Answers to common questions about counselling with Dana Millar in North Vancouver & online — fees, what to expect, and how to get started. Book a free consult. Frequently Asked Questions Everything you need to know about starting your therapy journey... Finding the right therapist is important, and having questions is part of the process. Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to chat during a free consultation. Insurance, Fees, & Logistics Do you offer in-person counselling or online sessions? I offer both options to best fit your lifestyle and comfort levels: In-Person Counselling: My practice is located right here in North Vancouver, serving clients across the North Shore and West Vancouver. Online Therapy: Secure virtual sessions are available via a confidential, PHIPA/PIPEDA-compliant telehealth platform for adults located anywhere throughout British Columbia. What are your rates and session lengths? Initial Consultation: Free (15 minutes via phone or secure video). This is a no-pressure space to see if we are a good fit. Individual Counselling Session: $165 per 55-minute session Payment is due at the time of your session and can be made via e-transfer or credit card. Longer sessions are available upon request, especially for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Can I claim your counselling services under my extended health benefits? Many extended health insurance plans in British Columbia cover sessions with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Because every insurance provider and specific policy is different, I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider before our first session. You can ask them: "Does my plan cover services provided by a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)?" I will provide you with an official receipt after each session that you can submit for reimbursement. Do you offer direct billing? Yes! To make accessing mental health support as seamless as possible, I can offer direct billing for many major extended health insurance companies. This means I can submit the claim on your behalf at the end of our session, reducing or completely eliminating your out-of-pocket expenses on the spot. What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy? Life happens, and I understand. I ask for 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less notice, or missed sessions, are charged $50 as the time is reserved specifically for you. Do I need a doctor's referral to book a session? No, you do not need a referral from a family doctor or general practitioner to work with me. You can reach out and book an initial appointment or a free consultation directly through my website at any time. Getting Started I've never been to therapy before. What happens during the first session? Please take a deep breath—there is no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say. Our first session is entirely about creating safety and getting to know each other. We will review confidentiality, talk a little bit about what brings you to therapy, and discuss what you hope to experience or change. We will move entirely at your pace, and you only ever share what you feel ready to share. Is what I share confidential? Yes. What you share in our sessions is private and protected. I follow strict professional and legal confidentiality standards, and my online sessions run on a secure, PHIPA/PIPEDA-compliant platform. There are a few legal exceptions I'm required to explain in our first session — such as risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. How do I know if we are a good fit? A strong, safe therapeutic relationship is the most important ingredient for healing. This is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. It gives us a chance to speak briefly, allows you to share what you're struggling with, and lets you get a sense of my tone and presence. If it feels right to you, we can move forward. If it doesn't, or if you need a different style of therapy, I am happy to help connect you with other trusted professionals on the North Shore. What will we actually do in therapy? My practice is collaborative and highly personalized. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, I integrate evidence-based frameworks that heal both the mind and the nervous system. I draw heavily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma, and The Change Triangle® tool for navigating anxiety and core emotions. Please reach out for a 15 minute consultation to get an idea of what therapy is like. Are you a psychologist? Can you prescribe medication? I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the CCPA, not a psychologist or physician, so I don't diagnose or prescribe medication. If medication is something you'd like to explore, I'm happy to work alongside your family doctor or a psychiatrist as part of your care. How long will I need to be in counselling? Because healing is entirely unique to the individual, there is no set timeline. Some clients find that focusing on a specific tool (like ART for a traumatic memory or The Change Triangle for acute anxiety) brings significant relief and clarity in just a few months. Other clients choose to stay in therapy longer to process deeper, lifelong patterns around self-esteem, body image, and emotional overwhelm. We will check in regularly to make sure our work together continues to serve your goals. What if I'm in crisis or need urgent support between sessions? My practice isn't an emergency or crisis service, so I'm not able to provide urgent same-day support. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, available across Canada, 24/7), call the Crisis Centre BC line at 1-800-784-2433, or call 911 in an emergency. We can make sure we have a support plan in place for the time between our sessions. You can easily book an initial consultation or standard appointment directly through my Jane App, or by emailing me directly. I look forward to connecting with you.

Compassionate counselling for women experiencing self-esteem challenges, anxiety, depression, body image concerns, emotional eating, and relationship difficulties. Serving North Vancouver and online across BC. Home: Welcome Welcome Wellness, growth & healing. Compassionate counselling in North Vancouver for women navigating depression, self-esteem, body image, emotional eating, anxiety and relationship challenges. Let's Find Out What's Keeping you Stuck Canadian Certified counsellor in north vancouver & online Book a Free Consult Hi, I'm Dana. I'm a c ounsellor and a recovering people-pleaser. I know how draining it is to live with self-doubt and self-criticism, worrying about disappointing others, and feeling weighed down by what people think of you. Maybe you are tired of feeling like an imposter, turning to food for comfort, overthinking every interaction, or feeling stuck in relationships that leave you feeling rejected, anxious or insecure. On the outside, it may look like you're holding it all together, but inside you're overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, and wondering why you can't seem to feel good enough. For over 15 years, I have helped women navigate anxiety, heal emotional wounds, and break free from patterns that keep them stuck. I specialize in supporting women who struggle with low self-esteem, body image concerns, binge eating, depression, and relationship challenges rooted in attachment wounds or early trauma. Together, we'll explore what's keeping you stuck, develop new ways of responding to life's challenges, and help you build a healthier relationship with yourself. My goal is to help you feel more confident, more connected, and more at peace with who you are. A little about me Areas of Practice Support tailored to what you are carrying relationships Have you been quietly wondering "What's wrong with me?" Do you sometimes feel like everyone else seems to have it figured out, while you're stuck second-guessing yourself? I support women who are struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, self-criticism, body image concerns, emotional and binge eating, or relationship patterns that leaves them feeling insecure, disconnected, or not good enough. You may find yourself constantly worrying about what others think, feeling responsible for everyone's happiness, or wondering why it's so difficult to show yourself the same compassion you offer everyone else. You don't have to keep fighting the same battles on your own. Together, we'll make sense of what's happening, develop practical tools, and help you build greater confidence, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being. I am certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and have over 15 years of counselling experience. I offer both in-person counselling in North Vancouver and online therapy throughout British Columbia. Each session is tailored to your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches including ACT, EFT, and trauma-informed therapies. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready, I invite you to schedule an appointment or book a free consultation. I'd love to connect with you. Book a free consult Binge Eating Break the cycle of food restriction, loss of control and shame. Depression & Low Mood Find your way back to energy, meaning and a sense of motivation Self Esteem and Body Image Build a kinder and more compassionate relationship with yourself and your body Anxiety and Stress Quiet the inner dialogue and regain a sense of steadiness, calm and control Relationships and Attachment Understand your patterns and create healthier, more secure connections Trauma & PTSD Gently and effectively process the past so it no longer defines your present Home: Services Schedule a Session Finding the right therapist is important, and I want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision. If you'd like to learn more about me, ask questions, or get a sense of whether we're a good fit, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. Counselling sessions are 55 minutes and cost $165. Many extended health plans cover services provided by a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and direct billing is available upon request. You can also visit the FAQs page for answers to common questions. ⭐ Verified 5/5 Rating on Sun Life Provider Search ⭐ Dana Millar Counselling Submit Thanks for submitting! 1940 Lonsdale Ave, Suite 107 North Vancouver, BC Home: Contact Summer Hours Mon-Wed 3 pm - 8 pm Sun 10 am - 5 pm or email me for a different time Mail Home: Opening Hours

Dana Millar is a North Vancouver counsellor with over 15 years of experience supporting women with anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and relationships. A LITTLE ABOUT ME Let’s talk Let’s talk Let’s talk Let’s talk Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) | MA Counselling Psychology In-Person Therapy in North Vancouver & Online Across BC Book a free consultation What Working With Me Is Like If you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, body image concerns, binge eating, or relationship patterns that leave you feeling anxious, insecure, or stuck, you're not alone. Many of the women I work with appear to be coping well on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or exhausted from constantly trying to meet expectations. My goal is to provide a space where you can take a breath, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you're carrying. My Path to Becoming a Counsellor My path to becoming a counsellor began through my work in education, where I spent many years supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. With degrees in Education and Women & Gender Studies, I became increasingly interested in how our relationships, experiences, and cultural messages shape the way we see ourselves. Again and again, I saw how struggles with self-worth, perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, and body image affect every part of life—from relationships and career decisions to the way we speak to ourselves every day. As an LGBTQ+ allied clinician, I am deeply committed to providing an inclusive, affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Beyond my training, my own experiences with anxiety, body image challenges, and personal growth deeply shape my work. They have given me true empathy for how hard this process can be, and a firm belief that developing a healthier relationship with yourself is possible at any stage of life. Professional Background & Service Areas Today, as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I primarily help women who struggle with self-esteem, people-pleasing, anxiety, body image concerns, binge eating, and relationship challenges rooted in attachment wounds. I believe that healing happens when you feel safe enough to be honest about your experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll explore what's keeping you stuck, build practical tools for coping, and create meaningful changes that align with the life you want to live. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, questioning your self-worth, struggling with your relationship with food or your body, or navigating a significant life change, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. Therapy with me is deeply collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, which is why I integrate evidence-based therapies based on your goals, experiences, and strengths. My work draws mostly from these modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helping you develop psychological flexibility, respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and build a life guided by your values. Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals (EFT): Supporting you in understanding, processing, and transforming difficult emotions at their source. The Change Triangle® Framework: A compassionate, step-by-step emotional map that helps us understand anxiety differently. Together, we'll identify patterns such as overthinking, avoidance, and self-criticism, explore the emotions underneath, and work toward greater calm, authenticity, and emotional well-being. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): A gentle, evidence-based trauma therapy that uses guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories. Mindfulness and Somatic Approaches: Supporting you in reconnecting with your body, increasing self-awareness, and developing a greater sense of calm and regulation. LGBTQ+ Affirming Support: Navigating identity, self-acceptance, and unique systemic pressures. Trauma-Informed Care: Ensuring therapy feels safe, respectful, empowering, and paced according to your comfort and readiness. Areas of Focus I support women experiencing: Anxiety and Panic: Learning to quiet the mind and manage physical stress. Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Challenges: Overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing, self criticism, and the impact of ADHD on confidence and self-worth. Binge Eating: Healing your relationship with food. Relationship and Attachment Challenges : Understanding patterns of insecurity, fear of rejection, and difficulty setting boundaries. Trauma and Adverse Life Experiences: Safely processing the past to live fully in the present. Life transitions, identity changes, and women's mental health concerns. Starting Your Journey Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've spent a long time trying to manage everything on your own. You don't need to have the right words, a clear plan, or even know exactly what's wrong before reaching out. You simply need a place to start. If you're looking for a compassionate counsellor for women in North Vancouver or online throughout British Columbia, I'd love to support you on your journey toward healing, self-understanding, and lasting change. Please go to the contact page or book a free consultation to find out if we'd be a good fit. Book a free consultation

Discover trauma informed care for adults through Accelerated Resolution Therapy to heal unresolved trauma and transform your life. "Trauma is an invisible force that shapes our lives.It shapes the way we live, the way we love andthe way we make sense of the world.It is the root of our deepest wounds." Gabor Mate How can we shift the painful patterns that keep us stuck? What we see on the surface—addiction, binge eating , self-sabotage, abusive relationships, and social anxiety —is often the direct result of hidden layers of unmet attachment needs and traumas rooted in childhood. Trauma is not simply what happened to us; it is how our nervous system reacted to those events. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) addresses all forms of trauma and attachment wounding. Once the underlying trauma is processed, the destructive coping mechanisms we unconsciously developed to survive are naturally reduced—and often entirely eliminated. What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)? ART is an advanced, evidence-based psychotherapy that utilizes guided eye movements and bilateral stimulation combined with a technique called Voluntary Memory Image Replacement. It works directly with the brain to safely reprogram how distressing, traumatic memories and visual images are stored. The goal is not to erase your history—it’s to change the emotional attachment to the memory so your nervous system stops reliving it. How ART is different from traditional talk therapy It does not require talking. Unlike traditional therapies where you must verbally recount your trauma in detail, ART allows you to process the event entirely in your mind, protecting you from re-traumatization. It delivers rapid emotional relief. Because ART works directly with the nervous system rather than just your thoughts, many clients experience a significant reduction in immediate physical and emotional distress by the end of a single session It is brief and solution-focused. On average, ART resolves a specific presenting issue in just two to five sessions, depending on the severity of the trauma. You choose the method. In my practice, I offer both traditional guided hand-eye movements and gentle tactile tappers. Both methods help the brain reorganize trauma patterns while keeping you safely grounded and in complete control. What to expect after an ART session While some clients feel a profound sense of immediate physical relief and lightness right after a session, trauma healing integrates over time. Over the following weeks or months, you will notice these shifts unfolding gradually in your daily life: Reacting much less intensely to familiar trauma triggers Feeling calmer, steadier, and more securely grounded in everyday situations Breaking free from automatic, trauma-based survival responses (like hypervigilance or emotional shutdown) Having more emotional space and freedom to make choices aligned with your values ART and Attachment Wounds Many relationship struggles have roots in earlier experiences of rejection, inconsistency, criticism, or emotional disconnection. These experiences can contribute to patterns such as people-pleasing, fear of rejection, anxious attachment, and low self-worth. ART can help process the emotional wounds and beliefs that continue to influence current relationships. As the emotional intensity connected to past experiences begins to lessen, many clients find it easier to respond differently, feel more secure in themselves, and build healthier relationships. Is ART therapy evidence-based? Yes, ART is officially recognized as an effective, research-backed psychotherapy for trauma, PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience. Furthermore, clinical studies classify it as a highly promising treatment framework for resolving phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and sleep disorders Frequently Asked Questions about ART How does ART compare to EMDR? While both modalities use bilateral eye movements to process trauma, ART is generally more directive, structured, and faster. EMDR relies on "free association," where your mind drifts between different memories. ART keeps you focused on a specific scene, utilizing Voluntary Memory Image Replacement to change how that memory feels. Many clients find ART feels more contained, and it frequently resolves specific targets in fewer sessions (usually 1 to 5) compared to EMDR. Can ART help if I don't remember all the details of my childhood trauma? Yes. Because ART focuses primarily on the images, emotions, and physical sensations currently held in your nervous system, you do not need a perfect, linear memory of what happened. We work with the distress that is showing up in your body today, making it highly effective for early childhood or pre-verbal trauma. Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy safe? ART is incredibly safe because you remain fully conscious, alert, and in complete control the entire time. Because it does not require you to verbally recount the details of your trauma, the risk of becoming overwhelmed or re-traumatized during a session is significantly lower than in traditional exposure therapies. Where can I read the official research on ART? ART is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an effective evidence-based practice. You can explore the peer-reviewed clinical studies and official training standards directly on the Official ART International Website. You do not have to stay stuck in old survival loops forever. To explore how Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help you move forward, book a free consultation or get in touch through the Contact page with any questions. Healing Trauma & PTSD with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Book now

Contact Dana Millar Counselling to book a complimentary consultation. Compassionate counselling for women in North Vancouver and online throughout British Columbia. I'd love to hear from you Ready to Take the Next Step? Reaching out for therapy can feel like one of the hardest parts of the process. If you're feeling nervous, uncertain, or wondering whether counselling is right for you, that's completely understandable. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, body image, emotional eating, or relationship challenges, you don't have to figure it out alone. Contact Me You can reach me by email, or by completing this contact form. I aim to respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days Book a Complimentary Consultation A complimentary consultation gives us an opportunity to briefly connect, discuss what you're looking for, and see whether we're a good fit. You're welcome to ask any questions you have about counselling before deciding whether you'd like to book a session. My question to you will be: "What are your best hopes for therapy?" You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you're ready to take the first step—or even if you're just curious about whether counselling could help—I'd love to hear from you dmillarcounselling@gmail.com Book a free consult First Name Last Name Email Message Send Looking forward to connecting! Location In-person counselling 107-1940 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC Online counselling Available throughout British Columbia. Facebook

Experience expert mental health support with our online counselling services. Book now for video counselling near me. Although many people will be new to the idea of online or video counselling, it is actually more pleasant and less awkward than you might expect. Appointments for online counselling can be conducted by video via a secure and easy online platform. As long as you have a quiet and private space, and a strong WiFi connection, online counselling in Vancouver may be a good option for you. T ips to make the most of your online counselling session: Find a quiet space free from distractions and close the door Turn off your other electronic devices or notifications that might distract from your counselling Let others know that you will be unavailable for the hour during your session Jot down your ideas about what you would like to talk about Consider planning some time for yourself afterwards before you transition back into your day. Make sure you have a strong wifi connection and your microphone and camera are enabled on your device It's okay to feel nervous. I get a little nervous too! As with any type of therapy, I want you to feel comfortable and confident when you choose me as a your therapist. If you have questions, or would like to learn more about me, please email me and we can arrange a complementary consultation or please go ahead and book an appointment below. Online Counselling for Women: Get Support Wherever You Are

Anxiety and panic counselling for women in North Vancouver & online. A warm, paced approach to quiet the worry and find what's underneath. Free consult available Anxiety & Stress: About Counselling for Women Experiencing Anxiety & Panic Attacks Is Anxiety Making Life Feel Harder Than It Needs To Be? Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, worrying about what others think, or imagining the worst-case scenario? Maybe you're exhausted from second-guessing yourself, replaying conversations in your head, struggling to relax, or feeling like you're always "on." Anxiety can show up in many ways. You may experience racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, perfectionism, people-pleasing, irritability, or a constant sense that something is wrong. While anxiety is designed to protect us, it can begin to take over our lives when it becomes persistent and overwhelming. You don't have to keep managing it alone. I get it - I've been there, too Having worked through my own social anxiety, I understand how limiting fear and self-doubt can feel. I know what it's like to replay conversations, avoid situations that feel uncomfortable, and miss opportunities because anxiety convinces you it's safer not to try. I also know that change is possible. Whether you're struggling with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, relationship anxiety, or chronic stress, therapy can help you better understand what's happening and develop new ways of responding. How Counselling Helps Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks I help women in North Vancouver and throughout British Columbia learn how to relate differently to anxiety so it no longer controls their decisions, relationships, and daily lives . My work draws from evidence-based approaches including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you respond differently to anxious thoughts and focus on what matters most.A Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals (EFT) to understand and process the emotions beneath anxiety. The Change Triangle® to identify patterns such as overthinking, avoidance, and self-criticism that can keep anxiety going. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to reduce the impact of distressing memories and triggers. Mindfulness and somatic approaches to help calm the nervous system and reconnect with the present moment. Trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, collaboration, and respect. Anxiety Doesn't Have to Run Your Life Therapy won't eliminate anxiety completely, but it can help you feel more grounded, confident, and able to handle life's challenges without being controlled by worry. Together, we'll work to build practical tools, increase self-confidence, and help you create a life guided by your values rather than fear. If you're looking for anxiety counselling in North Vancouver or online throughout British Columbia, I invite you to book a free consultation to see if we're a good fit.

Discover effective Binge Eating & Overeating therapy in North Vancouver and online across BC. Get the support you need to overcome binge eating today. Binge eating & Overeating therapy in north vancouver When Food Becomes More Than Food If you find yourself binge eating or overeating when you're stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, or emotionally exhausted, you're not alone. Many women use food to cope with difficult emotions—and it doesn't mean you're weak or lacking willpower. You may find yourself promising that this time will be different, only to end up eating more than you intended and feeling guilty, ashamed, or frustrated afterward. You might swing between trying to be "good" with food and feeling completely out of control. Over time, eating can become exhausting, and food can begin to feel like both your comfort and your greatest source of distress. If this sounds familiar, change is possible. Therapy isn't about more willpower or stricter food rules. It's about understanding why this pattern developed and learning healthier ways to meet the emotional needs that food has been helping you manage. You May Struggle With Binge Eating or Overeating If You: regularly eat past the point of fullness and feel unable to stop turn to food to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or difficult emotions feel guilty, ashamed, or disappointed after eating find yourself stuck in a cycle of dieting, restricting, and overeating think about food much more than you'd like to eat in secret or worry about others judging your eating feel like food has become your primary way of coping want a healthier relationship with food, even if you don't have an eating disorder diagnosis You deserve support regardless of whether your struggles fit a specific label. If your relationship with food is causing distress, therapy can help. How Counselling Helps Women With Binge Eating and Overeating Binge eating and overeating rarely happen because of a lack of willpower. More often, they're ways your mind and body have learned to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, difficult emotions, perfectionism, or painful life experiences. Rather than focusing on controlling food, our work together focuses on understanding what food has been helping you manage. As we build healthier ways of responding to emotions, the urge to overeat often begins to lose its intensity. Our goal isn't perfect eating. It's helping you develop a peaceful, trusting relationship with food, your body, and yourself. My Approach to Counselling for Women with Binge Eating I don't believe binge eating is a lack of willpower. I see it as an attempt to cope with emotional pain, overwhelm, or unmet needs. My role is to help you understand those patterns with compassion while using evidence-based approaches like ACT, EFT, and ART to create lasting change. Responding to Cravings Without Feeling Controlled By Them Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you'll learn practical strategies for responding differently to cravings and difficult thoughts. Rather than getting caught in an exhausting battle with food, you'll learn how to notice urges without automatically acting on them, creating space to make choices that reflect your values rather than your impulses. Healing the Experiences That Keep the Cycle Going For some people, binge eating is connected to unresolved emotional wounds or difficult experiences that continue to affect the nervous system. When appropriate, I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories and long-standing patterns. As these experiences become less overwhelming, many clients find they feel calmer, more regulated, and less reliant on food for comfort. Together, we’ll also work to let go of reducing guilt and shame around eating, and rebuild trust in your body’s ability to guide you. The goal isn’t perfect eating—it’s freedom from constantly thinking about food. Building a Life That Nourishes You Healing your relationship with food is about much more than eating differently. As therapy progresses, we'll also focus on creating a life that feels fuller and more satisfying. This might include strengthening relationships, developing self-compassion, finding meaningful activities, managing stress more effectively, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by struggles with food. When your emotional needs are being met in healthier ways, food no longer has to carry so much of the burden. You don't have to do this alone. You don't have to do this alone. You don't have to do this alone. You don't have to do this alone. Whether you've struggled with binge eating for years, feel stuck in cycles of emotional eating, or simply want food to take up less space in your life, therapy can help. Recovery isn't about becoming perfectly disciplined. It's about understanding yourself with compassion, healing the patterns that keep you stuck, and learning to trust yourself again. Body Image and Self-Esteem Struggles with food are often deeply connected to the way we see ourselves. Healing binge eating frequently involves healing body image, perfectionism, and self-worth as well. If body image or self-criticism feels like part of your experience, I invite you to learn more about my Self-Esteem & Body Image Counselling services. If you're looking for binge eating therapy for women in North Vancouver or online counselling anywhere in British Columbia, I'd be honoured to support you. Get in touch How do I know if I have binge eating disorder or emotional eating? Many people aren't sure whether what they're experiencing is "serious enough" to seek help. You don't need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If you regularly feel out of control around food, eat to cope with difficult emotions, experience guilt or shame after eating, or find that thoughts about food are taking up too much space in your life, therapy can help. Whether your experience meets the criteria for binge eating disorder or feels more like emotional or compulsive overeating, we'll work together to understand what's happening without judgment or labels. Can therapy really help with binge eating? Yes. Research shows that therapy can be highly effective for binge eating and emotional eating because it addresses the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioural patterns—not just the eating itself. Rather than focusing on willpower or restrictive diets, therapy helps you understand what food has been helping you cope with while developing healthier ways to respond to emotions, stress, and cravings. Will you tell me what I should eat? No. My role isn't to prescribe meal plans or diets. Instead, I help you develop a healthier, more trusting relationship with food by exploring the emotional patterns that influence your eating. If nutritional support would also be helpful, I'm happy to collaborate with your physician or a nutritionist as part of your care. What types of therapy do you use for binge eating? I draw from several evidence-based approaches depending on your unique needs. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps us understand and process the emotions driving the urge to overeat. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides practical tools for responding differently to cravings and difficult thoughts. When past experiences continue to contribute to current struggles, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help reduce the emotional impact of those memories. Together, these approaches help address both the symptoms and the deeper patterns that keep binge eating going. Is online therapy effective for binge eating? Yes. Many clients find online counselling to be just as effective as meeting in person. Virtual sessions offer a private, comfortable space to explore your relationship with food while making therapy easier to fit into your life. I provide online counselling for adults throughout British Columbia, as well as in-person therapy in North Vancouver. How long does binge eating therapy take? Everyone's journey is different. Some people begin noticing changes within the first few months as they gain new tools and a better understanding of their eating patterns. Others benefit from longer-term therapy to work through deeper emotional wounds, perfectionism, or long-standing struggles with self-esteem and body image. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our work to meet your goals. What if I feel ashamed to talk about my eating? You're not alone. Shame is one of the biggest reasons people wait to seek help. Many of my clients worry they'll be judged for their eating habits before they begin My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly about your relationship with food without criticism or shame. Healing begins when you no longer have to carry these struggles by yourself. You deserve support regardless of whether your struggles fit a specific label. If your relationship with food is causing distress, therapy can help. Frequently Asked Questions About Binge Eating and Overeating Counselling Book now

Depression and low-mood counselling for women in North Vancouver & online. Gentle, steady support to lift the fog and feel like yourself again. Free consult. COunselling for women with depression Feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you're just going through the motions? Lacking motivation, struggling to get out of bed, feeling hopeless, inadequate, or weighed down by helpless thoughts? Whether you're dealing with depression, a temporary low mood, or grief that you can't seem to shift, we can work through it together. Depression & Low Mood: About How do I know if I have depression or low mood? Depression can develop for many reasons, including difficult life experiences, trauma, loss, chronic stress, relationship challenges, divorce, illness, perimenopause, menopause, or like many women, simply carrying too much for too long. Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: you're tired of feeling this way and want things to change. What does depression feel like? You may find yourself thinking: "I can't do this anymore."
 "I feel like I'm functioning in slow motion."
 "I can't get myself off the couch."
 "What's the point?"
 "I have no energy."
 "I can't concentrate."
 "Nobody really cares." For many women, depression doesn't always look like sadness. It can show up as constant self-criticism, irritability, emotional eating, perfectionism, people-pleasing, feeling disconnected from yourself, or a persistent belief that you're somehow not enough. You may continue showing up for everyone else while quietly struggling beneath the surface. Am I broken? If you're struggling with depression, you are not broken, weak, or damaged—but you may be carrying more pain than anyone realizes. Depression can affect every part of life. You may feel exhausted, disconnected, hopeless, or stuck. Things that once felt easy may now take tremendous effort. You might find yourself withdrawing from others, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, or being harder on yourself than you would ever be on someone else. In therapy, we'll explore what depression is taking away from your life—and what you want to move toward instead. What would be different if you weren't carrying this weight every day? How would you spend your time? What goals, relationships, or experiences would matter most to you? Many women cope with depression in ways that provide temporary relief but create additional challenges over time, such as overeating, substance use, isolation, or self-criticism. Rather than focusing on blame or judgment, we'll work to understand these patterns and develop healthier, more sustainable ways of coping. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to your unique circumstances. Together, we can help you better understand your experiences, build effective coping strategies, reconnect with what matters to you, and begin creating meaningful change. If you'd like to learn more about me or how counselling can help, I'd like to invite you to reach out to arrange a free consultation. Book now Depression & Low Mood: FAQ

Counselling for women in North Vancouver & online struggling with self-esteem and body image. Quiet the inner critic and feel at home in yourself. Free consult Self Esteem and Body Image therapy for women in vancouver What do you see when you look in the mirror? Are You Tired of Being Critical Of Your Body? Are you frequently comparing yourself to other women, criticizing your appearance, questioning your worth, or waiting to feel better about yourself before you fully live your life. You might look like you have it all together on the outside, but inside you're carrying self-doubt, insecurity, and a relentless inner critic. No matter what you accomplish, it never quite feels like enough. You may find yourself obsessing over your body image, experiencing low self-esteem, seeking reassurance from others, struggling with emotional or binge eating, or worrying about what people think of you. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many of the women I work with have spent years believing that if they could just lose weight, be more productive, more successful, or somehow become a different version of themselves, they would finally feel confident and at peace. Unfortunately, the goalposts keep moving, and the feeling of "not enough" remains. How do I know if I have healthy Body Image and Self Esteem? Signs of low self-esteem and poor body image often show up in how we talk to ourselves and how we cope with difficult emotions. You might recognize yourself in these signs: Frequent Body Checking: Constantly looking in mirrors, comparing your appearance to others, or avoiding reflections entirely. A Loud Inner Critic: Experiencing a persistent mental commentary that focuses on your flaws, mistakes, and perceived inadequacies. Emotional Disconnection: Feeling overwhelmed by shame or anxiety about your body, and trying to numb or avoid those feelings. Life on Hold: Waiting to try new activities, date, or socialize until your body looks a certain way or until you feel "good enough." Conversely, healthy self-esteem doesn't mean you love how you look every single day. It means practicing body neutrality and self-acceptance—knowing your worth as a human being is completely separate from your physical appearance or temporary failures. Self-Esteem & Body Image: About What does healthy self esteem look like? You are Flawsome You accept your imperfections as a part of wonderful you, and value your body for all the things it can do. You are Loved You know that people love and value you for who you are, regardless of your size, your IQ, or if you're sporting a few blemishes. You don't have to change yourself to be worthy of love. You were born worthy. You take care of yourself You spend time doing things you enjoy, you sleep well, and you eat well without worrying about your weight or counting calories. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping women reconnect with their inherent worth and develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with themselves. Meaningful change doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible. Looking for Support With Binge Eating? Because our relationship with our body often affects our relationship with food, I also provide specialized support for emotional eating and binge eating. Learn more about Binge Eating Counselling Building Self-Worth From the Inside Out Healthy self-esteem doesn't mean loving the way you look every day or feeling confident all the time. It means recognizing that your worth is not determined by your appearance, your accomplishments, or other people's approval. Together, we'll explore the experiences, beliefs, and emotional wounds that may be shaping the way you see yourself today. We'll work to develop a more compassionate and stable sense of self-worth so you can spend less time fighting yourself and more time living your life. Imagine Feeling Good Enough Not because your body changed. Not because everyone approved of you. Not because you finally got everything right. But because you've learned to value yourself exactly as you are. My approach draws from evidence-based therapies including: • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to explore feelings such as shame, rejection, and inadequacy. • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you respond differently to self-critical thoughts and move toward what matters most. • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to process difficult experiences that may be contributing to low self-esteem, body image concerns, or emotional eating. • The Change Triangle® to help understand and work through the emotions that often exist beneath anxiety, self-criticism, and perfectionism. Book now Self-Esteem & Body Image: List

Heal old relationship wounds and take steps towards building healthy connections Relationship & Attachment counselling for women IN VANCOUVER We all long to feel loved, chosen, and connected. But when we're stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, love can feel confusing, painful, and all-consuming. You may find yourself chasing emotionally unavailable partners, staying too long in relationships that hurt you, or feeling anxious and preoccupied about where you stand with someone. You may even push away caring, emotionally available partners because true intimacy feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Relationships : Services How Do You Know If You Need Relationship & Attachment Counselling? Perhaps you've found yourself asking: Why do I get so attached to people who aren't good for me? Why am I attracted to people who don't seem interested in me? Why do I constantly worry about being rejected, abandoned, or cheated on? Why do I keep ending up in the same unhealthy relationship patterns? Why do relationships feel so much harder for me than they seem to for other people? Many relationship struggles are rooted in attachment wounds—experiences that taught us, often early in life, to question our worth, fear rejection, or believe that love must be earned. These wounds can show up as people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, fear of abandonment, jealousy, anxiety, emotional withdrawal, or choosing partners who are unavailable. Understanding Your Relationship & Attachment Patterns Many of the women I work with know exactly where their relationship patterns come from, yet still find themselves stuck repeating them. Insight is important, but insight alone doesn't always create change. Together, we'll explore the experiences, beliefs, and emotional wounds that may be influencing your relationships today. As we begin to heal these underlying patterns, it often becomes easier to communicate your needs, trust yourself, establish healthy boundaries, and build more secure and fulfilling relationships. How Relationship & Attachment Counselling Can Help Whether you are: • Recovering from a painful breakup or divorce • Struggling with anxious or insecure attachment • Feeling stuck in a toxic relationship • Constantly worried about your partner leaving you • Finding yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or over-functioning • Avoiding relationships altogether because getting close feels unsafe Therapy can help you make sense of what's happening and begin creating lasting change. My work draws from approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), The Change Triangle®, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) . In particular, ART can help process the emotional wounds and beliefs that continue to influence current relationships, helping you move beyond awareness and toward meaningful change. Building Healthier, More Secure Relationships You don't have to stay stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or fear of rejection. Together, we can help you develop a more secure relationship with yourself, heal old attachment wounds, and create healthier, more satisfying connections with others. All relationship structures, identities, and expressions of self are welcome. Book now Relationships : FAQ

Explore our services and get in touch Our Services 01. Custom Project This service is designed for unique and specific challenges that require a bespoke approach. We will collaborate with you to understand your exact requirements and develop a tailored solution from the ground up. Our dedicated team ensures that your vision is precisely met with creative and effective execution. Show more 02. Personal Solution Planning Receive a dedicated session to discuss your individual situation and goals. We focus on understanding your unique context to map out personalized strategies and actionable steps. This service ensures you get a clear roadmap designed specifically for your needs. Show more 03. Expert Guidance Package This comprehensive package offers in-depth advice and strategic direction for your specific needs. We provide insights and recommendations based on extensive industry knowledge to help you navigate complex scenarios. Gain clarity and confidence with our expert support. Show more