Email: brittany@lavendercounselling.com
In my own life, I continue to experience how connecting to my emotions in the presence of an empathetic and compassionate other can facilitate healing and growth. When I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or insecure, having a steady and patient presence by my side gives me the space to connect to myself, uncover what I need, and find my way forward. Thanks to these experiences, I wish to offer you a gentle and comforting space where you can settle in and connect with yourself. I also acknowledge that each person is different and while you may relate to my experiences, you may be searching for something else entirely. I wish to meet you where you are and move at your pace.
You may struggle with feeling too much, nothing at all, or feel that you are not good enough, bad, unworthy, or unlovable. You may have a sense that something is off but are perplexed about what that may be. Or you may feel content with life but are seeking ways to grow. My hope is that we can explore all this together in a space where you feel understood and accepted as we tend to your emotions, mind, and body.
I received my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, where I also minored in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. My approach to counselling has been deeply shaped by experiences at Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW), where I provided emotional support and resources to survivors of sexualized violence, and Looking Glass Foundation, where I provide consistent person-centered peer support for individuals with concerns around eating.
I have been struck by the creative ways people have for coping with painful experiences and inspired to learn practices to help individuals heal from trauma. In addition to trauma, I work individually with young adults and adults of varying intersecting identities on a range of concerns such as self-worth and insecurity, shame, grief, loss, transitions, fear, overwhelm, anxiety, depression, relationships, identity, boundaries, coping, growth, and healing. I have a special place in my heart for people who try so hard to be perfect but nonetheless feel not good enough, small, or insignificant.
At Lavender Counselling, I’ve co-developed our Relational Practices in Counselling Group for new counsellors who wish to join us for a day of learning and experiencing embodied approaches and practices. I’m so excited to being co-supervising students who intern with us at Lavender. I also provide individual counselling to counsellors, as we can only take clients as far as we’ve been ourselves.
I have completed the following workshops: Emotion Focused Therapy Level 1, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Levels 1 and 2, Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice Levels 1 and 2, and Trauma Exposed Professionals. I integrate relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, body-oriented, emotion-focused, and experiential approaches that can bring your experiences alive and transform how you relate to others and parts of yourself.
A little about me: I absolutely love being warm and cozy and you can often find me bundled up on my couch with tea, blankets, a heating pad, a rice bag, and my reading socks. My dirty pleasure is watching reality TV and I enjoy reading, embroidery, board games, camping, walks in nature, remote date nights with my long-distance partner, and venturing about exploring cities and cafes. My joy in these endeavors is amplified when I am joined by my partner, friends, or family. I am delighted to connect with you and acknowledge that I work on the stolen traditional lands of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations.