Road To Hana★ 4.5 (25 reviews)1166 Alberni St #1101Open today until 7:00 PMView clinic

Emily Anderson, RCC

CounsellingWest End, Vancouver

About Emily

In my journey, I've naturally gravitated towards being a mediator and confidant, driven by genuine care. I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where others feel comfortable sharing. This way of being has lead me to a career in psychology counselling and art therapy, where I am able to facilitate growth and witness the resiliency of my clients as we begin to understand their past, navigate the present, and set future goals. I have often been drawn to both the arts and psychology, and started my journey as a mental health professional after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in art therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I later pursued a Master’s in Counselling Psychology; Art Therapy, from Adler University in Vancouver, which gave me the foundation to practice both counselling and art therapy. I find that creative collaboration when unpacking whatever may bring a client into the session is a natural part of the progression of our therapeutic time together. I have had years of experience which have included working with groups and individuals in recovery from substance abuse, folks living with developmental disabilities, indigenous recovery circles, and groups exploring the healing modalities of various expressive art therapies. I offer a compassionate, person-centered approach to healing in a comfortable and confidential environment. As a client, this means you will receive a level of care that allows you to feel seen, understood, and supported in a session that is tailored to your needs and concerns. Although I come from an arts-oriented background, I primarily work from a CBT, Narrative, or attachment- focused approach with a holistic focus. In my sessions, I consider all mental and social factors at work in a client’s life rather than just focusing on symptoms of a possible disorder. With this in mind, the approaches I use in sessions will often consider early attachment experiences, current relationship dynamics or patterns, and how various thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. Counselling has been such a helpful tool for me in navigating my own life’s challenges and I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I have been blessed with counsellors who have taught me strategies for navigating difficult emotions, unhelpful thoughts, and challenging experiences in my life. My time as a client has contributed to the counsellor I am today and I’m more than happy to continue to pass the knowledge and techniques down to help others reach their goals. I consider inclusivity, cultural competence, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed care a few of many ethical requirements in my personal and professional practice. I am a certified counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC) with a professional membership with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the BC Art Therapy Association (BCATA) currently pending for approval. One of my favourite artists, Frida Kahlo once said “I am my own muse, I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better.” - and this is so accurate to all our individual experiences, and as a counsellor I assist in the strengthening of client’s self-understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to share your narrative with me, fostering a collaborative journey towards achieving your aspirations.

Often treats: AbuseAnxietyBody ImageBullyingCodependencyDepressionEmotional AbusePostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Suicidal ThoughtsSuicideTraumaWomen's IssuesWorkplace stress
Credentials: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)