Dementia Therapists in Vancouver, BC
Deb Chmelauskas Occupational Therapist BetterBrain
Occupational Therapist, BSc OT, BSc Bio, CDP
Serves Area
My area of expertise is cognitive health for seniors who are experiencing age-related memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.
For people with dementia, along with their spouses, adult children, and friends ('the care partners"), we can work together to enhance communication and connection to help reduce the impact of some of the challenges associated with dementia.
My area of expertise is cognitive health for seniors who are experiencing age-related memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.
For people with dementia, along with their spouses, adult children, and friends ('the care partners"), we can work together to enhance communication and connection to help reduce the impact of some of the challenges associated with dementia.
I casually work in geriatrics at VCH, providing care for the elders with memory issues, mild cognitive impairments, and more severe declines related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
My multidisciplinary experience has enabled me to develop expertise in psychoeducational assessment and evaluating children and teenagers with a broad range of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and behavioural issues, such as ADHD, dyslexia, language disorders, intellectual disability, anxiety, and depression.
I casually work in geriatrics at VCH, providing care for the elders with memory issues, mild cognitive impairments, and more severe declines related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
My multidisciplinary experience has enabled me to develop expertise in psychoeducational assessment and evaluating children and teenagers with a broad range of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and behavioural issues, such as ADHD, dyslexia, language disorders, intellectual disability, anxiety, and depression.
I also specialize in dementia caregiving, depression, and anxiety, helping clients navigate overwhelming emotions and challenges.
I offer practical strategies and insights to help you break free from emotional eating and self-sabotage. Using Brainspotting, ACT, Somatic Practices, and Inner Child Work, we work on reshaping your inner neurobiology—healing past wounds and shifting unhelpful patterns at a deep level. By engaging the nervous system and body, you can reconnect with yourself
I also specialize in dementia caregiving, depression, and anxiety, helping clients navigate overwhelming emotions and challenges.
I offer practical strategies and insights to help you break free from emotional eating and self-sabotage. Using Brainspotting, ACT, Somatic Practices, and Inner Child Work, we work on reshaping your inner neurobiology—healing past wounds and shifting unhelpful patterns at a deep level. By engaging the nervous system and body, you can reconnect with yourself
Heike (PhD cand) provides treatment in the areas of brain injury and aging, and assists people with emotional challenges (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress) that arise from issues associated with brain injury (e.g., stroke, concussion, brain surgery) or aging (e.g., worries about dementia), and caregiving.
Heike is a registered clinical counselor, specializing in the fields of aging (e.g., lifespan development), brain injury, and caregiver challenges. I utilize a biopsychosocial approach and provide a compassionate and non-judgmental environment to explore your questions and challenges freely.
Heike (PhD cand) provides treatment in the areas of brain injury and aging, and assists people with emotional challenges (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress) that arise from issues associated with brain injury (e.g., stroke, concussion, brain surgery) or aging (e.g., worries about dementia), and caregiving.
Heike is a registered clinical counselor, specializing in the fields of aging (e.g., lifespan development), brain injury, and caregiver challenges. I utilize a biopsychosocial approach and provide a compassionate and non-judgmental environment to explore your questions and challenges freely.
Before becoming a therapist (and concurrently), I was a registered nurse for nearly 40 years, specializing in palliative care, grief, loss, geriatrics, dementia care and holistic health.
Life can be overwhelming when we’re juggling multiple responsibilities while taking care of ourselves and others. Particularly when something unexpected arises, our balance can be disturbed. Navigating life’s challenges can also become more intense when hidden parts of ourselves, or others, arise and dominate situations, making them hard to understand. In these times, it is not surprising that so many people turn to therapy for illumination and support.
Before becoming a therapist (and concurrently), I was a registered nurse for nearly 40 years, specializing in palliative care, grief, loss, geriatrics, dementia care and holistic health.
Life can be overwhelming when we’re juggling multiple responsibilities while taking care of ourselves and others. Particularly when something unexpected arises, our balance can be disturbed. Navigating life’s challenges can also become more intense when hidden parts of ourselves, or others, arise and dominate situations, making them hard to understand. In these times, it is not surprising that so many people turn to therapy for illumination and support.
I work with individuals and couples who seek to improve their mental health and relationships. I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, are struggling with anxiety, and/ or are seeking meaning to their life events. My unique life experience exposed me to different cultures and ways of living, which included the Middle East, Europe, and North America. I believe that relationships, mental health, and behaviours are better understood when body, mind, and context are examined simultaneously. I work with my clients to navigate through their experiences, including their spirituality, to create helpful meanings in their lives.
I work with individuals and couples who seek to improve their mental health and relationships. I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, are struggling with anxiety, and/ or are seeking meaning to their life events. My unique life experience exposed me to different cultures and ways of living, which included the Middle East, Europe, and North America. I believe that relationships, mental health, and behaviours are better understood when body, mind, and context are examined simultaneously. I work with my clients to navigate through their experiences, including their spirituality, to create helpful meanings in their lives.
My practice is centred in personal and collective liberation. I collaborate with you to find a pathway of change that honours your inner strength, and works for your own life and pace. Whether you are seeking healing from a specific trauma, a set of personal patterns that no longer serve you, or wanting a skilled witness as you move through some stuck places, we'll explore various tools of psychotherapy and spiritual care to centre your wisdom in your own growth and transformation. You already have the internal tools. I am here to affirm you, and help direct the light where it wants to go.
My practice is centred in personal and collective liberation. I collaborate with you to find a pathway of change that honours your inner strength, and works for your own life and pace. Whether you are seeking healing from a specific trauma, a set of personal patterns that no longer serve you, or wanting a skilled witness as you move through some stuck places, we'll explore various tools of psychotherapy and spiritual care to centre your wisdom in your own growth and transformation. You already have the internal tools. I am here to affirm you, and help direct the light where it wants to go.
Please note: Starting December 2024, I am only available one Saturday a month. I am a registered clinical counsellor, registered nurse, advocate, and educator. I believe people can change, heal, and grow regardless of where they are at in their lives and even under difficult circumstances. My calling is to support people to discover possibilities within themselves and find hope, strength, courage, meaning and connection with others as they move from darkness to light.
Please note: Starting December 2024, I am only available one Saturday a month. I am a registered clinical counsellor, registered nurse, advocate, and educator. I believe people can change, heal, and grow regardless of where they are at in their lives and even under difficult circumstances. My calling is to support people to discover possibilities within themselves and find hope, strength, courage, meaning and connection with others as they move from darkness to light.
I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist offering professional and inclusive counselling services for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, providing a nurturing environment to help cope with challenges and build resilience.
I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist offering professional and inclusive counselling services for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, providing a nurturing environment to help cope with challenges and build resilience.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships, mental health, career, or life in general? I want you to know that you're not alone.
Since 2018 I've had the privilege to journey with and witness multiple clients rewiring old patterns, shifting limiting beliefs, and integrating new ways of thinking and feeling.
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters in Counselling from TWU.
I’m here to listen without judgment, to offer thoughtful feedback, and to help you uncover and heal what might be hidden beneath the surface.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships, mental health, career, or life in general? I want you to know that you're not alone.
Since 2018 I've had the privilege to journey with and witness multiple clients rewiring old patterns, shifting limiting beliefs, and integrating new ways of thinking and feeling.
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters in Counselling from TWU.
I’m here to listen without judgment, to offer thoughtful feedback, and to help you uncover and heal what might be hidden beneath the surface.
You might be facing anxiety, loss, grief, or navigating challenging life transitions, and seeking a welcoming space for self-discovery and emotional healing. Perhaps you've experienced the weight of your thoughts and emotions, and you're yearning for a place where you can express yourself creatively and authentically. You might desire personal growth, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of your inner world while in fresh air. As a therapist, I accompany individuals, families, and couples on their deeply personal journey, through a holistic approach that honors the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and heart.
You might be facing anxiety, loss, grief, or navigating challenging life transitions, and seeking a welcoming space for self-discovery and emotional healing. Perhaps you've experienced the weight of your thoughts and emotions, and you're yearning for a place where you can express yourself creatively and authentically. You might desire personal growth, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of your inner world while in fresh air. As a therapist, I accompany individuals, families, and couples on their deeply personal journey, through a holistic approach that honors the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and heart.
I hope to offer you a warm, and open space where I am able to support you through your therapeutic journey, while you are in the drivers seat. I offer an emotionally focused and person-centred approach, meaning that the client is encouraged and guided to take hold of their life and become masters of their own destinies.
I hope to offer you a warm, and open space where I am able to support you through your therapeutic journey, while you are in the drivers seat. I offer an emotionally focused and person-centred approach, meaning that the client is encouraged and guided to take hold of their life and become masters of their own destinies.
Rashiqah supports individuals who face cross-cultural issues, especially those who identify as South Asian Canadian women, as she identifies with this community herself. Through lived experiences, she understands the challenges you may face and can support you in finding your identity, building your self-worth, boundary setting, and better managing family dynamics and their expectations. She can also support you with anxiety, life transitions, workplace stress, and grief and loss.
Rashiqah supports individuals who face cross-cultural issues, especially those who identify as South Asian Canadian women, as she identifies with this community herself. Through lived experiences, she understands the challenges you may face and can support you in finding your identity, building your self-worth, boundary setting, and better managing family dynamics and their expectations. She can also support you with anxiety, life transitions, workplace stress, and grief and loss.
Welcome to the first step of your journey to flourishing mental health with me. I look forward to supporting you while you explore, reflect, and find the ideal self you would like to become psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I believe in a world where people achieve flourishing mental health. To do so, I am helping individuals such as yourself one at a time to gain more control of their lives and to become versions of themselves they envision. I promise to try my best to treat you with absolute worth, to respect your autonomy, and to give you the therapy experience you want using Directing, Following, or Guiding Style.
Welcome to the first step of your journey to flourishing mental health with me. I look forward to supporting you while you explore, reflect, and find the ideal self you would like to become psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I believe in a world where people achieve flourishing mental health. To do so, I am helping individuals such as yourself one at a time to gain more control of their lives and to become versions of themselves they envision. I promise to try my best to treat you with absolute worth, to respect your autonomy, and to give you the therapy experience you want using Directing, Following, or Guiding Style.
I strive to provide support and care for people as they move towards a holistic and improved wellbeing. My areas of focus are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, medical changes (including infertility), and intergenerational trauma. Coming from a previous nursing background and working within the education system has built my strong advocacy skills for my clients. I provide support through an affirming lens for each of our differences and intersectionalities.
I strive to provide support and care for people as they move towards a holistic and improved wellbeing. My areas of focus are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, medical changes (including infertility), and intergenerational trauma. Coming from a previous nursing background and working within the education system has built my strong advocacy skills for my clients. I provide support through an affirming lens for each of our differences and intersectionalities.
Do you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, constantly second-guessing yourself or struggling to meet others’ expectations? Perhaps past relationships or ongoing anxiety have left you feeling stuck, unable to trust yourself or move forward with confidence. It can be exhausting and isolating to carry these feelings alone. But there is hope. Healing is possible, and change is within reach. Imagine feeling more at ease in your own skin, setting healthy boundaries without guilt, and rediscovering joy in life’s everyday moments. You don’t have to face this alone—there is a path forward.
Do you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, constantly second-guessing yourself or struggling to meet others’ expectations? Perhaps past relationships or ongoing anxiety have left you feeling stuck, unable to trust yourself or move forward with confidence. It can be exhausting and isolating to carry these feelings alone. But there is hope. Healing is possible, and change is within reach. Imagine feeling more at ease in your own skin, setting healthy boundaries without guilt, and rediscovering joy in life’s everyday moments. You don’t have to face this alone—there is a path forward.
By cultivating a sense of togetherness, our team works with individuals living with chronic illnesses, and those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, burnout, trauma, and life transitions.
By cultivating a sense of togetherness, our team works with individuals living with chronic illnesses, and those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, burnout, trauma, and life transitions.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Whether you're dealing with daily hassles, major life changes, or the effects of chronic or traumatic stress, I’m here to help. Stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health, but with the right support, you can regain control and thrive. Together, we’ll use evidence-based strategies to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and rediscover your resilience, confidence, and sense of purpose.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Whether you're dealing with daily hassles, major life changes, or the effects of chronic or traumatic stress, I’m here to help. Stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health, but with the right support, you can regain control and thrive. Together, we’ll use evidence-based strategies to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and rediscover your resilience, confidence, and sense of purpose.
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.
Congratulations! You are here. Welcome. You have just taken a huge first step on your journey of personal growth. As your therapist, I want you to feel heard and understood. You are the expert of your life, and my role is to offer support in a way that feels safe, respectful, and compassionate. Together, we'll create a space where we can explore what you're going through, reflect on your past experiences, and work toward the goals that matter most to you, at a pace that feels right.
Congratulations! You are here. Welcome. You have just taken a huge first step on your journey of personal growth. As your therapist, I want you to feel heard and understood. You are the expert of your life, and my role is to offer support in a way that feels safe, respectful, and compassionate. Together, we'll create a space where we can explore what you're going through, reflect on your past experiences, and work toward the goals that matter most to you, at a pace that feels right.
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Dementia Counsellors
Can dementia patients benefit from counselling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counselling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counsellors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counsellors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.
How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?
To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.
What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioural and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.
When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?
It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.