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Amanda De Paiva 

Intern Counsellor, Play Therapist

About Amanda

Sometimes life feels heavy, and you may find yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. Having the right support can make all the difference. I will work alongside you to create a safe and compassionate space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing.

I work with individuals, couples, families, children, and youth, supporting people through life’s obstacles. This could mean helping a child find healthy ways to express and manage overwhelming emotions, guiding a family to rebuild trust and improve their communication, or walking alongside an adult as they navigate anxiety, manage stress, or develop emotional balance.

With a background in child and youth care, my approach is compassionate, down-to-earth, and centred on what matters most to you. My goal is to meet you where you are and support you in moving forward with greater clarity, resilience, and connection.

I am currently a student intern counsellor at Crossroads Collective in Kelowna, BC, while pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. With an educational background in Child and Youth Care and ongoing practical experience through my practicums and current work in the field, I have developed a strong foundation for supporting children, youth, and families. As an intern, I receive experienced clinical supervision that guides my work, allowing me to provide compassionate, client-centred support focused on helping individuals build resilience and develop healthy coping skills.

Outside of work, I’m an outdoors enthusiast who loves hiking and travelling to new places. I was also a competitive dancer and deeply value movement as a powerful form of self-expression. I bring this sense of creativity and openness into my counselling practice, creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your own journey toward growth and healing.

My Approach to Counselling

I offer an integrative, client-centred and trauma-informed approach to therapy, with a deep respect for each person’s unique story and strengths. My work is grounded in Adlerian principles, emphasizing encouragement, belonging, and purposeful living while exploring family dynamics to understand patterns and foster social connectedness. I prioritize enhancing clients’ emotional awareness and facilitating deeper connections with themselves and others in the present moment. By guiding clients to reframe and reconstruct their personal narratives, I support healing, empowerment, and resilience.

With children and youth, I incorporate play therapy and expressive arts to promote emotional regulation, communication, and self-expression in ways that are developmentally appropriate and engaging. My background in creative movement and dance enriches this work, especially for clients who benefit from somatic and non-verbal expression.

I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to address a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional regulation. Through a compassionate and strength-based lens, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where healing and growth can unfold.

Areas of Focus

I work with children, youth, adults, couples, and families in areas such as:

  • Emotional Regulation & Stress Management
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Family Dynamics & Parenting Support
  • Self-Esteem, Building Resilience and Coping Strategies
  • Trauma & Grief
  •  Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals
  • Life Transitions & Personal Growth
  • Couples Therapy & Relationship Challenges

I am committed to a compassionate, strengths-based, and creative approach to helping individuals, couples, and families heal and grow. 

Symptom Specializations

Demographics

Google Rating
4.4
Based on 119 reviews
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