Experiential, emotion-focused, attachment-based approach that treats the mind, body, and spirit.
Folks Served
Couples and individuals; individuals or parents of individuals with physical disabilities.
Typical topics: emotional connection and communication in relationships, relational trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use.
Supervision, Education, and Training
I am a BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. I have additional training in Narrative Therapy, Gottman Method, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Individuals. I receive regular supervision from accredited supervisors.
About Me
I chose to become a counsellor because I want others to feel encouraged to tell their story and empowered to have the life they want. My clients have described me as easy to talk to – perhaps because I approach conversations with warmth, compassionate curiosity, and a dash of enthusiasm. I’ve been told I ask good questions that help them to grow leaps and bounds as they carefully “peel back the layers” in a way that makes sense to them. And although counselling is a serious commitment, laughter is also healing medicine; so, we will likely share some lighter moments while also doing challenging work.
My Approach
I treat the whole person – your mind (thoughts, feelings), your body (brain, central nervous system), and your spirit (that which makes you feel most alive). Together – as we work through what’s holding you back – we will celebrate your strengths, your determination, and the successes you have along the way as you journey towards authenticity and genuine relationship within yourself and with others.
Education and knowledge – analyzing something intellectually – is important, but it’s the experiences that cause the transformation; we can know something, we can understand something, but until we experience it, we will tend to react the same as always. So while I draw upon a variety of therapeutic approaches, I focus on helping you have an experience in counselling that you feel in your bones; an experience that supports change at a deeper level – rewiring old habits and supporting the foundation for new ones that help you live the life you desire. I also focus on how you are showing up in our relationship, and how you want to show up in relationship with others. In clinical terms, my approach adopts a non-pathologizing, experiential, affective, and attachment-based orientation.
I know that first and foremost, an effective counselling relationship is the foundation of successful treatment – agreement on goals, agreement on the way in which we move in the direction of those goals, and the connection we have as individuals. Thus, to make us the best fit possible for you, I am committed to tailoring my approach to your needs. I seek feedback regularly to ensure you are getting the experience you want out of therapy. Ultimately, I strive to co-create a counselling relationship where you feel courageous and safe enough tell me what does and doesn’t work for you.
Diversity
As a short-statured individual with disabilities, I have had my own experiences of navigating a world not built for someone like me. Thus, as an ally to others who have faced challenges being accepted as they are, I work with people from all walks of life and provide affirmative, inclusive counselling for individuals of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, range of physical (dis-)abilities, and relationship styles (e.g., monogamy, consensual nonmonogamy).
Off-Time Activities
When not helping others, I am making music; learning new things; travelling; getting outdoors in the woods or on the water in a kayak; and having thought-provoking discussions with friends and family.
Contact Information
If you have any questions not answered here, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at kevin (at) coelevationcounselling (dot) ca. I will do my best to respond in 24-48 hours.
Favourite Quotes
“We practice how to express our love and how to receive another’s love. Love is an action.” - John Gottman
“In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - The Beatles
