Family Therapy in West Vancouver, BC
Over the last 15 years as a counsellor I have worked with many therapeutic modalities and take wisdom from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems.
Nurturing a healthier, kinder relationship with all of your parts can be challenging, particularly if you have experienced trauma within your relationships. When we have experiences that mimic and reinforce the old thoughts, feelings and assumptions that we have always had about ourselves and/or others we can feel stuck, uncertain, scared or angry. We want to get out of these loops and free ourselves from the limiting beliefs and patterns that have misdirected us. Contrary to how it may feel at times, these are realistic goals!
Over the last 15 years as a counsellor I have worked with many therapeutic modalities and take wisdom from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems.
Nurturing a healthier, kinder relationship with all of your parts can be challenging, particularly if you have experienced trauma within your relationships. When we have experiences that mimic and reinforce the old thoughts, feelings and assumptions that we have always had about ourselves and/or others we can feel stuck, uncertain, scared or angry. We want to get out of these loops and free ourselves from the limiting beliefs and patterns that have misdirected us. Contrary to how it may feel at times, these are realistic goals!
Her practice offers compassionate education, assessment, treatment and referral for addicts and their family members.
Paulette is Registered Nurse and a registered Clinical Counsellor in province of British Columbia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with IITAP International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Therapists in the US. She is an internationally known and recognized expert in both treatment and education in the field of specialized addictions and dependencies. Paulette was featured on the O.com Cybersex Addiction; a documentary aired on the Passionate Eye on CBC, February 2005 and is frequently called upon for expert opinion in the local and national media.
Her practice offers compassionate education, assessment, treatment and referral for addicts and their family members.
Paulette is Registered Nurse and a registered Clinical Counsellor in province of British Columbia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with IITAP International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Therapists in the US. She is an internationally known and recognized expert in both treatment and education in the field of specialized addictions and dependencies. Paulette was featured on the O.com Cybersex Addiction; a documentary aired on the Passionate Eye on CBC, February 2005 and is frequently called upon for expert opinion in the local and national media.
Whether an individual, couple, or family I am willing to meet you exactly where you are with compassion.
I work extensively with couples on communication and relationship issues including infidelity, the rebuilding of trust and issues concerning sex. I work to help facilitate emotional responsibility so that everyone can define their goals, be heard and work towards feeling safe when communicating from a place of vulnerability. I have also worked with men individually and in a group setting around issues of identity, anger management, sexuality, anxiety, and depression.
Whether an individual, couple, or family I am willing to meet you exactly where you are with compassion.
I work extensively with couples on communication and relationship issues including infidelity, the rebuilding of trust and issues concerning sex. I work to help facilitate emotional responsibility so that everyone can define their goals, be heard and work towards feeling safe when communicating from a place of vulnerability. I have also worked with men individually and in a group setting around issues of identity, anger management, sexuality, anxiety, and depression.
Deb Chmelauskas Occupational Therapist BetterBrains
Occupational Therapist, BSc OT, BSc Bio, CDP
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
Recommendations are provided to help navigate life transitions, reduce caregivers stress and promote health/safety and well being for the family as a whole.
My area of expertise is cognitive health for seniors who are experiencing age-related memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. I am an occupational therapist who supports individuals and their families to help them cope with the challenges of memory loss. For persons with age related changes or mild cognitive impairment, we can work together to develop self-management strategies including: cognitive skills, memory and organizational skills, stress management, sleep solutions, and personalized brain health programs.
Recommendations are provided to help navigate life transitions, reduce caregivers stress and promote health/safety and well being for the family as a whole.
My area of expertise is cognitive health for seniors who are experiencing age-related memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. I am an occupational therapist who supports individuals and their families to help them cope with the challenges of memory loss. For persons with age related changes or mild cognitive impairment, we can work together to develop self-management strategies including: cognitive skills, memory and organizational skills, stress management, sleep solutions, and personalized brain health programs.
Mark F Morissette
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, PhD, RSW
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
I am a couple & family therapist who works with individuals, their partners, their families, helping them to deal with the emotional difficulties and relationship turmoil in their lives, and assisting them in bringing change about and hopefully reach a happier place.
Let me ask you: Are you struggling with an important relationship in your life? To do with your family, your partner, your child, your work? Are you troubled by the emotions you’re experiencing? Feeling a profound sense of frustration, confusion, or desperation? Worried about the toll these issues are beginning to take? Think you've exhausted all your options for how to effectively manage? Do you wonder if there's quality professional help available? Help that recognizes & acknowledges what's important to you? If so, then look no further. Call now. We'll schedule a time.
I am a couple & family therapist who works with individuals, their partners, their families, helping them to deal with the emotional difficulties and relationship turmoil in their lives, and assisting them in bringing change about and hopefully reach a happier place.
Let me ask you: Are you struggling with an important relationship in your life? To do with your family, your partner, your child, your work? Are you troubled by the emotions you’re experiencing? Feeling a profound sense of frustration, confusion, or desperation? Worried about the toll these issues are beginning to take? Think you've exhausted all your options for how to effectively manage? Do you wonder if there's quality professional help available? Help that recognizes & acknowledges what's important to you? If so, then look no further. Call now. We'll schedule a time.
Dr. Sofya Khow @ Cater Psychology Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7W
I am a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience working with both individuals and couples who are struggling with personal and relational difficulties. I focus on treating a number of mental health concerns including, but not limited to: depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, grief, relationship struggles, parenting, and perinatal issues. I am also passionate about supporting individuals and couples experiencing difficulties and challenges related to family creation and parenthood such as infertility, miscarriage/stillbirth, infant loss, postpartum depression and anxiety, and family adjustment issues.
I am a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience working with both individuals and couples who are struggling with personal and relational difficulties. I focus on treating a number of mental health concerns including, but not limited to: depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, grief, relationship struggles, parenting, and perinatal issues. I am also passionate about supporting individuals and couples experiencing difficulties and challenges related to family creation and parenthood such as infertility, miscarriage/stillbirth, infant loss, postpartum depression and anxiety, and family adjustment issues.
Whether you need individual, couples, family or children counselling- we have a counsellor best suited to your needs and journey.
We believe in your journey as a lifelong process of self-discovery and empowerment. We provide a strength-based, non-stigmatizing approach to counselling, acknowledging you are deserving of care and support. At Therapy Matters, you can release defences and reveal your full potential. We invite you to discover your resilience and embrace your unique perspective on life.
Whether you need individual, couples, family or children counselling- we have a counsellor best suited to your needs and journey.
We believe in your journey as a lifelong process of self-discovery and empowerment. We provide a strength-based, non-stigmatizing approach to counselling, acknowledging you are deserving of care and support. At Therapy Matters, you can release defences and reveal your full potential. We invite you to discover your resilience and embrace your unique perspective on life.
, mindfulness, family systems, interpersonal and dialectical-behavioural therapies).
I provide psychological services (i.e., assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, selective mutism, OCD, depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD, behavioural and learning problems, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), pediatric health conditions (e.g., selective eating, sleep problems), interpersonal problems, and difficulties adjusting to divorce, loss or life changes. I provide assessment and treatment services that are comprehensive and driven by the latest research and best practice guidelines.
, mindfulness, family systems, interpersonal and dialectical-behavioural therapies).
I provide psychological services (i.e., assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, selective mutism, OCD, depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD, behavioural and learning problems, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), pediatric health conditions (e.g., selective eating, sleep problems), interpersonal problems, and difficulties adjusting to divorce, loss or life changes. I provide assessment and treatment services that are comprehensive and driven by the latest research and best practice guidelines.
Peggy Clarkson Art Therapy and Consulting Services
Counsellor, MA, ATR, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
You deserve a space for you, and your family to receive professional support and care, in a safe, private and confidential environment.
Peggy is a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) specialist. She is a registered art therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical counsellor. Peggy works in Aboriginal health and has lived and worked rural, remote and on-reserve. She is currently on the faculty of 3 post graduate schools. Her work is influenced by ecopsychology, feminist, strengths-based, trauma-informed, approaches to wellness and healing. Peggy specializes with women, children, youth, adults and families. Peggy strives to reflect cultural-relational competency and honor diversity in leadership, project development, therapy and clinical supervisory capacities.
You deserve a space for you, and your family to receive professional support and care, in a safe, private and confidential environment.
Peggy is a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) specialist. She is a registered art therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical counsellor. Peggy works in Aboriginal health and has lived and worked rural, remote and on-reserve. She is currently on the faculty of 3 post graduate schools. Her work is influenced by ecopsychology, feminist, strengths-based, trauma-informed, approaches to wellness and healing. Peggy specializes with women, children, youth, adults and families. Peggy strives to reflect cultural-relational competency and honor diversity in leadership, project development, therapy and clinical supervisory capacities.
The following services are provided: Individual Therapy/ Couple and Family Therapy/ Group Therapy/ Adaptation/ Assertiveness/ Trauma/ Abuse/ Depression/ Anxiety/ Separation/ Bereavement/ Workshops/ Giftedness/ EMDR/ Child Therapy/ New Immigrants /Online Therapy.
Are you feeling down or anxious? We all, at some stage in our lives, may face difficult situations and life challenges. It may be related to our relationships, conflicts with family members, loss of a loved one, adaptation, education, or illness. Facing these challenges may lead us to lose hope and focus on daily life tasks and routines. These feelings may lead us to think, nothing will ever change or get better, or there is no bright tomorrow in our future. What’s important is the way we view things and with whom we can share our most personal thoughts, feelings, and fears. I'm here to support you in a non-judgmental way.
The following services are provided: Individual Therapy/ Couple and Family Therapy/ Group Therapy/ Adaptation/ Assertiveness/ Trauma/ Abuse/ Depression/ Anxiety/ Separation/ Bereavement/ Workshops/ Giftedness/ EMDR/ Child Therapy/ New Immigrants /Online Therapy.
Are you feeling down or anxious? We all, at some stage in our lives, may face difficult situations and life challenges. It may be related to our relationships, conflicts with family members, loss of a loved one, adaptation, education, or illness. Facing these challenges may lead us to lose hope and focus on daily life tasks and routines. These feelings may lead us to think, nothing will ever change or get better, or there is no bright tomorrow in our future. What’s important is the way we view things and with whom we can share our most personal thoughts, feelings, and fears. I'm here to support you in a non-judgmental way.
Alexandra Vittes
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7W (Online Only)
I enjoy helping people with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and have a particular interest in working with clients dealing with the often overwhelming stresses of starting a new family. I employ a variety of approaches, but work primarily from a Relational Psychodynamic perspective. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this method is the way in which it uses the relationship between therapist and client as an opportunity for healing and growth.
I enjoy helping people with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and have a particular interest in working with clients dealing with the often overwhelming stresses of starting a new family. I employ a variety of approaches, but work primarily from a Relational Psychodynamic perspective. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this method is the way in which it uses the relationship between therapist and client as an opportunity for healing and growth.
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Is your child struggling with challenges such as anxiety, peer conflict or emotion regulation? With over 12 years of experience in working with teens and kids, I am absolutely passionate about creating a comfortable and safe bond with my clients, using leading-edge interventions to help clients feel better, perform better and have more meaningful relationships with friends and family.
Is your child struggling with challenges such as anxiety, peer conflict or emotion regulation? With over 12 years of experience in working with teens and kids, I am absolutely passionate about creating a comfortable and safe bond with my clients, using leading-edge interventions to help clients feel better, perform better and have more meaningful relationships with friends and family.
Gillian Smith @ Catalyst Mind Center
Counsellor, PhD, CCC, CCC-S
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
When life throws challenges your way – whether it's navigating relationships with your partner, family, friends, or colleagues, dealing with anxiety, battling depression, or facing past traumas – I'm here to offer my support. Let's collaborate to create the changes you desire in your life. I'll provide you with the tools and techniques to overcome challenges and better manage whatever is on your mind. Your journey towards a more fulfilling life begins here.
When life throws challenges your way – whether it's navigating relationships with your partner, family, friends, or colleagues, dealing with anxiety, battling depression, or facing past traumas – I'm here to offer my support. Let's collaborate to create the changes you desire in your life. I'll provide you with the tools and techniques to overcome challenges and better manage whatever is on your mind. Your journey towards a more fulfilling life begins here.
Kerry Platt at Soul+Shine Therapy
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
In my somatic therapy practice, I blend somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), parts work, and nervous system regulation.
Hello. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapist. As a Somatic Therapist, I’m here to help you connect with your body’s wisdom and find healing through both physical and emotional exploration. My approach is warm and supportive, focusing on relieving stress, trauma, and chronic tension. My ideal client is open-hearted and curious, ready to explore their inner experiences with a gentle, collaborative approach. If you’re seeking a compassionate, warm space to enhance your well-being and find balance, I’m excited to support you.
In my somatic therapy practice, I blend somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), parts work, and nervous system regulation.
Hello. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapist. As a Somatic Therapist, I’m here to help you connect with your body’s wisdom and find healing through both physical and emotional exploration. My approach is warm and supportive, focusing on relieving stress, trauma, and chronic tension. My ideal client is open-hearted and curious, ready to explore their inner experiences with a gentle, collaborative approach. If you’re seeking a compassionate, warm space to enhance your well-being and find balance, I’m excited to support you.
My goal is to honour the dignity of each person in the room, so that you can experience support and encouragement in the specific ways you need as an individual, couple, or family.
Welcome to my practice. I believe that every person has the capacity for change. Counselling helps us unearth our internal compass, also called our inner intelligence, intuition, or higher self, so that we can relearn how to trust ourselves again. This is important work. Together, I will help you develop your capacity to respond to life's circumstances and manage the discomfort that you are experiencing. Our pain, anxiety, sadness, love, and joy all have important information for us. They can reveal what is required of us to heal, grow, and even thrive.
My goal is to honour the dignity of each person in the room, so that you can experience support and encouragement in the specific ways you need as an individual, couple, or family.
Welcome to my practice. I believe that every person has the capacity for change. Counselling helps us unearth our internal compass, also called our inner intelligence, intuition, or higher self, so that we can relearn how to trust ourselves again. This is important work. Together, I will help you develop your capacity to respond to life's circumstances and manage the discomfort that you are experiencing. Our pain, anxiety, sadness, love, and joy all have important information for us. They can reveal what is required of us to heal, grow, and even thrive.
Based in North Vancouver with over 20 years of individual, couple, and family counselling experience. My focus is on couples therapy and premarital counselling. I am Punjabi-speaking and fluent with the added pressures and challenges of cross-cultural family dynamics. I have specialized marriage and couples therapy training including: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, The Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator, and Bringing Baby Home Educator.
Based in North Vancouver with over 20 years of individual, couple, and family counselling experience. My focus is on couples therapy and premarital counselling. I am Punjabi-speaking and fluent with the added pressures and challenges of cross-cultural family dynamics. I have specialized marriage and couples therapy training including: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, The Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator, and Bringing Baby Home Educator.
My psychotherapeutic model uses Bowen Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy and a holistic approach exploring cognitive, behavioral and emotional issues that cause dysfunctional relationships, Healthy personal boundaries can help create safe family environments.
I am married and a mother of four with personal experience confronting the issues that couples and single parents face in parenting children through youth,adolescence and early adulthood. I have a deep understanding of the complex challenges parents and children must deal with in today's changing world. I also work with families that have been affected by the disease of alcohol and drug addiction. I educate,, give support in recovery and help families adjust to the many changes in family life after a loved one decides to make clean and sober decisions for a new start in life.
My psychotherapeutic model uses Bowen Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy and a holistic approach exploring cognitive, behavioral and emotional issues that cause dysfunctional relationships, Healthy personal boundaries can help create safe family environments.
I am married and a mother of four with personal experience confronting the issues that couples and single parents face in parenting children through youth,adolescence and early adulthood. I have a deep understanding of the complex challenges parents and children must deal with in today's changing world. I also work with families that have been affected by the disease of alcohol and drug addiction. I educate,, give support in recovery and help families adjust to the many changes in family life after a loved one decides to make clean and sober decisions for a new start in life.
You're struggling, stressed out, exhausted, and don't know what to do. Your friends and family mean well, but they don't get how hard this is for you or how bad you feel. Trying to be "positive" or "grateful" doesn't help you with things like kids' challenging behaviour, family conflict, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, a broken heart, loneliness, or feeling bad about yourself. It's making you irritable, anxious, and depressed. Sometimes you're not even sure how you feel, or how to make sense of what is going on.
You're struggling, stressed out, exhausted, and don't know what to do. Your friends and family mean well, but they don't get how hard this is for you or how bad you feel. Trying to be "positive" or "grateful" doesn't help you with things like kids' challenging behaviour, family conflict, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, a broken heart, loneliness, or feeling bad about yourself. It's making you irritable, anxious, and depressed. Sometimes you're not even sure how you feel, or how to make sense of what is going on.
In the world of problems, maybe none are more worth solving than those that plague children and families. Over 20 years, I have dedicated my practice to solving these problems by counselling parents, children & families and assisting them through high-conflict challenges. In March 2013, the Family Law Act changed whereby it now is rightly focused on the best interests of the child and makes it possible for families to work with a parental coordinator who has judicial authority to make legally binding decisions. This alternate dispute resolution allows for a more effective process so that children of high-conflict families are not stale mated.
In the world of problems, maybe none are more worth solving than those that plague children and families. Over 20 years, I have dedicated my practice to solving these problems by counselling parents, children & families and assisting them through high-conflict challenges. In March 2013, the Family Law Act changed whereby it now is rightly focused on the best interests of the child and makes it possible for families to work with a parental coordinator who has judicial authority to make legally binding decisions. This alternate dispute resolution allows for a more effective process so that children of high-conflict families are not stale mated.
Colleen Griffin
Counsellor, MSW, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7T (Online Only)
I draw from therapeutic tools such as CBT, EMDR (for trauma), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, DBT (for overwhelming emotions) and IFS (Internal Family Systems).
I am a therapist who works from where people are at, wherever that may be. This involves being non-judgemental, respectful, and providing a safe environment where individuals can work through and explore their personal issues. I have over 20 years experience that also includes working in the field of mental health outpatient services. When someone enters my virtual office, I try to fully understand, to the best of my ability, that individual's circumstance so that we can work collaboratively together and meet that person's goals. Together we explore one's inner and outer experience.
I draw from therapeutic tools such as CBT, EMDR (for trauma), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, DBT (for overwhelming emotions) and IFS (Internal Family Systems).
I am a therapist who works from where people are at, wherever that may be. This involves being non-judgemental, respectful, and providing a safe environment where individuals can work through and explore their personal issues. I have over 20 years experience that also includes working in the field of mental health outpatient services. When someone enters my virtual office, I try to fully understand, to the best of my ability, that individual's circumstance so that we can work collaboratively together and meet that person's goals. Together we explore one's inner and outer experience.
See more therapy options for West Vancouver
Family Therapy Counsellors
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.