Play Therapists

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I am also licensed through CCPA and hold a CCC license. I completed my Masters of Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University and began working in my own private practice in 2016.  Before going back to school to pursue my masters, I worked as a senior executive in sales and marketing.  I believe that my unique education has allowed me to help people grow and develop and create change for themselves.

About 10 years ago, I became involved in helping a family with special needs children and it was through that journey that I came to the work I am most passionate about; helping parents of special needs families. Using play therapy, I am able to access children for ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Autism and other types of learning disabilities.

The following list below are my areas of specialization:

• Personal development
• Assertiveness / Boundaries
• Depression, anxiety & panic disorders
• Phobias
• Past or recent trauma or abuse
• Relationship and couples counselling
• Addictions
• Divorce, separation and blended families
• Eating disorders and addictions
• Life transitions
• Gender dysphoria, LGBTQ transitions & other issues
• Communication building
• Grief counselling
• Career planning

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

• Child play therapy
• Self esteem and confidence coaching
• Anxiety and depression
• Career exploration with youth
• Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
• Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD
• Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

• Access to assessments and diagnosis
• Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
• Referral to local psychologists for assessments and testing
• Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
• Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
• Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
• Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources
• Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult

I have experience helping clients cope with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and self-acceptance. We work together to set boundaries and build inner strength. I offer counselling for children with autism as well as support for parents and guardians. My approach is holistic, and I draw from cognitive behavioural, solutions focused, and strength based therapies.

I have a Master’s degree in counselling psychology, and I will be licenced as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) from the Canadian Psychotherapy Association in a few months.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Masters of Counselling from City University and currently, I am working towards becoming a Certified Play Therapist. Prior to counselling, I worked as a Kindergarten Teacher for nearly 10 years. It was this role as an early childhood educator that ignited my desire to help children through the challenges of life with more depth and meaning. It fuelled my curiosity around attachment theory and how adverse childhood experiences affect the developing brain, impacting children’s emotional and developmental trajectory. Which ultimately filters into our lives as adults. 

I am passionate about helping young children, youth, and adults process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that grants them the awareness that they are truly capable and worthy. Through a person-centered, holistic and collaborative approach, my practice aims to help shift unhelpful thinking and exercise healthy coping. I’ll help you identify the physiological responses, process the root cause and learn effective self-regulation to make daily life feel lighter and more enjoyable.  I am equally as enthusiastic to work with caregivers and families to support in better understanding the why behind behaviours, strategies for dealing with diverse needs, and personal struggles.   

My approach is integrative and based on your unique needs; I may utilize CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Somatic Practices, Play Therapy and Psychoeducation. I work within a range of areas such as:

• Emotional Regulation
• Coping Skills
• Boundaries
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Early childhood development
• Parenting
• Pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum
• Trauma
• Divorce/Separation
• Life Transitions
• Family dynamics
• Self-esteem
• Grief and loss

Everyone deserves a safe, trusting space to share and unpack their story. It would be an honour to walk alongside you as you rise through this and find inner peace. 

I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor through ACCT, a certified Expressive Arts Therapist and a certified Synergetic Play Therapist.

I am originally from India and moved to Vancouver six years ago. This transition was a challenging time for me that brought invaluable growth and insight. The wisdom from my own lived experiences throughout my life has helped me grow and intuitively attune to my clients needs. I continue to do my own work through yoga and meditation as I support others through their journey.

Below are some areas that I work with:

• Depression and Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Self Esteem and Confidence Building
• Past or Recent Trauma
• Foster Care/Adoption
• Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation
• Autism and ADHD
• Creative Expression

Mental health issues, especially traumatic experiences and major life stressors can significantly impact our daily lives, and make us feel disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, and other important aspects of our lives. I believe that building such connections is the key to healing. Hence, my work focuses on helping my clients build healthier perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships.

With this, I attempt to use a holistic approach in counseling, bringing together emotion, thoughts, and the body. I use different modalities with my clients like CBT-Trauma Informed lens, DBT, Emotional Freedom tapping techniques, Brain Spotting, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and ACT.

I am experienced in working with clients dealing with :

Depression

Anxiety

Trauma

ADHD

OCD

Anger Management

LGBTQ

Parenting

Parent-child relationship 

Grief and loss 

Child and Youth therapy :

Child play therapy

Self-esteem and motivation 

Anxiety and depression

ADHD 

OCD

Separation anxiety 

Dealing with parents divorce

I have many years of experience working with children and teens in various areas including:

– ADHD

– ASD

– OCD

– Anxiety

– Separated and divorced families

– High-conflict families

– Children who have experienced trauma

– Children with MCFD involvement

– Life transition struggles for youth

I also offer parent-coaching and family therapy, using an emotion-focused and solution-focused lens. I can help families in areas of enhancing family connections, creating cohesive family plans that work for everyone, and psychoeducation for positive behaviour support and effective parenting strategies. I look forward to meeting your child and creating an environment where they can truly thrive!

I also believe in the therapeutic capacity of our furry friends and often have a calm, non-judgmental co-therapist dog named “Sonar” join us in the counselling room.  

I hold a master’s degree in counselling psychology and have completed additional training in expressive play therapy.  

My background in Psychology in both undergraduate and graduate educational training and research and my experience in working with children with diverse needs in an educational and clinical setting has given me a foundation in appreciating the unique developmental struggles of young clients. I use a strengths based approach to empower and cultivate self-awareness, healthy patterns of communication and emotions processing. I am passionate in creating a safe therapeutic space for each child and youth, where they can experience warmth and non- judgment, ultimately giving them a place where they can cultivate self-acceptance, healthy communication, and healing. It is important for me to collaborate with each parent to best meet their child’s needs. 

Some areas I can offer support in are but not limited to: 

 -ADHD

-Life Transitions

-Divorce/Separation 

-Trauma

-ASD

-Self-Esteem

-Emotional Regulation

I have a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Additionally, I have earned Bachelor degrees in the Arts and in Education, as well as a Master’s in Education. Before counselling, I was a teacher for over 6 years in both elementary and secondary schools. I now work in private practice and as a high school counsellor throughout the school year. I love the fact that I have opportunities to work with children and adults! My various experiences have led me to work with diverse clients who have had many different needs. I have a passion for working with BIPOC clients and identify as a LGBTQ2S+ ally. 

My therapeutic approach is an integrative model where I work from an evidence-based, holistic lens. Some of these include CBT, MBSR, and SFT. I work with a range of different areas such as: 

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Life transitions
• Depression
• Creating and communicating boundaries
• Divorce/ separation
• Grief
• Personal development 

My goal as a counselling intern is to create a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, build resilience, and develop the skills they need to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. I believe that each client is unique, and I strive to tailor my approach to fit your individual needs. I will work collaboratively with you to develop personalized strategies and coping skills to help you work through life’s challenges and achieve your goals.

I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree at Yorkville University, where I am gaining valuable knowledge and skills to support my clients on their journey towards healing and growth. I am a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and am working towards pursuing my designation as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Prior to graduate school, I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Psychology at Simon Fraser University.

I primarily operate from a strength-based, client-centered integrative approach to counselling that aims to meet you where you are and help you get to where you would like to be. To do this, I draw upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), emotion-focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based practices to name a few. As a South Asian woman, I am fluent with the added pressures and challenges of navigating cross-cultural dynamics, and I work from a culturally sensitive lens. 

Some of the areas I can help you with include, but are not limited to:

• Personal Development
• Life Transitions
• Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Relationship Issues
• Interpersonal Conflicts
• Emotion Regulation
• Boundary Setting
• Trauma-Informed Care

I am a Master of Counselling Psychology graduate student from Yorkville University. Prior to pursuing my master’s, I completed my Bachelor of Psychology degree at Simon Fraser University, where I worked in a research lab focusing on memory and learning, as well as with Options BC as a crisis line volunteer. my passion for helping others grew with each experience in this field, and I have seen how powerful and transformative therapeutic conversations can be. Aside from schooling, I have over 10 years of experience in hospitality and more than 5 years in the fitness and health industry. My personal experience with body image and disordered eating, as well as my certification in exercise and nutrition, have given me insight into how to navigate difficulties with self-image. 

I believe in an integrative approach to counselling, which incorporates exploring mental narratives, bodily awareness, and self-care strategies in the process of healing. I implement a person-centred approach to empower the client, build inner resources, and use collaboration to cultivate a counselling experience uniquely suited to your needs. I am eager to help and support you in your mental health journey. 

Some areas I can help you with include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Body Image
• Self-Esteem
• Boundaries
• Communication-Building
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Boundaries
• Burnout
• Women’s Issues

I am currently studying my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Upon completion, I intend to become designated as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, with whom I currently hold a student membership. Prior to studying my Masters, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Simon Fraser University. I chose this path because I loved learning about people. During this time, I also volunteered for several non-profit organizations where I worked with diverse people in socially and therapeutically supportive ways. These experiences evolved my love for learning about people into a love for listening to their stories. However, my previous volunteer work as a crisis line call-taker truly confirmed my passion for playing an active role in supporting people therapeutically. It now brings me joy to be able to work with you as a counselling intern to process your pain and help you achieve your goals. 

My approach to therapy is primarily humanistic and integrative. Typically, I utilize a person-centred framework while incorporating elements of Gestalt, Existential, and Solution-Focused therapies. However, I also integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where relevant. My integrative style is likewise collaborative, strengths-based, and unconditionally regarding of your perspective and experiences. Moreover, it allows me to tailor a unique therapeutic experience to you and your reasons for seeking counselling. This allows me to be flexible with how I continuously uphold your best interests.

Here are just some of the areas I can help you with:

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Boundaries
• LGBTQ+
• Self-Esteem
• Communication 
• Life Transitions
• Stress
• Family and Relationship Conflict
• Burnout
• Suicide
• Grief
• Identity
• Confidence
• Guilt and Shame
• Codependency
• Women’s Issues

I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship built on safety and trust is fundamental for healing and learning healthy boundaries. My approach to counselling is creative, warm, holistic, and explorative. I primarily work from a Jungian psychodynamic and Gestalt humanistic perspective. Depending on your needs, sessions could include exploring imagination, art, play, metaphors, and dreams in session. I also integrate evidence-based approaches into my practice. I consider it an absolute honour to witness your journey.

I am a cis-female second-generation settler with roots in Hong Kong. I fully embrace my identity as an ADHDer, diagnosed in my early 20s. I’m passionate about destigmatizing, normalizing, and celebrating neurodiversity as well as helping people heal from their childhood wounds. I aim to hold space for all human experiences as I believe every perspective holds some wisdom.

Currently, I am completing my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University in hopes to become a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the CCPA as well as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC. I also aim to be registered with the First Nations Health Authority. Previously, I completed my Bachelor of Kinesiology with the University of British Columbia.

Since my teenage years, I have consistently supported children, youth, and families with various identities across different helping capacities, including social services, education, recreation, and healthcare. Many of my current and former clients in the past five years have lived experiences with trauma and other mental health challenges or identify as ADHD or autistic. I am an ally with the Indigenous community, having the immense privilege of working closely with Indigenous school staff to pioneer an Indigenous-focused mentoring program in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and surrounding area. I am committed to reconciliation through counselling to heal the intergenerational wounds imposed by colonization.

My areas of specialization include:⦁ ADHD
⦁ Anxiety
⦁ Depression
⦁ Trauma (Complex, Developmental, Intergenerational, Cultural)
⦁ Neurodivergent care
⦁ Imagination & Creativity
⦁ Art exploration
⦁ Dreamwork
⦁ Play & Sandtray Modalities
⦁ Social Justice & Advocacy
⦁ EMDR (in training)
⦁ Autism
⦁ Stress
⦁ Identity formation
⦁ Relationship Issues
⦁ Life Transitions
⦁ Self-exploration
⦁ Boundary setting
⦁ Young Adults
⦁ Youth, Teens, Children

My work is largely informed by Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy, and I ground my practice in anti-oppressive values. This means that in our work together, I may offer an invitation to work with experiential activities, metaphors, imagery, and parts work to facilitate the therapeutic process. I may also invite you to consider the systems at play, whether that be the system within yourself, the system of your relationships, or the systems in broader society. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, so throughout the process, I will always emphasize choice, empowerment, and safety.

I am currently completing my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Prior to my graduate studies, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. I have worked in the helping profession in many capacities, including coaching, supporting older adults, and answering crisis calls from people in the community. Currently, I work as a support worker for neurodivergent adults. 

Some of the areas I can support you with include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Burnout
• Emotion Regulation
• Body Image
• Self-Esteem
• Relationship Issues
• Trauma
• Grief and Loss  

If you think we may be a good match, please reach out to Crossroads Collective. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey. 

My drive and my passion for helping children took me to Stenberg College where I worked on and completed my certification as an Education Assistant. I took my passion for working with children and started working in the school-based system where I enjoyed 5 plus years.

My time in the school-based system opened my eyes to the increasing behaviors in the classroom, but most of these children had no support as they were diagnosed with ADHD or other behavioural issues. I felt there was a need to understand and help these kids to understand themselves and to navigate the school setting that was so turbulent for them, so I designed a program based on accountability and awareness that has been extremely successful. I felt there was so much more to learn so I broadened my scope and took Expressive Play Therapy and Play Therapies at the Justice Institute Of BC.

I have also attended Sand Play Therapy at Trinity Western University. I have been working as a Behavioral Technician at Crossroads Collective and with my added training can also offer Play Therapy Counselling in addition to my skills as a behavioural specialist. I am excited to share my training, education and passion for helping children.

It is a pleasure for me to work with a child, inclusive and alongside the families, to give a comprehensive and overall panoptic treatment plan

As an empathic listener for my clients, I treat them with kindness and a non-judgemental approach. I believe that all people pose an internal drive towards positive change and growth. Let me assist you in reaching new goals for your child/youth and family. I have had experience working with a wide range of children and families, blended, or separated.

Some of the diagnoses that I have worked with are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Stress, Autism, Grief. I have helped families in all these areas, plus more. I have a passion for teaching, playing, learning, and bringing out the best in all. Let me assist you on your journey or your child’s journey. We are in this together!

I prefer in utilizing an integrative approach in which they blend different but complimentary theories to work with their client in the most effective way. This flexible approach enables the counselling experience to be tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where relationship can thrive.

I have earned my Bachelor’s in Developmental Counseling and Master’s in Psychology from India. Also have 6+ years of experience of working with children and young youth both in elementary and secondary schools as a counselor and as academia support teacher. I plan to educate myself again in Canada starting May 2022 with master’s in counselling psychology. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties along with life challenges. I have worked alongside parents and teachers and other professionals. My main areas of focus are those who present with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. I also work with those who have experienced grief/loss, life transitions (school, work, moving), anger, bullying/discrimination and conflict resolution.

I have experience working with children and youth with various challenges stemming from parental separation, anxiety disorders, grief and loss and especially difficulties with social inclusion and feeling outcasted. I encourage you to reach out and start your wellness journey. I truly look forward to showing you how Art Therapy can help better your life.

I am an Art Therapist with over six years of experience providing trauma informed mental health and addictions support to vulnerable clients in Surrey. Art Therapy is a treatment approach that combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding.

A common misconception is that artistic ‘skill’ or ‘talent’ is required to benefit from art therapy. In fact, many artists find that their perfectionistic attitude towards their skill level promotes anxiety and a sense of failure. The purpose of Art Therapy is to promote wellness by engaging your creativity, playfulness and problem solving skills.

I have a Masters Level Diploma in Art Therapy from Vancouver Art Therapy Institute which followed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of British Columbia. My training background and experience includes community outreach, addictions and trauma work and family counselling. I have extensive experience working with children, teens and families and have a personal interest in connecting with families who are newly arrived in Canada.

As a young person who experienced uprooting one’s life and moving across the world to start over, I quickly found my passion working with children and youth in Surrey neighbourhoods where the kids often acted as English interpreters for their parents. These families had the unique challenge of finding that their children were more independent and capable of navigating their new environment and culture than they were. The disconnection and alienation they experienced created large gaps in communication causing anger and hurt on both sides. The youth centre programs I ran helped bridge this gap allowing the kids to draw strength from their resilience and find creative ways of engaging their parents and bringing the community together. I also participated in community outreach, forging alliances with at risk youth vulnerable to homelessness and addiction.

More recently I have been working with women struggling with trauma and multiple barriers (justice system involvement, homelessness, generational trauma, addiction) and found that Art Therapy provided something that regular psychotherapy couldn’t – a way to own their story and become authors of their own experience, creating something tangible out of their pain and self-advocating in the process.

How I work with clients:

I work with clients in a variety of ways and I cater my methods to my client’s needs and therapeutic goals. Often, I will introduce a client to a theme and suggest a directive which will touch on or evoke a response in that theme.

An example would be working with the theme of identity. I would ask the client to create a sculptural lifeline which would showcase their life journey, major life events, accomplishments etc. The client will have an opportunity to choose the size of the sculpture, materials used (wire, paper mache, cardboard, string) and which events or information to include. Some clients prefer to talk about their process while they are creating, while others prefer to discuss their results upon completion. A theme can be explored over a number of sessions and through various directives like masks, photos, body tracings, sculpture.

The resulting artistic product is the property of the client and retains the same confidentiality protection as the context discussed in a session. It is up to the client how the art is handled, stored or disposed of. As well, a client’s permission is required to share the art with others outside of the scope of supervision.

Here are some specific examples of clients I work with/have worked with in the past:

• Child whose parents have recently separated and is experiencing extreme separation anxiety
• Mother and young (4) child, fleeing domestic abuse and child acting out through aggression towards Mom
• Young adult woman recently moved out from home due to Mom’s substance use, struggling with self-worth and depression.
• Young woman awaiting trial for robbery, with multiple childhood trauma incidents, survivor of incest.
• Autistic child experiencing alienation from peers and loneliness, rejection.
• Autistic adult, exploring their authentic self and wanting to delve into their masking behaviour and repression of their intrinsic self regulation mechanisms.
• Child who recently experienced the loss of an estranged parent due to suicide.