Working with Me
In our time together, I invite you to show up exactly as you are. Our sessions are a place just for you - there is space for all of you here.
Our relationship is my top priority - I want you to feel seen, heard, and accepted as a whole and imperfect person. My focus in our initial meetings is on getting to know your story, who and what is important to you, what you believe in, and what your hopes are. Once I understand your story and the life you envision, we will work together and make a plan that feels right for you and your goals. You are the expert on you, so I'll prioritize your voice every step of the way. Your feedback is important to me! If something isn't working for you, I want to hear about it, so we can figure out a better way forward together.
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I would be honoured to walk with you through the messiness of healing and being human. Together we can laugh, cry, sit together in silence, rage against systems and people who have hurt you, and explore hard truths. You can expect me to show up with kindness, compassion, curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine love for this work. If that resonates with you, reach out today. I'd love to connect and explore how we can work together!
Shay: Human & Therapist
I believe in bringing my full self into the counselling room. Here's a little about me, so you can get to know the person behind the process!
I'm a biracial, non-binary, non-disabled, straight-sized human born in Canada. I have lived experience with depression, accessing gender-affirming care, and finding my place in the world. My own journey with therapy has helped me navigate these challenges and deeply informs my counselling practice. Struggling is a part of being human, and while it is painful, it can be healing to talk to someone who gets it.
I strive to be kind, compassionate, authentic, and consistent. People close to me describe me as grounded, warm, easy to talk to, relatable, straight-forward, and engaged. I'm passionate about and committed to social justice and anti-oppressive practice. I love to laugh, lean into the awkward, and I'm always up for a deep dive - small talk isn't my thing! I'm a Star Trek nerd, cat lover, and plant collector. In my free time, you can find me drinking copious amounts of tea, reading all the books, lounging by the ocean or in the forest, obsessing over my two kitties, crafting, protesting for liberation and justice, and spending quality time with my friends.
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My practice is influenced by narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, self-compassion, the neurobiology of trauma, and body-based approaches. I blend aspects of these to create a tailored plan, just for you! I'm deeply curious about how your identities have shaped your experience of the world. I want to understand what has happened to you and how you've adapted. I'm always learning and growing as a therapist through reading, training, and consultation to better support you.
My Credentials
Master of Social Work (UBC Okanagan) - May 2021
Registered Social Worker #14989
Certificate of Somatic Embodiment (Linda Thai) - April 2024
Foundations of Narrative Therapy (VSNT) - March 2022
San'Yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training - Nov 2022