My name is Rita Benci and I am currently completing a masters degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University. With over 15 years of employment in the social services sector, my experiences have shown me the impact that an authentic connection with others can have and the inherent strength that individuals possess for coping with life’s most difficult challenges.

I take a collaborative, holistic, and strengths-based approach to working with clients, supporting them in being the authors of their own lives. Although my preferences are for Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-based interventions, I believe that treatment options must be specific to you as a unique individual. My goal is to provide you with a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space as we navigate your healing journey together.

My name is Rita Benci and I am currently completing a masters degree in counselling psychology at... Read More

Hello and welcome!

Shawna (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Health Education and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology – weaving together learned and living knowledge of the body, mind, and power of community. She identifies as a white, cis, hetero, able-bodied female, and as an uninvited settler on Indigenous lands often referred to as Vancouver. Shawna is a systemic thinker, and believes that you hold wisdom within, that your experiences are valid, and that the methods you use to cope and interact in the world make perfect sense given all you’ve been through. Your stories are sacred to her, and she considers it an honour to hold hope and compassion with you (even when it feels impossible). She will welcome you just as you are with respect, warmth, curiosity, and kindness.

Counselling Style: A journey with Shawna is strengths-based, customized to the individual, and a creative process. She integrates therapies based on evidence, intuition, and from her own experiences as a client. Shawna works from the heart to form a soft landing where you can explore the things that make you human. As an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed therapist, she is person-centered (believes you are the expert of your life) and utilizes dialectic behavior therapy (DBT), mindful self-compassion, parts work (loving all of our parts), narrative (re-authoring our life), and somatic (body-based) practices. She also provides resources and out-of-session care activities if this is of interest to the individual. No matter what you are going through, Shawna will ensure you hold control and choice throughout the therapeutic process.

Areas of Focus: self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety & stress management, professional/career issues, shame & guilt, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & relationship challenges.

Stages of Therapy: The first stage in therapy with Shawna is all about finding solid ground and clarity – spending time establishing safety and trust, ensuring holistic care, and getting clear on goals. Once there is a foundation, therapy becomes more exploratory and there is a collaborative energy on finding new ways of being that feel better mentally and physically to you. Shawna is with you every step of the way as you move towards the restoration, peace, and accomplishment you want.

Hello and welcome! Shawna (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Bachelor of... Read More

My name is Ailee Gilron. I am currently completing my masters in counselling psychology at Yorkville University and have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria.

I am curious, person-centered, and interested in individual experiences and coping methods. My approach is holistic while using cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy through an Adlerian lens. My main goal is to build deep and trusting relationships with my clients and to make them feel heard and understood.

I encourage laughter, humour, and positivity as much as possible. I like to use motivational interviewing in a solution-focused way to encourage a client to work towards their goals.

My name is Ailee Gilron. I am currently completing my masters in counselling psychology at Yorkvi... Read More

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and I graduated with a Masters of Science degree with specialization in Clinical Psychology in 2008. I have collaboratively worked and have provided assessment and treatment services to individuals of all ages from early childhood to the later years as well as relationship counselling and family therapy. I specialize in the areas of trauma, relationship conflict, eating disorders, substance use, life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety disorders and parenting concerns.

My training, years of experience and advanced level training in various therapeutic techniques have prepared me to work with people in a way that honours peoples stories, experiences, struggles and strengths while supporting their therapeutic goals. I have advanced level training in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Trauma Informed Practice, Attachment Based Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Response Based Therapy for victims of Violence to draw from in supporting you to make changes that support you in managing your struggles and developing a better sense of yourself and what works for you.

Through our consultations together we will explore what patterns you may be currently caught in that aren’t helpful and work ways to address struggles in your life to allow you to experience more freedom. I believe that people are separate from their problems and with the right resources and supports that people can overcome difficulties and experience more meaningful ways of being in relationships, work and life.

Therapy can be a safe space to challenge yourself to make changes that support your emotional and psychological health and contribute to your overall mental and physical health and wellbeing. I often ask people “Are you living your preferred life?” as so many of us seem to have been pulled in directions that move us away for our values and beliefs. In our work together we will explore and plan how to get back to connecting with yourself and your loved ones and living an enjoyable life that promotes your goals and most importantly sustains and empowers you! I look forward to engaging in this journey with you.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and I... Read More

Hayden is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and he holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University.

Hayden has worked with adults with moderate to severe substance use and mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma) in inpatient treatment. He also has experience counselling in private practice, high school, and non-profit settings. Hayden has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, as well as conducting case management services and facilitating psychoeducational workshops on healthy relationships, meaning & purpose and emotional regulation.

Hayden is a trauma-informed and person-centred practitioner meeting individuals where they are with empathy and non-judgment, and he understands that the alliance he has with those he helps is fundamental to their healing and growth. He believes individuals hold the keys to their own transformation, and he uses a combination of cognitive-behavioural, existential-humanistic and mindfulness-based therapies to help guide his clients to uncover their inner-wisdom leading them to greater life fulfilment.

Hayden is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical C... Read More

I have a Master of Arts (M.A.) in counselling psychology degree. I have completed practicum experience at Nicomekl Elementary, AIDS Vancouver, Native Courtworker and Counselling Association, and Health Initiative for Men (HIM). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

I provide counselling from a cognitive-behavioural, psychoeducational, and trauma-informed perspective. I use CBT, gestalt, mindfulness, and play therapy interventions and strategies. Overall, I practice within humanistic, social justice, and biopsychosocial theoretical frameworks.

I specialize in helping adult clients living with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, career concerns, sleep disturbances, and relationship and family difficulties. I also help clients who are members of the LGBT+ community, and those who are living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), or who has a loved one living with ALS.

I work with adult individuals and couples, and with clients who have experienced varying degrees of counselling success.

We will explore how your thoughts and behaviours influence your concerns. Specifically, we will identify the thoughts and behaviours that may be unhelpful for you or unwelcomed. We will then discuss alternatives to those thoughts and/or behavioural patterns with the goal being for positive and sustainable change that is right for you.

You may not have the vocabulary or confidence to describe your situation or how you feel - that’s okay! My approach is to allow you to feel at ease with the process and trusting me with where you are at in your healing journey. I work at your pace and meet you where you are at, so that you feel safe and comfortable with the whole experience.

I have a Master of Arts (M.A.) in counselling psychology degree. I have completed practicum exper... Read More

Hi there, welcome!

At an early age and throughout my life, as I have struggled with life’s ebbs and flows, I have realized how support and connection can provide people with a space for discovery. Through my own personal experiences, I have learned how essential it is to have a space to be heard. I believe in supporting those who are struggling to have a voice, and for that voice to provide a pathway towards growth and wellness. I am passionate about people, healing and supporting those who need it most.

In our sessions, I want clients to feel valued and heard. I truly believe each person possesses their own unique qualities and skills, to manage life’s difficulties. My goal is to provide a space where clients can discover their own unique gifts and use them to create a foundation to grow and move forward. I believe in transparency and I primarily use a strengths based approach where clients can explore themselves in a safe and supportive environment. This approach allows clients to strengthen their foundation, while learning new ways to move forward in an authentic way. Clients can expect a non-judgmental, flexible and easy going, mutual experience when in session.

My experience with clients is vast. I have extensive knowledge in relationships, couples, individuals and parent/child therapy, primarily clients seeking tools to manage conflict and connection with the people in their lives. I am passionate about supporting clients with understanding themselves in a more authentic way, specifically gender identity, sexuality, relationships and mental health. I work with clients struggling with various types of addiction, specifically substance abuse. I am also passionate about supporting clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety and ADHD.

My personal and professional values are intertwined. I believe in empowerment, supporting individuals to be the best they can be, providing clients with the tools to discover the path forward. I believe in living authentically, to align with the values you hold true. I believe in kindness and compassion, which guide my practice with clients in session, providing a safe and supportive environment to explore.

Hi there, welcome! At an early age and throughout my life, as I have struggled with life’s ebbs ... Read More

My name is Lauren Legere and I am the Clinical Director and Founder of Latitude Counselling. I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counselling. I work with individuals in high pressure professions and I specialize in relationships, anxiety, professional burnout and personal growth.

I empower clients to create healthy relationships with themselves and others while discovering tools to help them thrive in their fast-paced environments.

For more information about me, please check out our website at www.latitudecounselling.com

My name is Lauren Legere and I am the Clinical Director and Founder of Latitude Counselling. I a... Read More

Welcome. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and have both a Master’s and undergraduate degree in Psychology and Counselling Psychology, respectively.

The world is not always welcoming and is full of challenges; everyone undoubtedly suffers in life – it is part of the human experience. I aim to instill resilience to avoid suffering that is unnecessary. I prioritize trusting relationships and tangible solutions in practice and work from a person-centred stance to highlight your inner wisdom, effective coping and strengths, challenge negative beliefs or unhelpful thinking, and move toward inner harmony/balance. I have six years of experience with BIPOC populations and work with ages sixteen plus.

My background on the front lines in social work offers a practical yet dynamic approach to helping you achieve preferred ways of being and living. I use solution focused (SFBT) modalities, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness (MBSR) and trauma informed interventions including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I look forward to working together in helping you pave your way toward a better-balanced life!

Welcome. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and have both a Master’s and undergr... Read More

I (she/her) have a passion for helping people of all ages with their mental health and wellness needs. I hold a BFA from OCADU, a Masters Diploma in Art Therapy from VATI and am currently working towards my Masters of Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University.

Upon graduating from VATI with a designation as a professional art therapist, I have worked with various populations, age groups, and cultural identities. Using a person-centered approach, exceptional listening skills, mindfulness techniques, and a deep understanding of cultural competency, I work to create an excellent rapport with my clients to help them meet their goals.

I have worked in multiple educational settings to support various students and clients with socio-emotional needs, educational support, and mental health. Working in these settings, I have been able to understand the complexities of neurodiversity, and have built skills in executive functioning, restorative justice, and literacy. Building trust with students and clients, I have been able to support their various needs by using positivity, open-mindedness, and humour.

I work with a strengths-based lens with all clients, and I utilize skills and tools from cognitive behavioural therapy, expressive therapy, and solution-focused therapy to best serve my clients. I have worked with burn-out, life changes/transitions, depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, trauma, family relationships, bipolar disorder and neurodiverse clients.

I (she/her) have a passion for helping people of all ages with their mental health and wellness n... Read More

Welcome!

I am Jill Sweetable and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Distinction from Simon Fraser University and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. Prior to entering the counselling profession, I spent most of my previous work experience working as a special education assistant, behaviour interventionist, respite worker, and pool therapy assistant.

My goals as a therapist are to provide an inclusive and safe environment during an individual’s most trying times. As an empathic and compassionate person, I aim to walk with clients, not lead them on their journey of self-discovery. This journey will be grounded in mutual respect, compassion, honesty, and humour. We will work together to explore thoughts and feelings, search for meaning, and reach the short-term and long-term goals you have set for yourself. When looking at feelings and emotions, I find that individuals discover the things holding them back from reaching their destination. It can be the most significant source of change when we acknowledge how we feel on the inside, which can allow for changes to happen on the outside. My clinical work is focused on but not limited to those dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, autism spectrum disorder, life transitions, and couples counselling.

Welcome! I am Jill Sweetable and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with British Columbia Ass... Read More

I’ve been a therapist for over 30 years and, although acknowledging this makes me sound older than I feel, I have learned a lot from those I’ve worked with in the past. Doing this work for over 3 decades means I’ve had lots of opportunities for professional development and I’ve learned lots from those I’ve worked with in the past.

I’m the Mom of two incredible young adult children. I can be found in the gym most days and I’m proud to have passed on the value of health and wellness to my kids. I have a 15 year old Shih Tzu -Poodle puppy and I always thought I was a cat -lover until I got a dog!

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

I’ve been a therapist for over 30 years and, although acknowledging this makes me sound older tha... Read More

With over 13 years of experience, I am a passionate clinical counsellor that aims to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where I can work with my clients to achieve their health, life, and career goals. Over the years, I have helped many clients cope with anxiety and depressive symptoms, solve relationship issues, and enhance their self-esteem using evidence-based techniques and interventions rooted in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

I started my journey at the Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico, in 2005, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree. At the time, I got interested in understanding the etiology and maintenance of psychological disorders. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Clinical and Health Psychology from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain in 2010. The experience further honed my expertise and knowledge in CBT and mental illness. At the time, I started working with clients and fell in love with the clinical work. One year after obtaining my master’s degree, I realized the need to develop my counsellor skills further to offer my clients the best possible treatments. Whit that in mind, I pursued and achieved a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in 2019. My unwavering dedication to learning, passion for staying up-to-date with the latest research, and commitment to delivering my clients the best possible treatment have fueled my career through the years.

At the core of my therapeutic approach lies a collaborative mindset. I work hand-in-hand with my clients and strive to create a solid therapeutic alliance that creates a safe and supportive environment promoting their growth. Helping people make positive changes in their lives brings me immense fulfillment as a clinician.

Throughout my years of clinical practice, I have successfully employed CBT-based interventions to help many clients live more fulfilling lives. Beyond my clinical practice, I have worked inside organizations assessing work-related stress and promoting emotional well-being among employees. Moreover, I have successfully employed CBT intervention tools to help my clients attain their career and life goals on numerous occasions.

The changes a person can attain by enrolling in therapy can be life-changing. However, despite the formal setting surrounding the clinical practice, I always strive to bring an element of positivity and humour into my interactions with clients. When appropriate, I believe humour can create an atmosphere where clients can normalize their situation and allow themselves to approach their issues from a fresh perspective. I strive to create a non-judgmental space that enables clients to be authentic and where we can build a strong and collaborative therapeutic relationship. As a counsellor, I pride myself on being a trustworthy and empathetic clinician with every client I have the privilege to work with.

With over 13 years of experience, I am a passionate clinical counsellor that aims to create a saf... Read More