Therapy
FOR TRAUMA, GRIEF AND COMPASSION FATIGUE
You don't need to change — you need to learn to trust yourself. You already have everything inside you that you need to make the life you want.
Therapy isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about facilitating a return to a wholeness that was always there, just buried under old wounds and disconnection from self.
At Nirivia Counselling, Cassandra offers a combination of talk, arts-based and body-based therapies for those who have experienced, or are experiencing, difficulties surrounding grief and loss, trauma, and compassion fatigue. This includes associated symptoms or difficulties such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic illness, complex trauma, complex bereavement and issues surrounding identity.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Art Therapy
Art therapy offers a safe and effective way to explore difficult life events and inner struggles. It can help to transform emotions and relationships and provide insight for personal growth. It can also be a helpful way of working with experiences that are difficult to put into words. It is not about creating a beautiful art piece but about the process of expression. Various mediums can be used including writing, drawing, painting, collage, doodles, etc.
The artistic process can help you open up and explore blocks caused by shame or fear, facilitating self-expression and exploration. Art making can also be used for mindfulness and relaxation.
Narrative Therapy
The stories that we tell about ourselves matter. Early-life experiences impact how we see ourselves, how we talk to ourselves and how we interact with the world. Narrative therapy helps you to understand, deconstruct and re-write your inner life story to reflect who you are inside, rather than focusing on the “problem” that is holding you back. Simple inner narrative changes can help you find more meaning in purpose in your life.
Somatic Experiencing
Have you ever noticed yourself getting antsy when you are stressed? Or completely shutting down when you are overwhelmed? Body sensations like restlessness, dry mouth, stomach pain, headaches, numbness and fogginess can be signs that your nervous system is working overtime. Somatic experiencing helps you to pay attention to your mind-body connection, with specific focus on the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight/freeze response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest response). Together with your therapist, you explore how your body sensations relate to your behaviour, affect and meaning-making.
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a non-verbal technique that involves shifting your eyes as you recall distressing memories. Think of traumatic memories as a bruise or injury - the process of EMDR helps your brain to process the memory until it is less painful. This is a widely researched technique specifically for treating PTSD, but is proven to be successful for a wide range of mental health conditions and experiences.
FAQS
Do you need to be an artist to do art therapy?
You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy and everyone can participate. It can be an engaging way to explore your lived experience. Cassandra creates a safe and encouraging space to explore your experience through artistic expression.
Where are you located?
Nirivia Counselling is conveniently located in the Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver - just a 10 minute walk from the Seabus! Online sessions are also available for ease of accessibility. Here’s how to prepare for an online session.
How do I book?
Online booking is now available for current clients!
Please contact Cassandra directly for availability after 6:00pm or for new client bookings or consultations.
What is the session fee?
50-minute therapy sessions are available for $170 CAD. Sliding scale rates are available for those who need it.
Payments can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, Master Card, or e-transfer at the end of session.
Can I use my extended health benefits to pay for sessions?
Counselling visits are not currently covered under the BC Medical Services Plan. However, some extended benefits plans do offer partial or full coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC's). Before booking, check with your employer or insurance provider to see if you are covered.
What is the cancellation policy?
Nirivia Counselling has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Appointments that are cancelled less than 24 hours prior will be billed for the cost of the missed session.
$2 from every session will be donated to Aboriginal Mother Centre Society - a non-profit organization which is dedicated to moving mothers and children at risk off the streets. They provide, under one roof, all the support, tools and resources a mother needs to rebuild her health, self esteem and skills to regain and retain her child. The centre, grounded in a grass roots setting, creates a healing community to nurture children and families to become vital members of their communities.
Get Started
The therapeutic relationship is the core of healing. Cassandra offers a 30-minute free initial phone consultation so you can connect before booking a session.