About
I am a Registered Psychologist with both the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (#2869) and the College of Alberta Psychologists (#5142).
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Specializing in supporting adults facing challenges such as trauma, PTSD, substance use and addictions. I also offer counselling for a range of psychological and emotional issues including ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and disordered eating.
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With over a decade of experience, I've dedicated my career to helping adults navigate substance use, trauma, and various mental health concerns across community, treatment, and clinical settings.
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Early in my journey, I focused on supporting Indigenous youth, women, and families impacted by intergenerational trauma. Over the past eight years, I've honed my expertise in trauma and addictions through diverse therapeutic settings, including occupational rehabilitation, intensive group therapy, inpatient residential addiction treatment, and intensive outpatient substance use treatment programs.
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Currently, I devote part of my time to an interdisciplinary addiction and mental health care clinic, where I provide specialized care for adults and trauma-exposed work professionals, including first responders and public safety personnel grappling with work-related injuries and concurrent disorders such as PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, persistent pain, and substance use.
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I have completed training related to understanding the culture and unique therapeutic needs of trauma exposed professionals (i.e. first responders, RCMP, firefighters, veterans, correctional officers, and police officers) and I am listed on the Wounded Warriors Canada and First Responder Health directory of occupationally aware providers.
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I offer a warm, empathetic, and compassionate approach to support you in realizing your inherent strengths to work through difficult issues and develop new ways of coping.
Professional Memberships and Education Background
College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (#2869)
College of Psychologists of BC (#2869)
College of Alberta Psychologists (#5142)
British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) – Member 2021-2023
British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA)
Psychological Association of Alberta (PAA)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) #224567
NADAAC Association for Addiction Professionals #272832
Masters in Counselling Psychology - Athabasca Graduate Centre of Applied Psychology
Bachelor’s Degree, Major Sociology, Minor Psychology – Mount Royal University
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"Build a life worth living"
Marsha M. Linehan
Services
Therapeutic Approach
I was drawn to becoming a psychologist because of my deep compassion and empathy for others. I have been truly amazed by the courage and resilience of individuals I’ve worked with, especially through experiences of adversity. I believe that every individual is often doing the best they can. Sometimes we may lose our way or need a bit of support to get back to a healthier way of living.
My approach to counselling is holistic, client-centered, evidence-based and compassionate. My goal as a therapist is to help you find fulfillment and happiness in your life again. This may involve looking back at life experiences that may have shaped the way you view yourself, relationships, and the world around you. It may also involve learning new skills, changing a behaviour, setting boundaries, and learning different ways responding in the moment. In a safe space, we will collaborate together to individualize a plan to help you feel confident in handling life's challenges and the unknowns.
I provide telehealth services to all areas of BC and Alberta through a secure telehealth platform. Online counselling can be helpful for individuals who live in rural areas with few mental health resources, have mobility or health issues, childcare challenges, or difficult work schedules. Additionally, I offer in-person sessions at an office in Kitsilano, BC.
My areas of specialty are:
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Trauma / Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Addictions
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I provide counselling to adults in the following areas:
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Anxiety (generalized, panic attacks, social anxiety)
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Depression
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Assertiveness
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Complex PTSD
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Burnout
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Grief/Loss
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Life Transitions
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Disordered Eating and Body Image
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Personality Disorders
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Interpersonal Difficulties
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Distress/stress Management
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Self-esteem and Confidence
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Anger Management
I am trained in the following approaches:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
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Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT)
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Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
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Psychodynamic Theory
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Motivational Interviewing
What to expect
If you have never been to therapy before it can be hard to know what to expect. Therapy can be tremendously helpful in reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompanies personal struggle. You may find relief in being able to talk to someone about difficult things, particularly if you are feeling misunderstood or lost about what to do. Sessions are focused around you and why you are coming to therapy. I often ask for some background information as part of your intake paperwork, and we discuss what has brought you to seek support. Therapy is focused on your individual needs that we will discuss collaboratively. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of counselling. I strive to help you feel safe and comfortable in exploring your concerns through a warm and welcoming approach.
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Some examples of what we may work on together include:
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Building compassion and understanding for yourself.
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Learning how to utilize inherent strengths.
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Setting healthy boundaries with others and prioritizing own needs.
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Developing new coping strategies.
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Recognizing and understanding patterns of behavior.
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Confronting and working through trauma.
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Changing a perspective or behaviour.
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Problem solving to overcome challenges.
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Working to reduce stress.
Fees
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if my services may be right for you. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!
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Fees are based upon the recommended rates set by the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA) for a 50-minute session. My fees are $235 per hourly session. Extended health plans often cover services provided by a Registered Psychologist and you will be issued a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement. Payment is due at the beginning of each session in the form of e-transfer or credit card through the Jane app.
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Coverage is often provided through many extended health care plans such as Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage provided through these plans varies and you are encouraged to check with your plan’s “psychological services” to determine the amount of coverage. Some plans may require a physician’s referral. I am a registered provider with the Non-Insured Health Benefit Plan for eligible First Nations and Inuit in BC and an approved provider for First Nations Heath Authority (FNHA) and Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). Additionally, I am a provider for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and direct bill through Medavie Blue Cross.
Full session fee may be charged for no shows or appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your appointment time has been scheduled for you and cannot always be filled on short notice. Exceptions may be made in case of emergency.
Resources
If you are in need of medical assistance, please contact HealthLink BC at 811 (dial 811 for toll free support) or your family physician's office. If you require urgent mental health support, please contact the Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8. Alternatively, contact 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
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The Canadian Suicide Prevention Service 1.833.456.4566 https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
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The Crisis Centre of BC https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/
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Domestic Abuse Help in Canada https://www.domesticshelters.org/en-ca/domestic-abuse-help-in-canada
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Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Support is also available via text and online chat.
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Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 Support is also available via online chat.
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National Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 Helpline run by and for trans people.
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Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com Information to help understand and manage anxiety through online tools and evidence-based resources.
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Vancouver Crisis Centre: https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/ Information regarding crisis and suicide, including how to help and where to turn for additional support
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BC First Responders Mental Health: https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com Mental health support and resources for first responders
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Depression Hurts: http://depressionhurts.ca/ Online tools, resources, and support for managing depression.
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Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.co Current issues on a variety of psychological topics, and a referral service.
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PTSD Coach Canada: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/resources/stay-connected/mobile-app/ptsd-coach-canada Mobile app created by Veterans Affairs Canada providing information regarding symptoms that can occur after trauma.
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PainBC: https://www.painbc.ca Information on the self-management of chronic pain and available support groups, as well as webinars, events, newsletters, and much more.
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BC Psychological Association: https://www.psychologists.bc.ca Information regarding psychological services in BC and fact sheets on mental health, and a referral service.
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College of Psychologists of BC: https://collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca Information about the practice and regulation of psychology, filing a complaint, and verifying the qualifications of a Registered Psychologist.
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College of Alberta Psychologists: https://www.cap.ab.ca/ Information about the practice and regulation of psychology, filing a complaint, and verifying the qualifications of a Registered Psychologist.
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College of Health and Care Professionals of BC: https://chcpbc.org/ Information about the practice and regulation of psychology, filing a complaint, and verifying the qualifications of a Registered Psychologist.
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Wounded Warriors Canada https://woundedwarriors.ca Resources for first responders, veterans, and trauma exposed professionals and their families.
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First Nations Health Authority: https://www.fnha.ca/ Resources and programs for health and wellness.
Addiction and Substance Use
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Center for Addiction and Mental Health www.camh.ca
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BC Mental Health & Substance use https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use
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BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services http://www.bcmhsus.ca
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Pathways Chilliwack and Fraser Valley Commnunity Service Directory https://chilliwack-fraserhealthrural.pathwaysbc.ca
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First Nations Health Authority https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/mental-wellness-and-substance-use/treatment-centres
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I acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the following ancestral and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Coast Salish peoples, specifically Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), SÉ™lÌ“ílwÉ™taÊ”/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xÊ·mÉ™θkwÉ™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam) Nations.
Contact Me
Contact me today to book a free 15-minute consultation or to learn more.
Please note - I am not able to provide crisis or emergency support. If you require urgent care, please contact your local emergency service or crisis line. For additional resources, please see my Resources page.