your way. Maybe you’d like to see a shift in how you view yourself and those around you. Whatever struggles you are facing right now, please know that your journey doesn't have to be taken alone. Change is possible when you feel seen, heard, and cared for. Together we can uncover unhelpful patterns, process difficult emotions, and become more deeply connected to ourselves and others.
Vanessa Luis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by change, or struggling to connect with yourself or others? The way we connect—whether with ourselves, a partner, or family—can have a huge impact on our lives. Our relationships can bring joy and meaning, but they can also be the place where we feel misunderstood or weighed down. If you're facing a major life change, healing from past wounds, or dealing with patterns that aren’t shifting, I'd love to help you explore what’s underneath and find a way forward.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by change, or struggling to connect with yourself or others? The way we connect—whether with ourselves, a partner, or family—can have a huge impact on our lives. Our relationships can bring joy and meaning, but they can also be the place where we feel misunderstood or weighed down. If you're facing a major life change, healing from past wounds, or dealing with patterns that aren’t shifting, I'd love to help you explore what’s underneath and find a way forward.
Welcome and thank you for being here. Whether you are new to therapy or returning for support, I can help you get unstuck, increase awareness, build practical skills, address underlying themes, break patterns, set boundaries, and get back to a place of greater connectedness to yourself and others. My approach to counselling strives to provide you with a compassionate and validating space to do your inner work. There’s nothing “too small/big” or “weird” that can’t be talked about in therapy so long as you feel safe enough to do so. My aim is to ensure you feel heard, understood, supported, and safe in therapy.
Welcome and thank you for being here. Whether you are new to therapy or returning for support, I can help you get unstuck, increase awareness, build practical skills, address underlying themes, break patterns, set boundaries, and get back to a place of greater connectedness to yourself and others. My approach to counselling strives to provide you with a compassionate and validating space to do your inner work. There’s nothing “too small/big” or “weird” that can’t be talked about in therapy so long as you feel safe enough to do so. My aim is to ensure you feel heard, understood, supported, and safe in therapy.
I am a Jamaican living in Vancouver. As a recent immigrant, I am aware of how the process and experience of forging a new life can bring both satisfaction and distress especially in intimate relationships. Life transitions can cause emotional stress and often, we need help to tap into our own inherent strengths. Sexuality and sexual behaviours can also be challenging for some but, I am passionate about working with individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, races and ethnicities. I also specialize in addictions which I view as a maladaptive coping skill for traumatic situations.
I am a Jamaican living in Vancouver. As a recent immigrant, I am aware of how the process and experience of forging a new life can bring both satisfaction and distress especially in intimate relationships. Life transitions can cause emotional stress and often, we need help to tap into our own inherent strengths. Sexuality and sexual behaviours can also be challenging for some but, I am passionate about working with individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, races and ethnicities. I also specialize in addictions which I view as a maladaptive coping skill for traumatic situations.
Justine Little
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V5L
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Somatic therapy facilitates developing a better relationship with yourself. Through connecting with our bodies, our wants, needs and boundaries are more clear and it begins to feel more possible to honour them.
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Somatic therapy facilitates developing a better relationship with yourself. Through connecting with our bodies, our wants, needs and boundaries are more clear and it begins to feel more possible to honour them.
Welcome to my practice. I am based in Vancouver and work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and parenting challenges. In collaboration with clients, I aim to foster an increasing awareness of what has happened till now to bring you to this point; to normalize feelings and experiences, especially those relating to trauma; and to facilitate a connection to your inner knowing. I believe that in the uncomfortable parts of life, the challenges and the chaos, we can learn to maintain healthy connections within ourselves and with our loved ones and community.
Welcome to my practice. I am based in Vancouver and work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and parenting challenges. In collaboration with clients, I aim to foster an increasing awareness of what has happened till now to bring you to this point; to normalize feelings and experiences, especially those relating to trauma; and to facilitate a connection to your inner knowing. I believe that in the uncomfortable parts of life, the challenges and the chaos, we can learn to maintain healthy connections within ourselves and with our loved ones and community.
Vanessa Fernando Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver, BC V6B
I'm a Registered Social Worker with a social justice oriented, anti-oppressive, and somatic lens. My areas of specialization include trauma, particularly sexual assault; intimate partner violence; and childhood abuse. I frequently (though not exclusively!) work with folks who identify as LGBTQ2S. I have been involved in community-based social justice work since my teens, and received my MSW from UBC in 2016.
I'm a Registered Social Worker with a social justice oriented, anti-oppressive, and somatic lens. My areas of specialization include trauma, particularly sexual assault; intimate partner violence; and childhood abuse. I frequently (though not exclusively!) work with folks who identify as LGBTQ2S. I have been involved in community-based social justice work since my teens, and received my MSW from UBC in 2016.
Nearby Female Counsellors Searches for Grandview-Woodland, Vancouver
- Downtown
- East Side
- Fairview
- Hastings-Sunrise
- Kensington-Cedar Cottage
- Renfrew Heights
- Riley Park
- South Cambie
- South Vancouver
- Sunset
- Victoria-Fraserview
- West End
Female Counsellors
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.