Relational Therapy Therapists in Canada

I found early on that my passion in life is to help others work through life's struggles. That, combined with my natural ability to connect in a real way with others, led me to the counselling field over nineteen years ago. I have my Masters of Arts in Counselling and have experience working with individuals, couples, children and teens. During my years as a counsellor, I have helped individuals work through anxiety, depression, low self worth, work stress, grief and loss, to name a few. I have helped couples navigate through issues both to help stay within and working on the relationship, as well as how to amicably separate when the couple feels that is in their best interest. I have many years experience working with families involved with foster care and the protective services forum, and specifically have experience working with parents on achieving a positive, working family. Wondering if counselling is the right next step? Life can be difficult. Let's work through this together.

I am a first(ish) generation Canadian, originally from western Ukraine. I work primarily with folks who moved to Canada or have family that has moved to Canada from other places. The clients that find me a good fit want somebody who is comfortable with diverse perspectives, and is somebody they can connect with, versus strictly being someone who provides educational resources and exercises. This is what I strive to be as a therapist, to "get" my clients and where they are coming from, so that our work together is anchored in understanding and trust. My practice is highly influenced by attachment theory, relational/interpersonal therapy and family systems theory. This means that we look at struggles you're facing not only on an individual level, but also with the goal of helping you find relationships of care and support in your everyday life. If you're interested in working with me, reach out and I'd be happy to schedule a free consultation call with you.

Hi, I’m Larissa (she/her). I navigate the world as a queer, cis woman with mixed ancestry. My mom’s side being settlers from Europe and my dad’s family being Coast Salish from Sq’ewqétl (Skowkale) First Nation. That in-between space shapes how I understand identity belonging, and the complexity of people’s experiences. My counselling approach is flexible and relational, drawing from person-centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness and rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care. I recognize that many of the struggles we carry are shaped not just internally, but by the systems and environments we exist in. I work with young adults and adults, including women and folx who identify as queer and LGBTQIA+, and aim to create a space where all parts of you are welcome, even and especially the messy or uncertain ones. Outside of counselling, I enjoy slowing down through arts and crafts (most recently diamond art and junk journaling) and spending time with my therapy cat (who often likes to sit in on work-from-home sessions). I also love exploring new places, whether that’s close to home or another country. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Taking the first step toward therapy can be challenging and overwhelming. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing any challenges you may be facing. Whether its anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or managing school and career stress – we can work together to empower you to modify those thoughts and behaviours that are no longer serving you. I work from a strengths-based perspective, guided by cognitive behavioural, attachment based and mindfulness based therapeutic approaches. I also offer couples therapy for partners who want to strengthen their connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges with greater understanding and care.

Are you someone who feels things deeply, maybe more than the people around you do? You may notice yourself feeling disconnected from others, finding it challenging to form the kind of relationships you want in your life. For many, this comes from living through experiences that can create a “before” and “after,” shifting their sense of safety, identity, or connection. These are often the quiet marks of trauma, even when we do not call them that. As a therapist, I explore how pain can shape us, offering a space where you can slow down, understand your story more deeply, and move toward change with care and intention. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and MA Counselling Psychology student under clinical supervision, I work from a trauma-informed perspective, drawing on psychodynamic and somatic approaches to support clients in processing difficult experiences, strengthening distress tolerance, and reconnecting with their inner resources to help move forward. Together, we’ll work toward steadier moods, healthier relationships, and a renewed connection to the parts of yourself that may have been silenced. If interested, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary 20-minute consultation to explore whether my supportive services are the right fit for you.