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My name is Marcia. I am a registered clinical counsellor working with adults and youth who have experienced anxiety, depression and grief relating to traumatic experiences. I offer an integrative approach to healing based on somatic (body-based) awareness, breathwork, yoga and art therapy.

Sometimes we hit roadblocks that limit our experience of connection to our lives, the people in our lives and most importantly, ourselves. These experiences sometimes result from a specific event, and sometimes they are an internal call to adjust how we interact with our lives. I interweave a combination of Art Therapy, Integrative Somatic Therapy® (ISTP), Depth Psychology, and Emotional Freedom Technique in my approach. The therapeutic process I incorporate into sessions aims to assist you in returning to a state of connection by integrating trauma and defenses embedded in the body and mind. I have been a Craniosacral Therapy practitioner since 2010 and incorporate this knowledge of the body and nervous system into therapeutic sessions.

I believe our life experience shapes who we are, and we can take an active role in healing and building resilience. With this heartfelt passion, I have engaged in a lifelong journey of discovery focused on breath work, movement therapy, psychology, body-mind connection, and meditation techniques. I believe the ability to unlock your full potential is within you and is fostered by the psyche’s reconnection to the body’s inherent wisdom.

My name is Marcia. I am a registered clinical counsellor working with adults and youth who have e... Read More

Jenny was born and raised in North Vancouver. She received a Bachelor of Music Therapy at Capilano University where she also studied voice and received her Jazz Diploma. In addition to her work at The Woods, Jenny works as a Music Therapist at Vancouver Hospice Society and Saint James Music Academy.

Jenny is a compassionate and dedicated music therapist with extensive experience in acute palliative and hospice care settings. She has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that music can have on individuals facing challenging circumstances. Through carefully tailored music therapy sessions, Jenny aims to alleviate physical and emotional pain, provide comfort, and foster a sense of peace and connection during difficult times.

In addition to end of life care, Jenny has experience working with children on the autism spectrum, youth, and adults in long-term care. She aspires to bring meaning to each individual through the universal language of music to promote healing, relaxation, creativity, a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Commitment to compassionate care and dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of individuals, Jenny looks forward to exploring what sessions could look like with you or your loved one.

Jenny was born and raised in North Vancouver. She received a Bachelor of Music Therapy at Capilan... Read More

I am committed to supporting people’s growth, healing, and self-discovery through engagement with the arts. I have extensive experience in the performing arts, which underscores my approach to wellness. I work in visual arts (drawing, painting, collage, clay, photography, multimedia), movement and dance, theatre arts, and poetry and writing. I have had a daily meditation practice for over a decade and am particularly interested in the relationship of mind, body, spirit. That said, I respect the various perspectives we each hold towards this concept, and value nature as a unifying cornerstone within all frameworks.

My approach to therapy focuses on the here and now, however, it can be necessary to review earlier life experiences to understand current patterns of behaviour. In such cases, I defer to a pace that feels manageable to you.

Elise is originally from Sydney Australia, and has an MA in Psychology with a minor in Spirituality Mind Body from Columbia University NYC, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology – Art Therapy from Adler University. Elise is a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a professional art therapist with BC Art Therapy Association and Canadian Art Therapy Association.

I am committed to supporting people’s growth, healing, and self-discovery through engagement with... Read More

Lacey fosters a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through art and play. Lacey is a Counselling Intern currently in the Master’s program in Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy at Adler University in Vancouver, B.C. She works primarily with children and adolescents who may sometimes struggle to express themselves verbally, so creative techniques are used to facilitate communication and healing. She embraces a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the safety and well-being of her clients. Her therapeutic foundation emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual within the context of their family and broader environment. This approach allows her to develop tailored interventions that address the unique needs and challenges of each client.

Lacey fosters a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing space where clients can explore their thought... Read More

Seia (Say-ya) is completing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology - Art Therapy at Adler University and, upon fulfillment of all practicum hours, will be granted the title of RCC and Professional Art Therapist. Seia is honoured to support people’s growth and find creative ways through adversity. And she comes to The Woods with years of professional experience in the mental health field.

Seia’s approach to counselling is collaborative and eclectic, guided primarily by person-centred and intersectional feminist theories. These lenses recognize the role of one’s environment in suffering and improving health and wellness. An eclectic approach is flexible and can adapt to meet unique individuals and create a safe space for healing and discovery. Seia understands how art therapy can bypass words which can sometimes get in the way of connecting with inner knowledge. Seia believes there are many avenues to healing work and that creativity in many forms can support exploring deeper meanings and developing self-understanding.

After completing her training at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Seia moved into the mental health field, and has been developing, and offering psychoeducation courses for many years with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). While continuing work with the CMHA, Seia is blending her passion for art and mental health by training as a counsellor/art therapist. She brings a conscientious, open mind to her sessions and is an experienced, non-judgmental listener.

Seia is dedicated to creating environments that are trauma-and violence- informed and anti-oppressive. It is in environments of acceptance and encouragement that we will grow.

Seia (Say-ya) is completing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology - Art Therapy at Adler Universit... Read More

Ileah Snell is completing her Masters in Counseling Psychology and Art therapy at Adler University and, upon completion of practicum hours, will be awarded the title of RCC and professional art therapist. She comes with years of experience with Battered Women’s Support Services, working as a support worker and group facilitator, and has additional training in trauma treatment. Grounded in her commitment to social justice, Ileah brings a feminist and anti-oppressive framework to her practice, striving to create a safe and inclusive environment for her clients to explore their inner worlds. With a profound appreciation for the human experience, Ileah adopts a positive person-centred approach emphasizing empathy, active listening, and genuine understanding. Her warm and compassionate demeanour fosters a space where clients feel valued and empowered, enabling them to embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing. Holding a profound regard for clients’ autonomy and viewpoints, she firmly believes in clients’ innate reservoir of resources, with the therapist serving as a collaborative and encouraging partner in their journey of self-discovery, healing, and fostering hope.

Ileah Snell is completing her Masters in Counseling Psychology and Art therapy at Adler Universit... Read More

Emily’s journey into the world of yoga and mindfulness began early in her life, sparking a series of adventures that have taken her across the globe, both as a dedicated practitioner and a passionate teacher. In 2016, she embarked on her first teacher training at the renowned Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her deep dive into the world of yoga. Her quest for knowledge continued with Yoga Detour in 2018, enriching her understanding and practice.

Emily is a devoted and lifelong learner, amassing over 500 hours of training in various yoga disciplines, including ashtanga vinyasa, hatha, restorative, prenatal, postnatal, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her personal yoga journey spans over a decade, characterized by a commitment to exploring a range of movement modalities, including dance, pilates, strength training, trail running, and hiking.

What sets Emily apart as a teacher is her unique approach to yoga, blending mindfulness with a functional movement framework that accommodates all body types and abilities. Her classes are a reflection of her commitment to making yoga and mindfulness accessible and transformative for everyone.

Emily’s journey into the world of yoga and mindfulness began early in her life, sparking a series... Read More

I believe that creativity is an inherently human feature. I express my creativity through visual arts, music, and gardening. You may express your creativity through cooking, fashion, writing, or dancing. Whatever your particular outlet, I know through both my personal and professional experiences that creativity is the path to recovery, healing, growth, and wellbeing. Whilst I know that the ‘talk therapy’ part of my practice is valuable and may be a necessary starting point for you, I also know that working creatively in and between sessions can dramatically increase the effectiveness of our work together. And, no, you do not need to have any experience with the arts to engage in expressive arts therapy.

As an expressive arts therapist, I work with visual arts, textiles, poetry, movement, drama, and somatic awareness to support your healing and growth. I have also practiced yoga and meditation since I was in my teens, and integrate many mindfulness practices into my work. I have extensive experience working with people healing from experiences of trauma, abuse, neglect, and the ongoing effects of colonization and marginalization. This also includes helping people heal from concurrent issues such as problematic substance use, compulsive behaviours, eating and food-related disorders (including body image issues), self-harming behaviours, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. I offer individual and group therapy as well as consultative services to loved ones and caretakers where necessary.

Keith has been working in the field of mental health since 1990, and as a licensed mental health professional since 2004. Originally from the UK, he has an MA in Archaeology & Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy from the Metanoia Institute (part of Middlesex University), and a clinical PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy from the International University for Professional Studies. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor & Approved Clinical Supervisor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, a Registered Canadian Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association, and a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.

I believe that creativity is an inherently human feature. I express my creativity through visual ... Read More