ABOUT
Finding a counsellor is not an easy task. The search can be exhausting, especially when it seems you have endless options. I’m Adriana and I’m glad you arrived here.
I am a curious and compassionate person by nature, and this comes through in my therapeutic approach. My clients describe their sessions as a place of refuge, where they feel accepted and understood. I work hard for my clients, and you will find that I truly appreciate my role in your journey.
I have been studying and working in the field of counselling psychology since 2002. I continually seek to deepen my understanding through ongoing education along with clinical supervision, mentorship, and personal counselling. During this time, I have gained:
- a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology,
- a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care Counselling,
- registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors,
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher,
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapist,
- approved Clinical Supervisor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
I have found mindfulness to be one of the most powerful ways of healing, for myself and for my clients. Mindfulness cultivates inner peace and acceptance, which are at the core of mental and emotional wellness. Everyday, I learn how to slow down and reconnect with life in a meaningful way through mindfulness, and I can help you do the same. Aside from clinical counselling, I offer complimentary introduction to mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) workshops regularly.
Counselling can transform your life in profound ways. I am skilled in treating a wide range of psychological concerns including:
- depression and anxiety,
- experience of trauma,
- grief and loss,
- life transitions,
- personal growth and development,
- relationship issues and,
- stress management.
I believe it does not matter how long you have suffered or how low you feel relief is always possible.
I offer a 20-minute complimentary initial consultation. Sessions are virtual or in person. I work with adolescents and adults.
My work is grounded in mindfulness-based, holistic approaches that are both trauma informed and evidence-based.
Mindfulness-based: Apart from integrating specific techniques, mindfulness-based therapy is a way of being present with you in the room, one that pays deep attention to what is happening moment to moment, and supports you with kindness, curiosity, and non-judgment.
Holistic: Holistic therapy considers your social, emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects while promoting a deeper awareness of their interconnectedness.
Trauma informed: Many individuals have been impacted by trauma, and mental and emotional unbalance can be related to this. I am skilled in recognizing symptoms and responding effectively in a way that prioritizes safety.
Evidence-based: I adhere to theoretical and therapeutic practices that are grounded in research and are proven to be effective.
I work collaboratively with you and at your own pace.
Theoretical frameworks that guide my clinical practice include:
- acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),
- attachment based therapy,
- brief solution focused therapy,
- cognitive behavioral therapy,
- compassion based therapy,
- developmental psychology,
- dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT),
- eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR),
- emotion focused family therapy (EFFT),
- humanistic psychology,
- mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT),
- mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR),
- motivational interviewing,
- psychodynamic psychology,
- psychoeducation,
- Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy.
I care about you and your story. You can trust that I will treat you with respect, dignity and compassion in every interaction while maintaining the highest standards for integrity and ethics.