Holistic Counselling

Human beings have an innate capacity for healing which is intrinsically linked to the emergence of the true self

 

Hi, I’m Robbie!

 

Every part of you is welcome in this space of unconditional acceptance, non-judgement, and compassion.

As a queer-identified counsellor, I am sensitive to intersecting identities, aware of systemic oppression, and am inclusive of diversity. I believe that by cultivating a relationship with our inner worlds, we may begin to connect more deeply with ourselves, our experiences, and our emotions. And by relying on this emergent trust in our bodies as our guide, we may journey towards experiences of health and healing.

We are all working through our own stuff. For me, processing internalized homophobia, associated feelings of shame and low self-esteem, and thoughts of not being good enough has been a crucial part of my healing journey and my ability to show up in support of others. This ongoing journey towards health has taken me to many profound spaces including Kundalini Yoga, Qi-Gong, Craniosacral Massage, Dream Therapy, Shamanic Coaching, Loving-Kindness Meditation, Self-Compassion Practices, Naturopathy, Intuitive Healers, as well as more traditional Talk Therapies and Western Medicine. A significant takeaway from these experiences has been learning to trust and rely on the wisdom and resilience of the human body, which has become a cornerstone of my clinical practice.

My Professional Story

My counselor journey began at the University of Cambridge, England in 2012 where I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. This training was highly experiential and focused on the therapeutic use of imagination, creative arts, and attachment-based play in counselling including the therapeutic power of story and metaphor. I later returned home to Vancouver, Canada where I completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

I am currently registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).

Key Trainings

  • SmartBody SmartMind: Nervous System Rewire | Irene Lyon (In Training)

  • Year 2 - Heart-Based Training in Relational Neuroscience for Healing: Deepening the Two Pillars of Receptive Presence | Dr. Bonnie Badenoch (In Training)

  • Year 1 - Heart-Based Training in Relational Neuroscience for Healing: Trauma and the Embodied Brain | Dr. Bonnie Badenoch (2022-3)

  • Healing Trauma & Addiction | Wholehearted, Dr. Gabor Maté (2022)

  • Compassion in Therapy Training | The Awake Network (2021)

  • San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training | PHSA Indigenous Health Program (2020)

  • Mindful Self-Compassion Core Skills Training | Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff, PhD. & Chris Germer, PhD. (2020)

  • Trauma Informed Practice Training, Level 2: Healing Trauma Experientially | Alyson Quinn, MSW (2019)

  • Trauma Informed Practice Training, Level 1: Trauma & the Body | Alyson Quinn, MSW & Trish Walsh, BA (2019)

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy with Couples | Vancouver Couple and Family Institute (2018)

Holistic Approach

This work is deeply informed by the field of relational neuroscience, grounded in humanistic principles, and harnesses somatic based healing practices. Within this integrative framework of practice, I work collaboratively with clients to support them on their unique healing journeys.

My practice is informed by the following areas of study and therapeutic modals:

  • Humanistic Psychology (Person-Centred Therapy)

  • Relational Neuroscience (Interpersonal Neurobiology)

  • Trauma (Experiential Unity Model)

  • Attachment Theory

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Solution-Focused and Brief model of Therapy (SFBT)

  • Somatic Therapy (Body-based Healing)

  • Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Non-Directive Play Therapy (Theraplay & Sandtray)

  • Integrative Mind-Body Interventions (e.g., Emotional Freedom Technique)

 

Pathways for Support

Individual Support

We all need to feel supported along our journey towards health and healing. Whether that’s finding company with the parts of ourselves that have become discarded and neglected over the years, or support in taking those first courageous steps towards living a life we truly and deeply yearn for, this space is here to support your personal and professional aspirations.

Collective Healing

It is natural for us as humans to feel alone in our suffering, to move away from the pain by disconnecting from ourselves and disengaging from those around us. If you find yourself in dark forests, know that you are not alone and that you are always welcome in this space. Some of the most powerful medicine can stem from the inherent and profound wisdom born out of collective healing experiences.

Psycho-Ed + Workshops

Let’s not forget to nourish our beautiful minds! May we peacefully collapse into the knowledge that whatever we’re experiencing, we’re experiencing something human. To truly understand, at a deep level, that there is nothing inherently wrong with you can be profoundly healing. Learning about ourselves can teach us how our bodies have always naturally moved us towards protection and safety.

Let’s Connect!

Book a free 20-minute consultation to learn more about how this space can support your journey