About Me
My name is Marina (she/her) and I am very passionate about empowering people to become their most authentic selves. I believe each individual has unique traits and abilities, and through uncovering these, we can each contribute positively to our communities and build meaning into our lives. I recognize that it is in the context of a secure relationship where people feel free to explore and to change. During our time together, you can expect me to be transparent, genuinely compassionate, and respectfully curious about your inner world.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is person-centred and highly collaborative. My work is rooted in research as well as feminist, anti-oppression, and harm-reduction values. This helps me to create an environment where you can feel safe, respected, and accepted, and where your lived experience is combined with applicable research and adaptable therapeutic techniques in order to make the most out of our time together.
What I have noticed in working with a variety of diverse populations is that people tend to feel more satisfied when their actions align with their values, their relationships are based on authenticity, and they are able to meaningfully participate in their communities. As you think about making positive changes in your life, you may feel stuck, unclear about your goals, overwhelmed by the journey, or affected by unresolved issues and past traumas. It is my goal to help you feel more hopeful and supported, to be more skillful and capable, and to move forward with more clarity and self-compassion.
Areas of Practice
I have experience working with a variety of populations and issues including the following:
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anxiety
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depression
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addictions
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trauma
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concurrent and mood disorders
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life transitions
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immigration
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grief
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relationship difficulties
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2SLGBTQ+
I also hold a special interest in exploring the following:
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anger management
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anxiety and emotional regulation
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communication and boundaries
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attachment styles
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substance use and gambling
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non-traditional relationship structures
My Training and Experience
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#21392) in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, which I received after completing a year-long intensive internship with the Adler Centre Counselling Clinic. I also hold a diploma in Social Service Work as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Douglas College. In addition to this education, I have over a decade of experience working and volunteering in the mental health field.
In my career, I have held various positions, such as a mental health worker, dual diagnosis support worker, a mental health advocate on the DTES, a harm reduction facilitator, a behaviour interventionist with children on the Autism spectrum, a crisis line call taker, and a youth support worker.
In addition to my Master's Degree, I have also pursued more specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based therapies. I also have training in trauma competency, suicide assessments, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Harm Reduction, and Adlerian Inner Child Work.
Counselling Fees
My fees correspond to the schedule recommended by the BCACC and are $135 (+GST) per 50-min session.
I accept e-transfers as well as cash or cheques. Many medical insurance companies cover the cost of counselling. If you are covered by an extended health care plan through your employment, school, or a family member, I encourage you to check if you can be reimbursed for counselling services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Let's Connect
I work Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays and currently offer counselling both online and in-person. My office is conveniently located across from Columbia Skytrain station in New Westminster, an unceded territory of Qayqayt and other Halkomelem speaking First Nations peoples. I do not offer child, couples, or family counselling at the moment.
To request a free consultation or to book your first session, contact me directly.
Email: marina_vaysman@icloud.com
Call/text: (604) 227-1708
