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 and 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 have an idea of who you are and the life you dream of, we will work together and make a plan that feels right for you. 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.
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, please reach out - I'd love to connect!
Shay: Human & Therapist
I believe in bringing my full self into the counselling room - so let me tell you a little about me!
I am a biracial, non-binary, non-disabled, straight-sized human born in Canada. I have lived experience navigating living a life with depression, accessing gender-affirming care, and struggling to find my place in the world! I hope to live a life that is meaningful, loving, and joyful - but the truth is that it doesn't always feel that way. Yes, even therapists struggle, and that's okay - it is a universal part of being human.
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 an engaged listener. I am passionate about and committed to social justice. I love to laugh, lean into the awkward, and prefer a deep dive to small talk any day! 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 friends.
My practice is influenced by narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, self-compassion, the neurobiology of trauma, and body-based approaches. I am curious about how your identities have shaped how you move through the world. I want to know what has happened to you, and how you have adapted. I am always learning about how I can be a better therapist through reading, training, and consultation.
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