Emotionally Focused Therapists in Vancouver, BC
“Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, caught in cycles of worry, or stuck in patterns that youcanʼt seem to change, no matter how hard you try? You might appear ‘fineʼ on the outside while feeling exhausted, disconnected, or on edge inside. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and support is available.
In counselling, we will slow things down and make sense of what you are going through at a pace that feels safe. I draw on evidence-based approaches in a warm, down-to-earth way, helping you understand your emotions, notice unhelpful patterns, and build practical tools for coping and change.
“Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, caught in cycles of worry, or stuck in patterns that youcanʼt seem to change, no matter how hard you try? You might appear ‘fineʼ on the outside while feeling exhausted, disconnected, or on edge inside. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and support is available.
In counselling, we will slow things down and make sense of what you are going through at a pace that feels safe. I draw on evidence-based approaches in a warm, down-to-earth way, helping you understand your emotions, notice unhelpful patterns, and build practical tools for coping and change.
Feeling anxious, angry, confused, stressed, numb, or down? Feeling disconnected from yourself and your partner? Feeling paralyzed by fear and disappointment? Feeling fatigued from second-guessing every move you make? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I'm here to help you get unstuck and restore your hope and belief in yourself and your relationship. When you increase your self-awareness, you can gain clarity and strengthen your connection with yourself and those you care about. It’s never too early or too late to begin your therapeutic journey, whether alone or with your partner. I am dedicated to helping you and your partner.
Feeling anxious, angry, confused, stressed, numb, or down? Feeling disconnected from yourself and your partner? Feeling paralyzed by fear and disappointment? Feeling fatigued from second-guessing every move you make? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I'm here to help you get unstuck and restore your hope and belief in yourself and your relationship. When you increase your self-awareness, you can gain clarity and strengthen your connection with yourself and those you care about. It’s never too early or too late to begin your therapeutic journey, whether alone or with your partner. I am dedicated to helping you and your partner.
My practice is inclusive and non-judgmental. I am passionate about helping clients regain a sense of hope and possibility. I'm sensitive and mindful around gender, sexual orientation, race, age, spiritual beliefs, ability, body size, cultural background or identification, relationship status, and family situation. I am dedicated to using empathy, and presence to create a safe and nurturing space that supports you to learn more about your self The relationship I seek to have with you is one that is empowering, assisting you to feel respect and compassion for yourself, so that you can make the changes you desire.
My practice is inclusive and non-judgmental. I am passionate about helping clients regain a sense of hope and possibility. I'm sensitive and mindful around gender, sexual orientation, race, age, spiritual beliefs, ability, body size, cultural background or identification, relationship status, and family situation. I am dedicated to using empathy, and presence to create a safe and nurturing space that supports you to learn more about your self The relationship I seek to have with you is one that is empowering, assisting you to feel respect and compassion for yourself, so that you can make the changes you desire.
Everyone uses more or less the same treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, etc.
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.
Everyone uses more or less the same treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, etc.
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.
Your life journey is a whole world waiting to be known, hoping to be understood and heard in a distinct way. I appreciate every encounter I have with my clients for allowing me to walk alongside with them in a difficult time, knowing that the storm will eventually subside. I facilitate a genuine and heartfelt atmosphere in which you can recognize your strengths, potentials, self-worth, and know that you are not alone and truly cared for. I believe in each human’s capacity for change and resilience for healing.
Your life journey is a whole world waiting to be known, hoping to be understood and heard in a distinct way. I appreciate every encounter I have with my clients for allowing me to walk alongside with them in a difficult time, knowing that the storm will eventually subside. I facilitate a genuine and heartfelt atmosphere in which you can recognize your strengths, potentials, self-worth, and know that you are not alone and truly cared for. I believe in each human’s capacity for change and resilience for healing.
Life is full of anxiety, grief, failure, conflict, disappointment, insecurity, and isolation. Sometimes we get entangled in our thoughts, lose touch with the present, and act in self-defeating ways. Maybe you’re living a life that’s not yours, all you know is the expectations of others, or you’ve lost touch with your identity. Perhaps you’re in the midst of a painful transition - an injury, career change, break-up, or loss - and the path forward is unclear. There’s a nagging feeling that something just isn’t quite right. These are all normal experiences of a full human life, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Life is full of anxiety, grief, failure, conflict, disappointment, insecurity, and isolation. Sometimes we get entangled in our thoughts, lose touch with the present, and act in self-defeating ways. Maybe you’re living a life that’s not yours, all you know is the expectations of others, or you’ve lost touch with your identity. Perhaps you’re in the midst of a painful transition - an injury, career change, break-up, or loss - and the path forward is unclear. There’s a nagging feeling that something just isn’t quite right. These are all normal experiences of a full human life, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.
I work with people who are facing some trouble, obstacle, or pain in their life. Things might not make sense. You may notice unwanted patterns that repeat. You may be grieving loss, injustice, separation, or other life changes. You might find yourself struggling with confidence or battling your inner critic. The future may seem daunting. How life’s trouble shows up is unique and personal to everyone. Sometimes the ways we handled our troubles in the past no longer seem as effective, leading our minds into confusion, doubt, fear, or helplessness. Life’s troubles can also feel foreign, leaving you at a loss about how to move forward.
I work with people who are facing some trouble, obstacle, or pain in their life. Things might not make sense. You may notice unwanted patterns that repeat. You may be grieving loss, injustice, separation, or other life changes. You might find yourself struggling with confidence or battling your inner critic. The future may seem daunting. How life’s trouble shows up is unique and personal to everyone. Sometimes the ways we handled our troubles in the past no longer seem as effective, leading our minds into confusion, doubt, fear, or helplessness. Life’s troubles can also feel foreign, leaving you at a loss about how to move forward.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
Many people turn to therapy when they feel stuck, seeking guidance through life's challenges. Whether it's your first time in therapy or have previous experience, finding the 'right fit' with your therapist is key. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, dealing with the effects of trauma, facing relationship challenges, grappling with addiction issues, or identity questions, I'm here to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be heard, explore, and heal. My goal is to help you deepen your self-awareness to achieve meaningful changes in your life. Services available in English and French.
Many people turn to therapy when they feel stuck, seeking guidance through life's challenges. Whether it's your first time in therapy or have previous experience, finding the 'right fit' with your therapist is key. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, dealing with the effects of trauma, facing relationship challenges, grappling with addiction issues, or identity questions, I'm here to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be heard, explore, and heal. My goal is to help you deepen your self-awareness to achieve meaningful changes in your life. Services available in English and French.
Shalene primarily uses Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy while drawing on intersectional, anti-oppressive and narrative approaches.
Shalene Takara is a Registered Clinical Counsellor - Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS) and owner of Safe Space Counselling Services in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has been working in the field of mental health since 2009. Since 2012, she has been providing individual, couples and family therapy in nonprofit, agency and private-practice settings. She specializes in helping individuals, couples, parents and families overcome trauma, strengthen relationships, heal from family-of-origin issues, and support social and emotional well-being and development.
Shalene primarily uses Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy while drawing on intersectional, anti-oppressive and narrative approaches.
Shalene Takara is a Registered Clinical Counsellor - Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS) and owner of Safe Space Counselling Services in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has been working in the field of mental health since 2009. Since 2012, she has been providing individual, couples and family therapy in nonprofit, agency and private-practice settings. She specializes in helping individuals, couples, parents and families overcome trauma, strengthen relationships, heal from family-of-origin issues, and support social and emotional well-being and development.
My ideal client is an adult ready to heal their trauma ,anxiety, depression, low self esteem and relationship issues. I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you embark on your healing journey. Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, but within each challenge also lies the potential for growth and change. Through our work, you will have the opportunity to work through your childhood and current traumas, build better relationships, develop self confidence and self compassion and break toxic patterns.
My ideal client is an adult ready to heal their trauma ,anxiety, depression, low self esteem and relationship issues. I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you embark on your healing journey. Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, but within each challenge also lies the potential for growth and change. Through our work, you will have the opportunity to work through your childhood and current traumas, build better relationships, develop self confidence and self compassion and break toxic patterns.
I bring a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to counselling that gives you the power to make change in your life. If you're struggling to manage anxiety or stress, feeling lost in life without a direction, facing relationship challenges you don't know how to navigate, or learning how to navigate ADHD, I can relate and will work with you to process your experiences and give you the tools to create the life you want to live. My approach is also informed by attachment theory - I focus on fostering corrective emotional experiences through our therapeutic relationship.
I bring a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to counselling that gives you the power to make change in your life. If you're struggling to manage anxiety or stress, feeling lost in life without a direction, facing relationship challenges you don't know how to navigate, or learning how to navigate ADHD, I can relate and will work with you to process your experiences and give you the tools to create the life you want to live. My approach is also informed by attachment theory - I focus on fostering corrective emotional experiences through our therapeutic relationship.
My work is influenced by: AEDP, EFT, Attachment theory, Bowen theory, and Solution focussed therapy.
Are you looking for a Christian counsellor? Welcome. I operate from a foundational belief that without Jesus our ability to heal and grow is limited. I have a growing passion to incorporate biblical truth and spiritual practises with evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I'm known for creating deep connections with my clients, and have a warm, down-to-earth presence.
My work is influenced by: AEDP, EFT, Attachment theory, Bowen theory, and Solution focussed therapy.
Are you looking for a Christian counsellor? Welcome. I operate from a foundational belief that without Jesus our ability to heal and grow is limited. I have a growing passion to incorporate biblical truth and spiritual practises with evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I'm known for creating deep connections with my clients, and have a warm, down-to-earth presence.
Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, or struggling to feel comfortable with yourself or others? Does it feel like memories, relationships or experiences from the past continue to hijack your mind and body? Trauma symptoms can show up in a variety of ways, often mistaken as simply anxiety, panic, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties. If you are ready to try therapy that goes deeper than simply reframing thoughts, you've come to the right place. I bring a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. Common areas I work with are perfectionism, anxiety, relationships, trauma, self-worth, and sensitive folx.
Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, or struggling to feel comfortable with yourself or others? Does it feel like memories, relationships or experiences from the past continue to hijack your mind and body? Trauma symptoms can show up in a variety of ways, often mistaken as simply anxiety, panic, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties. If you are ready to try therapy that goes deeper than simply reframing thoughts, you've come to the right place. I bring a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. Common areas I work with are perfectionism, anxiety, relationships, trauma, self-worth, and sensitive folx.
I have extensive experience helping clients address their mental health concerns and facilitate personal growth. My experience includes helping students at a post-secondary institution, working in a community service agency and I further developed my counselling skills at a mental health clinic. I have also been working the past several years, supporting the Chinese-speaking and LGBTQ+ community.
I have extensive experience helping clients address their mental health concerns and facilitate personal growth. My experience includes helping students at a post-secondary institution, working in a community service agency and I further developed my counselling skills at a mental health clinic. I have also been working the past several years, supporting the Chinese-speaking and LGBTQ+ community.
Now accepting new clients online and in person.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, gambling, and BPD. Using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, I help clients build insight, regulate emotions, and create sustainable change.
Whether you're navigating a life transition, recovering from loss, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can offer clarity, process emotions, and build a more connected relationship with yourself and others.
Now accepting new clients online and in person.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, gambling, and BPD. Using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, I help clients build insight, regulate emotions, and create sustainable change.
Whether you're navigating a life transition, recovering from loss, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can offer clarity, process emotions, and build a more connected relationship with yourself and others.
You’re successful on the outside but struggling on the inside. You may feel burned out, undervalued, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Perhaps you give too much in relationships, fear rejection, or find yourself drawn to emotionally unavailable people. At Resilience Psychotherapy, we take care of you from assessment to treatment to thriving. We help high-achieving professionals, children of mentally ill or narcissistic parents, and those healing from attachment wounds break free from old patterns and create the life they truly want.
You’re successful on the outside but struggling on the inside. You may feel burned out, undervalued, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Perhaps you give too much in relationships, fear rejection, or find yourself drawn to emotionally unavailable people. At Resilience Psychotherapy, we take care of you from assessment to treatment to thriving. We help high-achieving professionals, children of mentally ill or narcissistic parents, and those healing from attachment wounds break free from old patterns and create the life they truly want.
I believe that every person- child youth or adult, deserves to feel seen, heard and supported. Therapy is a gentle space to slow down, reflect and reconnect with yourself and with one another, so that we can work through childhood trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions, or the complexities of parenting. In my work, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you and your family can explore challenges, build on strengths, and move toward meaningful growth. My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in deep respect for your lived experience.
I believe that every person- child youth or adult, deserves to feel seen, heard and supported. Therapy is a gentle space to slow down, reflect and reconnect with yourself and with one another, so that we can work through childhood trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions, or the complexities of parenting. In my work, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you and your family can explore challenges, build on strengths, and move toward meaningful growth. My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in deep respect for your lived experience.
We all need support sometimes. Mental health counselling can be a therapeutic outlet to process difficult emotions, to reconnect with what brings fulfilment to our lives, and to shift our perspective towards self-compassion and kindness towards ourselves. I am excited to connect with individuals and couples seeking counselling services and aim to be adaptive to the needs of all those I work to support. My experience in providing mental health services focuses around managing anxiety and stress, supporting couples in building their connection together, exploring difficulties with depression and mood concerns, and supporting clients
We all need support sometimes. Mental health counselling can be a therapeutic outlet to process difficult emotions, to reconnect with what brings fulfilment to our lives, and to shift our perspective towards self-compassion and kindness towards ourselves. I am excited to connect with individuals and couples seeking counselling services and aim to be adaptive to the needs of all those I work to support. My experience in providing mental health services focuses around managing anxiety and stress, supporting couples in building their connection together, exploring difficulties with depression and mood concerns, and supporting clients
In addition our team is trained in DBT, CBT, ACT, EFT, and AEDP.
Emotion Wise was started out of a passion to create a practice that offers compassionate and skilled care for clients who have experienced trauma and a variety of mental health issues. We work strategically to build tools for emotional regulation (DBT), increasing your feelings of safety and self-understanding and heal underlying trauma (EMDR). It is our hope that you will experience renewed growth in your life by working with our team of highly trained and experienced counsellors. We are also pleased to now offer affordable counselling by our post-graduate associate.
In addition our team is trained in DBT, CBT, ACT, EFT, and AEDP.
Emotion Wise was started out of a passion to create a practice that offers compassionate and skilled care for clients who have experienced trauma and a variety of mental health issues. We work strategically to build tools for emotional regulation (DBT), increasing your feelings of safety and self-understanding and heal underlying trauma (EMDR). It is our hope that you will experience renewed growth in your life by working with our team of highly trained and experienced counsellors. We are also pleased to now offer affordable counselling by our post-graduate associate.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Surrey
- West Vancouver
- 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.