Indigenous Peoples Therapists in Richmond, BC

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to ask for help. I understand that making the first call is stressful, and I am open to hearing your concerns as soon as we connect. I encompass a non judgmental approach, based on strength and resilience. I work collaboratively with my clients to empower them to make important changes in their lives. As a counselor, I support each client's own experience of their story. I take a holistic approach to understand the many layers that surround life challenges, to create connections and promote change.

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'm specialized in supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families with various mental health and relational issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, borderline personality, family relationships, self-development, career-related issues, anger management, cross cultural and generational conflicts, marriage issues, parent/teen conflict, etc.

I use a holistic approach to counseling that incorporates the many components of a person's life such as the emotional, physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and occupational. I work with young adults, adults, seniors, and elders. I use Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Stages of Change, Supportive Counselling, and Systems Theory. Areas of Practice include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Addictions, Life Transitions, Job Loss, Work Related Issues, Return to Work, Communication, Relationship Differences, Stress Management, Personal Growth, and Sexuality and Coming Out Issues.

Change can be difficult and scary, but so important for living the life you want. I believe in working respectfully and compassionately with you, to achieve your goals. I am trained in several therapeutic approaches including: EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness, CBT, Motivational Interviewing and Brief-Solution Focused Therapy. I work with individuals struggling with mood disorders (anxiety, depression), trauma, PTSD, grief and loss. I also work on self-esteem building, family and relationship concerns, and professional development and enhancement. Contact me if you are ready to take your first step towards your best life.

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.

In the course of our lives, we inevitably encounter challenging periods and we do our best to navigate with the resources that we have. When the pain and distress become too difficult to cope, having a safe space and a trusted therapist to talk to can help. Allow me the privilege of relieving some of the burden, thereby fostering space necessary for personal growth and a hopeful future.

Some people seek my help to deal with current life struggles, a significant loss, or a change or life transition. For some, past childhood and/or adult abuse have had long-lasting effects on who they are and how they feel in the world. Often, people are looking for help to manage better and flourish more in life. I offer individual adult therapy for these issues. As a professional with over 20 years of experience, I also offer consultation to other therapists; I welcome questions about this aspect of my practice.

Dear clients, I am sending you my warmest greetings as you take this incredible step of showing up for yourself here. Life could be unbearable and confusing at times. I believe that the complexity of life is sometimes beyond words, but never beyond love and the desire to connect with ourselves. It is my hope to meet you and honor your life stories with compassion, love, and a true desire to listen. I look forward to going on this amazing journey with you, one in which we explore the peace, love, and light within you through developing practical ways of healing that suit you the most.

At Future-ready Minds our team is passionate about preparing children for their future. We offer a wide range of clinical and counselling services for children, teens, and families at a number of offices located throughout Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We also offer online (virtual) therapy services throughout BC – a convenient option that allows families to prioritize their mental health and wellness. All clinicians work under the treatment plan supervision and oversight of Psychiatrist Dr. Shimi Kang (MD, FRCPC).

Having practiced as a Clinical Psychologist overseas for 20 years, I am very familiar with all kinds of conditions. If you are having relationship with your spouse or others, I can help. You might be stressed out trying to parent your children, whatever age they maybe and esp for offsprings who have ADHD, Autism or learning problems, I love to help. Or you maybe depressed, anxious, wanting to work out your inner issues so that you can be a happy person, I am here to give you a hand. Or you might have a lot of pain/stress in your life, with various kinds of addictions not knowing what to do, I am here to help you find your way out.

Thank you for stopping by my page. Regardless of what brought you here, I congratulate you on making one step toward seeking wellness. Deciding to start therapy is hard; being vulnerable with a stranger takes enormous courage. I am privileged to have witnessed countless transformations that people were going through, either inside or outside my office. As an Asian-origin female therapist, I work with my clients to navigate life through their unique perspectives. Our intersectionalities can be our strength and resilience. No matter what you are struggling with, there is a way of healing, and love is the cure.

I am dedicated to helping you address your concerns and issues and focus on what’s important to you. We do this on your terms and at your pace. Through an effective, non-judgemental, therapeutic relationship, I help you examine the different areas of your life and help you make practical and meaningful changes. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use issues or other concerns, I'll work with you to make the changes you want to see. I am also experienced in providing specialized support to the LGBTQ+ community as well as gender affirming care.

Thanks for your interest in therapy. Making that first call can feel scary, but I want to reassure you that I aim to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. You don't have to go through struggles alone - talking through challenges is so helpful for gaining clarity. Together, we'll explore what's weighing on your mind. Greater self-awareness is empowering; you'll see yourself and your relationship with life's ups and downs in a healthier light. We'll proceed at your pace using approaches tailored to your needs. You have the strength and wisdom within to pursue well-being.