Counselling - Couples / Family

Steadfast’s counsellors employ a variety of philosophies, such as Attachment theory, Family Systems theory, Rogerian and much more. Our therapists are well trained in the Gestalt model, Emotionally Focused Therapy, new approaches to trauma, and non-violent communication, so that we can match the right counselling approach to your situation. We truly believe that you can have the kind of life an... Read More

Steadfast’s counsellors employ a variety of philosophies, such as Attachment theory, Family Systems theory, Rogerian and much more. Our therapists are well trained in the Gestalt model, Emotionally Focused Therapy, new approaches to trauma, and non-violent communication, so that we can match the right counselling approach to your situation. We truly believe that you can have the kind of life and relationships you want.


Counselling - Individual

Steadfast Counselling uses online video technology created by Jane Software Inc in North Vancouver, specifically for practitioners serving their clients. It is a “peer-to-peer” audiovisual connection meaning that the traffic flows between the two users’ browsers, bypassing any servers. The call is also encrypted in transit and none of the data is stored anywhere, at any time. Plus, video, audio... Read More

Steadfast Counselling uses online video technology created by Jane Software Inc in North Vancouver, specifically for practitioners serving their clients. It is a “peer-to-peer” audiovisual connection meaning that the traffic flows between the two users’ browsers, bypassing any servers. The call is also encrypted in transit and none of the data is stored anywhere, at any time. Plus, video, audio and chat content cannot be recorded during the call. This ensures clients’ privacy and that our online sessions are compliant with all federal and provincial privacy legislation. A link to join online video will be sent to you 30 minutes prior to your appointment..


Free Consultation

Free 15 minutes consultation with any counsellors. The purpose is for you to ask questions and find the right connection for your therapy journey.

Jessica Brown is a Registered Professional Counsellor-Candidate (RPC-C #4110) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). In addition, she will be working with a qualified Clinical Supervisor (QCS).

A bit about me:

I was born in Lima, Peru. I grew up under my grandparents’ care as my mother was a single mom who worked long hours. During my teenage years I enjoyed writing stories and loved taking in & caring for stray dogs. Many years later, as a young adult, I met a gentle Canadian, Cody who was travelling through South America. We became good friends soon and a year later, we got married in Lima. Afterwards, I moved with him to Canada. We’ve been married now for over 17 years. At home, we have two fluffy 14-year-old bichon poodles who bring much joy into our lives.

I’ve found that growing up in Latin America has enriched my world perspective in many ways. Perhaps most importantly it has allowed me to counsel many clients who have immigrated to Canada, just like me, in their native language. Being able to offer counselling in Spanish has been particularly rewarding as communication is a powerful bridge.

Also, I am quite passionate about helping women and men who are experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, shame, grief and loss. Through counselling, my goal is to help them recognize their innate strength in the midst of pain. Another huge passion of mine involves counselling couples. Because of this, I am pursuing further training in couples’ counselling. Being able to provide couples with a safe space to heal, to hear their joint story as well as their individual stories allows me to provide them with the necessary tools that can help them overcome their struggles. My hope is to help you both find a new meaning as a couple and reconnect in a deeper way.

Being a counsellor means the world to me. I believe that to counsel is my calling and my purpose. To help people in moments of struggle and pain deeply humbles me as I recognize how as humans, we are all vulnerable to pain and suffering. Yet, there is something incredibly beautiful about walking alongside someone who needs a helping hand. I always feel honoured and deeply blessed by listening to my client’s life stories, their moments of struggle and ache as well as their moments of great breakthrough.

Through counselling I have been given the enormous privilege of witnessing the strength of the human heart. Despite your circumstances, I’d like to remind you that you are uniquely special, there is no one in the world like you. You have a purpose. If you let me, I’d like to be part of your journey as a fellow traveller who believes in you.

Jessica’s Approach in Counselling:

Jessica seeks to care for her client’s emotional, psychological and spiritual growth. My aim is to nurture your needs providing you with wholesome counsel and therapeutic tools that encourages you to live life to the fullest. My philosophical approach to counselling is eclectic and holistic in nature. I will employ a variety of techniques from various counselling models and therapies.

In addition, for clients who hold a Christian worldview and desire to receive counselling through this faith-based approach, I am happy to incorporate spiritual techniques that are in alignment with your belief system such as prayer, meditation and Bible scriptures as I was also trained in Christian Counselling.

Therapeutic Modalities:

Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Christian Counselling.

Education:

Counselling Diploma- Pacific Life Bible College- 2019 Registered Professional Counselor- Candidate, RPC- C #4110 with Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) - 2020 Dynamics of Biblical Change course- Christian Counselling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) - 2021 The Mirror of Trauma Workshop, (Canadian Professional Counsellors Association)- 2022 Gottman Couples Method: Bridging the Couple Chasm- Level 1 (Present)

Jessica Brown is a Registered Professional Counsellor-Candidate (RPC-C #4110) with the Canadian P... Read More

Kari Gundersen (she/her) is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC #2701) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). Kari is a graduate of Clearmind International Institute with a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling.

Treatment Philosophy

Kari helps people of all genders to improve their emotional and relational intelligence; heal from stress or trauma; and live smoother, deeper, more meaningful lives. She believes that professional counselling adds quality to any kind of life experience. Yes, come to counselling when you’re feeling stuck and depressed, but also come when you’re feeling ready to grow into your fuller potential and take on something new!

A typical session with her includes compassionate conversation with a healthy dose of critical thinking and philosophical theory. Deeper work might include some inspired breathwork or guided meditation. She may encourage you to try an art therapy exercise as homework between meetings. Her aim is that you will gain some kind of therapeutic learning from every single session.

Kari is also a certified Yoga Nidra practitioner, a gentle form of hypnotherapy that eases the brain into Theta waves, a deeply relaxed and trance-like state of focused attention, where the subconscious mind can be collaboratively re-programmed to problem solve, and address core beliefs or behavioural issues.

Kari comes from a lifelong background in the Arts as a formally trained dancer, photographer, set designer, and gallery manager before her journey into the healing world. She is an imaginative, visual thinker who will connect you to your own inner creativity.

Issues Anxiety & Depression Stress, Trauma, or Domestic Abuse Emotional Struggle & Crisis Healthy Communication & Relationship Skills Breakups, Life Transitions & Big Decisions Re-Discovering the Real You Career Guidance & Goal Setting Addiction Recovery & Harm Reduction Sexuality & Gender Expression Pro-Choice Abortion Support Sex Worker Support

Therapeutic Methods Holistic Psychotherapy Bowen Family Systems Polyvagal Theory Inner Child Work Hypnotherapy Psychoanalytic Compassionate Inquiry Person-Centred Creative Arts Therapy Yoga Inspired / Body Mind Soul Post-Traumatic Growth

Education

Dr. Gabor Maté – Healing Trauma & Addiction Certificate Allura Sex Therapy Centre – Sexually Competent Therapist Certificate University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada Certificate Abortion Support Services Atlantic – Abortion Doula Certificate Vancouver School of Healing Arts – Hatha Yoga Teacher Certificate (RYT) Fine Balance Yoga – Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certificate Semperviva Yoga – Yoga Nidra Teacher Certificate Clearmind International Institute – Therapeutic Counselling Psychology Diploma (RTC) Dalhousie University – Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

Kari Gundersen (she/her) is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC #2701) with the Association ... Read More

Christa Huntley is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC#2885) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). Christa holds a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling from Clearmind International Institute.

I believe that in each of our struggles, there are opportunities to discover new and deeper layers of ourselves. We all have unique experiences that shape who we are, and our mistakes do not define us.

At our core, each of us is inherently worthy of love and acceptance. I am here to walk alongside my clients exactly where they are at on their unique path, and create an environment of warmth and safety with an open, compassionate heart. I am here to help clients find balance and thrive as their authentic self, in the midst of life’s challenges.

Therapeutic Modality and Approach to Counselling

The foundation of my approach comes from a Transpersonal Therapeutic perspective. which considers that we are more than the sum of our life experiences. The foundation of my training includes Family Systems Theory, Person-Centered and Gestalt therapeutic approaches. In sessions, I may ask questions about your overall health, wellbeing and family history, in order to bring context to your current struggles. During sessions you may experience strong emotions or uncomfortable feelings. All feelings are welcome, and I will adapt my approach to meet your individual needs.

Education & Certifications

  • Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with ACCT (#2885) – 2021
  • Trauma-Informed Practice – Level 2 Certificate, Alyson Quinn, Trauma Informed Practice Institute – 2021
  • Trauma-Informed Practice – Level 1 Certificate, Alyson Quinn, Trauma Informed Practice Institute – 2021
  • Transpersonal Therapeutic Counsellor Training Program, Clearmind International – 2018-2021
  • Leaders Who Inspire Development Program, Coast Capital Savings Corporate Learning – 2017

Christa Huntley is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC#2885) with the Association of Coopera... Read More

Alexa McEwen (she/her), is a Registered Therapeutic Candidate Counsellor (RTCc #3246 ) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) and a graduate of Clearmind International Institute with a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling. Alexa is a white settler of predominantly Scottish heritage located in Vancouver B.C the unceded and unsurrendered Coast Salish Territory; traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

My goal is to provide a non-judgmental space where you can process and explore your unique path. Through our work together I aspire to empower you to express your authentic self without unconscious beliefs and behaviors getting in your way. Informed by my background as a holistic nutritionist and yoga teacher, my approach integrates various facets of well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of life and uncover the strength within you.

Areas of focus

•Trauma informed

•Disordered Eating and body image with an understanding of Anti Diet culture

•Anxiety and depression

•Relationship challenges

•Grief and Loss

•Anti Oppressive lens

Modalities

•Family Systems

•Internal Family systems

•Attachment Theory

•Person Centered

I understand the immense courage it takes to engage in vulnerable counselling work.

Throughout my life, I assumed a caretaker role in my family, striving to prove my worth and belonging through self-sacrifice. This journey led me to overlook my own emotional needs and question my deservingness of meaningful relationships without overextending myself. It’s been a transformative experience in therapy to realize that everyone, myself included, deserve support, imperfections and all. Sharing my authentic self has shown me the power of vulnerability and the joy of receiving support.

Education

2023 Internal Family Systems Master Class: Experience IFS in Action with Complex Trauma and PTSD

2022 Heal Your Relationship With Food Intro To Intuitive Eating with Tiffany Roe

2020-2023 Clearmind international Diploma in Transpersonal counselling

2015 Karma Teachers 200hr Yoga teacher training

2012-2014 Canadian school of Holistic Nutrition Diploma in Holistic Nutrition

2005-2008 Vancouver Community College - Diploma in Classical Voice

Alexa McEwen (she/her), is a Registered Therapeutic Candidate Counsellor (RTCc #3246 ) with the A... Read More

Patrick McGill is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). Registration number 2490. He is a graduate of Clearmind International Institute with a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling. Patrick has an open heart, compassion and inquisitive mind in counselling in identifying were the struggles in our life arise, to help identify those areas, those patterns and dynamics that show up in our life, were we get stuck, stuck on that loop, that don’t allow ourselves to live our life to the fullest. I was led into counselling in a large part from my own personal and family experiences. I had a feeling of wanting more, that I was just going through the motions of life, not being true to myself and my abilities. Lacking fulfillment, purpose and joy, expecting to find it from my family, relationships, friends, all while not giving it to myself. That brought to take steps to discover and look at my life and who I wanted to be in it. I got support and starting learning of grief, loss and change and how to deal, how to cope and feel and be me in all of it. Learning that each individual struggle is unique and sacred and that it can not be rushed and our bodies need to feel and learn our way through these experiences.

Treatment Philosophy

My vision is to support clients to discover their fullest potential, to believe in their abilities, to have that self trust and confidence in their lives. To be able to respond and remember the truth and trust in themselves when those struggles of life that show up, Love, loss, grief and change and to be able to express it in a healthy way, not holding on to it and have it negatively effect their relationship with themselves and the other around them, but to learn and have the tools to deal and express and still be hold on to their true selves in it. In counselling, we start to heal the beliefs that keep each and every one of us separate, and we walk towards intimacy and connection. In life there is no guide or manual, therefore, sessions do not follow a prescribed formula; they are a process, and it is you that sets the curriculum and the pace. I am there to support and facilitate you reaching your goals. In counselling, it is my belief that it is a process in which everyone needs to show up fully and be accountable for the success of your goals and my commitment to my clients and myself to attain their life’s goals is important to me, as it is to them, supporting them through their journey inward to discovery of peace and freedom in their lives. Some of the counseling frameworks I draw from have their background in Bowen Family Systems theory, Gestalt therapy, dealing in individual, families, couples and group counselling. I believe that know one has to struggle alone, that it is one of the bravest things anyone can do is to reach out and ask for support around their struggles. Compassion, non-judgemental presence that supports you in exploring what you need in order to expand and to reclaim the gifts of the past, and to find your own direction from the inside, Being with you at your wall or edge.

Patrick McGill is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counsel... Read More

Nate Torhjelm is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). Registration number 2443. He is a graduate of Clearmind International Institute with a diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling.

As a counsellor I work with individuals and couples to help unlock those stuck places that leave us running the same old patterns over and over again. I am here to support you and to help you uncover the solutions that, although they might be hidden, exist within you. The key often lies in how we view the problem. Sometimes our patterns of thought and behavior are so ingrained that without awareness, we are unable to see new options. As awareness increases, we become more capable of choosing a new perspective.

My commitment to you is to be thee with you as you work through this difficult time and help you get to the other side.

There is hope.

Currently I am a shadow facilitator/teacher with Clearmind international teaching and supporting second year students. The second year of the course is where we begin teaching about practicing one on one counselling and learning about different approaches and models for counselling. Over the years I have supported and assisted at several workshops and assisted in group therapy sessions. In my practice I use Attachment theory, Bowen’s Family systems theory, Gestalt method, person centered therapy and Transpersonal counselling.

Nate Torhjelm is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counsell... Read More

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New Westminster
Located at: #424 - 604 Columbia Street, New Westminster
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