Sarah Pullman, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinic Director

Sarah Pullman, Clinic Director and RCC-ACS (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Anxiety

• Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Recovery from religious fundamentalism

• Relationships

• Chronic Illness or Pain

• LGBTQ2SIA+

• Clinical Supervision

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Body-centered and Somatic Approaches 

• Emotion Focused Therapy

• Polyvagal Informed Therapy / Safe and Sound Protocol

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH SARAH

Note: Sarah is not accepting new clients.

I am always looking for what is showing up in the present moment, so we can avoid the trap of just talking about your problems in a detached kind of way. I will ask you often what you’re noticing, in your body and your feelings and in the space between us. You will find that I am both deeply respectful of the courage it takes to come to therapy, and frankly, just to show up as a human in the world… but also that I am quick to laugh with you about the ridiculousness of it all. I am not a blank slate with my clients – I am unafraid to answer questions and to engage, and clients tell me that they feel safe because of this. Most of all, I will work hard to meet you where you’re at with understanding and a great deal of empathy.

SARAH’S EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

In 2011 I earned a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, with a Somatic Specialization, from John F Kennedy University in California. I moved back to Canada in 2012 and started my private practice. I also started 5 years of in-depth AEDP training, which has formed the backbone of my work over the years, and which I continue to study. In 2021 I started supervising counselling students and expanded Bodymind Counselling into a group practice. I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor through the BCACC. I am currently working towards certification in AEDP, and I assist in AEDP training courses for other learning therapists. Finally, I am a trained provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol.

I have 13 years of experience counselling individuals and I am amazed and delighted at how much I still learn every year. In my original Master’s degree training, we learned a lot about trauma but literally nothing about neurodiversity. Over the years I have come to realize that many of my clients are neurodivergent and so have gained a lot of experience with those populations, at first by accident and then on purpose. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts about a wide range of topics related to my work.

See list of additional trainings below.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I became a therapist, like many people in the field, because I had a lot to figure out about my own life and self. I’m very curious about my fellow humans, and I consider myself an ongoing work in progress. My own therapy journey has been very helpful and I’m grateful for all I’ve learned and grown. 

I became a mother in 2019 and that has become a huge part of my life, of course. It also made my own personal growth work even more important and valuable! I am partnered and I know and appreciate the work that it takes to sustain a relationship through the changes of life, as well as the immense challenges of parenthood. 

I love being outdoors, especially when the weather is nice. I enjoy camping, hiking, and cycling adventures, and more recently, cold dipping in the ocean. You may see me riding a cargo bike around town with my energetic pre-schooler, and if you’re curious I’ll happily tell you all about my bike! 

FEES

Sessions with Sarah are $160 per 50 minutes, plus GST.

HOURS

Sarah works 9-2, Tuesday through Thursday, and Friday afternoons. She is not accepting new clients. Please check out the other counsellors on our team or ask to be matched with someone.

Relevant Professional TRAINING

• AEDP Advanced Skills Module - Befriending the AEDP Triangles: Using AEDP Representational Schemas (course assistant) - 2023 - with Karen Pando Mars

• Clinical Supervision Foundations - 2022 - City University (Online)

• Safe and Sound Protocol Provider Training - 2021 - On Demand

• AEDP Institute: Advanced Essential Skills - 2017-2018 - New York City

• AEDP Institute: Core Training - 2013-2015 - Vancouver, BC

• Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) for Trauma: Basic Training - 2015 and 2016

• AEDP Institute: Essential Skills Level 1 - 2012-2013 - Vancouver, BC

• AEDP Institute: Immersion - 2012 - Vancouver

• Pacific Center for Human Growth: Weekly training on LGBTQ counselling issues - 2011-2012

• PsychoPhysical Therapy Institute: Year-long Professional Training in Somatic Psychotherapy - 2010

• New Frontiers in Trauma Treatment with Bessel Van Der Kolk - 2011

Workshops and Webinars:

• Leveraging Technology in Online Trauma Care - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Rochelle Sharpe-Lohrasbe

• Integrating Couple Therapy & Sex Therapy in an Expansive Relational World - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Suzanne Iasenza 

• When there is no rope left: what to do when burnout is high and resources are low - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Natasha Files

• Belonging Leads to Becoming: The Alliance in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Dr Sue Johnson

• Intermediate Supervision Workshop - 2023 - with Meg Kapil

• Understanding Suicide to Prevent Suicide - 2021 - with Dr E. David Klonsky
  

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Christine Hegedus, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Christine Hegedus, RCC (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Addictions

• Neurodivergence (Autism/ADHD)

• Complex trauma (C-PTSD) / Adverse childhood experiences

• Anxiety & Depression

• Emotion Regulation

• Relationships

• Existential Issues

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Emotion focused therapy

• CBT/DBT

• Existential therapy

• Polyvagal informed therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH CHRISTINE

As a therapist, my goal is to help you understand who you are and to help you make sense of what happened to you, so that you can move forward in a more conscious and intentional way. Beyond self-awareness, I believe the purpose of therapy is to transform the negative emotional patterns and beliefs that have been influencing your thoughts, behaviors and relationships. I aim to be a compassionate mirror that helps you uncover your blind spots. My style is warm, non-judgemental and sincere. I am not afraid to gently challenge my clients, nor do I shy away from sharing my own thoughts and experiences, if and when relevant.

CHRISTINE’S EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

In 2023 I completed a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. My counselling experience includes working at Umbrella Society, providing counselling to individuals living with and recovering from substance use addiction. Prior to this, I worked as a dental hygienist and personal trainer for many years. Throughout my life I have been interested in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and believe that the mind and body are intimately connected.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I became a therapist because I am endlessly curious about humans and the universe, I love meaningful conversations and I love helping people. Of particular interest to me is working with neurodivergent folks, especially those who received an autism or ADHD diagnosis later in life. I was diagnosed with autism in my thirties and am passionate about supporting those who have gone through similar experiences. 

Some of my other interests include comedy, psychology, cults, history, spirituality, physical fitness, cooking and dogs (especially my miniature dachshund Otto - whose presence you can request during our sessions). My dream is to eventually move to a more rural area where I can grow my own food and have chickens.

FEES

Sessions with Christine are $140 per 50 minutes, plus GST. Couples sessions are $150 per 50 minutes, plus GST.

HOURS

Christine is available Mondays 9-2, and Thursdays and Fridays, 2:30 - 8pm.

Trainings:

Level 1 Gottman's Couples Therapy - 2024 - Online

Getting Started or Restarted with AEDP - 2023 - AEDP Institute

AEDP in the Treatment of Eating Disorders - 2023

Trauma Therapy Workshop - with Tim Black - 2023

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Alison Ferko, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Alison Ferko, Registered Clinical Counsellor (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Parenting and Caregiving

• Neurodivergence

• Highly Sensitive People

• Anxiety and Depression

• Life Transitions

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• Emotion-Focused Therapy

• Narrative-Therapy

• Attachment Theory

• Somatic Therapy

• Mindfulness-based

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ALISON

My approach to counselling is relational, gentle, and collaborative, and allows lots of space for the client to be the expert in their own experience. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and the courage and vulnerability that it takes to show up in that space, and prioritizing your safety means moving at your own pace. My goal is to help you attune to the present moment feelings and sensations that we often shy away from, and generally build resiliency to face life’s inevitable challenges.

ALISON’S EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

I graduated with an Honours B.A. in Psychology from Queens University in 2010, and completed my M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in December 2023. I did my 9 month practicum as part of that program at Bodymind Counselling, gaining experience with a variety of clients. In the years in between my two degrees, I studied and taught yoga and other movement modalities, and earned a diploma in holistic nutrition from Pacific Rim College here in Victoria.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

The biggest part of my identity during this season of life is being a mother. My partner and I are the parents of two young (wild and wonderful) children in a neurodiverse family and have had a crash course in the past six years in caregiving, trust, acceptance, and resiliency. My own cherished relationship with my counsellor has been one of the greatest resources along my parenting journey.

Outside of work and life at home, I love being near the ocean, reading, walking, practicing yoga, and listening to podcasts.

FEES

Alison’s fees are $140 per 50 minute session, plus GST.

HOURS

Alison is available on Sundays and Thursdays, from 8:30am-2:00pm.

Trainings and Workshops

• The Dos and Don’ts of Therapy with Neurodivergent Clients - with Nyck Walsh

• Neurodivergent Somatics, Part 1 - with Nyck Walsh

• Intro to AEDP: How to Be a Transformational Therapist and Put Neuroplasticity into Everyday Action - on demand - with Diana Fosha

• Getting Started or Restarted with AEDP - on demand - with Ben Lipton

• Paradigm Shift training program for parents of PDA autistic children - ongoing

• 500 hour trauma-informed yoga teacher training 

• Holistic Nutrition Diploma - Pacific Rim College

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Kalen Colson, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Kalen Colson, RCC (they/them)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Grief and Loss

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma and Complex Trauma

• 2SLGBTQIA+

• Sexuality

• Relationships (of all kinds)

• Life transitions

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• Nature-Based Therapy

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming)

• Somatic Attachment

• Existential Therapy

• Mindfulness Based Therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH Kalen

I believe that counselling is an opportunity to explore and attend to oneself. As life’s experiences inevitably impact us, it is easy to lose the thread of who we are. As a counsellor, I seek to create a safe space for you to process and unpack your experiences, reclaiming your agency and choice around how you show up for yourself, in relationships and in the world. My approach is trauma-informed, inquisitive, compassionate and holistic. I have a special interest in depth psychotherapy, which means that I like to look below the symptoms at the surface and get to the roots of challenges. This approach also includes spiritual perspectives, archetypes, dream work and soul work among other things.

I also have a special interest in nature-based work. I offer sessions in-office and outdoors. Working outdoors might look like sitting by open water or walking along the beach. Being in the natural world can support some people in feeling more easeful and spacious in session; others prefer the container and privacy of an office space.

Kalen’s EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

I hold a Masters in Integral Counselling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (2022), a diploma in Depth Psychotherapy (2018) and a Masters in Existential Philosophy (2010). I have also done specialized training to work with trauma through Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). In 2023 I received certification as a teacher of Mindfulness Meditation.

I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of folks. My practicum placements included working with teens at an alternative high school and with two nonprofit, accessible therapy clinics.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I moved to BC from Toronto in 2018 in pursuit of living closer to nature. I love living a short walk  from multiple beaches and the vast ocean in Victoria. You’ll often find me by the water with my dog, Hazel. I also spend time in the Cowichan Valley where I am stewarding a beautiful piece of land with the vision of one day creating a nature-based retreat centre.

I identify as a Jewish, white-bodied, neurodivergent, queer and non-binary individual. 

Spirituality, ritual, ceremonies and circles/group work have been important elements in my own healing journey. I believe that life takes on the meaning we give it, and it can be helpful to cultivate intentionality and practices that bring meaning and connection to everyday life. 

I love the work that I do because I love connecting with people about what is truly on their hearts.

FEES

Sessions with Kalen are $140 per 50 minutes, plus GST. Couples sessions are $150 per 50 minutes, plus GST. Longer sessions are available upon request.

HOURS

Kalen is available in office on Tuesdays from 2:30 - 8, and virtually or for nature sessions on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings.

Trainings:

First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Provider Training - 2024

EMDR Basic Training - 2023 with Dr. Amanda Bell and Associates

Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment - 2021-2023 with Lisa Mortimore

Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program - 2021-2023 with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach

Workshops: 

Dream School - 2023-2024 with This Jungian Life

Introduction to Nature-Based Therapy - 2022 with Human Nature Counselling

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Linnea Strom, Registered Social Worker

Linnea Strom, RSW (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Complex trauma

• Anxiety

• Relationships

• Chronic Illness and Medical Trauma

• Parenting

• Gender and Sexuality Affirming

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• Somatic Attachment Therapy

• Emotion Focused therapy

• Body-centred and somatic approaches

• Trauma-informed therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH Linnea

I believe that learning about ourselves in relationship to others is some of the most important and hardest work we do in our lives. As a Registered Social Worker, somatic therapist, and life coach, I am passionate about working with folks who want to heal from past and current life experiences, trauma, and limiting beliefs so they can experience more emotional ease and healthier connections in their life. My goal in sessions with you is to create a safe and caring space where we can work together on whatever brings you to counselling. I am keenly aware of the layers present within power and potential for imbalance and seek to create a dynamic where we learn from each other as equals. 

As a human being, I come from a calm, love-centred, non-judgmental place and always endeavour to understand how our unique lived experience contributes to both our oppression and to our liberation. As a sexuality and gender affirming practitioner, I also bring a personal understanding of these diverse and important aspects of ourselves that continue to evolve throughout our lifetime. With extensive experience around medicalization and changing health/ability throughout the life span, I offer space to connect to and negotiate this changing reality. Through my own parenting and working with diverse parents I bring an in-depth understanding of parenting as shadow-work and the desire to work with our families to heal inter-generational wounds. 

My sessions with clients are primarily online, but I have found that virtual sessions can be just as deep and meaningful and effective as in person, for many people.

Linnea’s EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

As a lifelong learner, I have always been deeply curious about the ways in which we connect and communicate. This led to studying psychology at SFU in the 1990’s and again in 2016, taking a coaching certification in 2005, then getting both a Bachelor of Social Work in 2022 and then a Master of Social Work in 2024. As well, I am halfway through a two year somatic psychotherapy training. I also practice as a Registered Social Worker in a health authority, which gives me insight and knowledge on how to support folks through navigating health, financial and social service systems. 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I spent most of my life in Vancouver but moved to Vancouver Island a few years ago and love the natural beauty and peace it affords. I’m a parent of two young adults, love being creative (I also obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SFU in 2014!), being in nature, learning almost anything, and strange adventures of all sorts.

FEES

Sessions with Linnea are $140 per 50 minute session. No GST applies on RSW sessions.

HOURS

Linnea is available Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8pm and some Sundays during the day. Currently Linnea is only available for virtual appointments.

Relevant Professional Training

• Somatic Psychotherapy Training - 2023-2025 - Bringing the Body into Practice with Lisa Mortimore

• Masters of Social Work - 2024 - University of Victoria

• Qualified Health Care Provider – 2023 - Adult Guardianship Act (RSBC)

• Bachelor of Social Work - 2022 - University of Victoria

• Educational Psychology post-graduate studies - 2015 - Simon Fraser University

• Social Work pre-courses - 2020 - Thompson Rivers University

• Bachelor of Visual Arts - 2014 - Simon Fraser University

• Coaching Certification – 2005 - Erickson College

Workshops and webinars

• Essential Conversations: Sensitive Questions and Messages in Healthcare - 2024

• Trauma Informed Care - 2022 - Centre for Collaboration Motivation and Innovation

• Intro to Gender Diversity (expanded) - 2022 - Provincial Health Services Authority

• Eating Disorders and Substance Use - 2021 - Fraser Health Authority

• Cultural Safety and Humility - 2021 - Island Health

• Responding to Gender-Based Violence - 2021 - Provincial Health Services Authority

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Mila Morrison, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Mila Morrison, RCC (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Complex trauma

• Anxiety

• Relationships

• Chronic pain

• Couples

• Family conflict and estrangement

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Emotion focused therapy

• Internal family systems

• Body-centred and somatic approaches

• Trauma-informed therapy

• EMDR Therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH MILA

I strongly believe that human beings are born with the innate capacity to heal. In our sessions, you can expect me to be open and honest. I bring my full self into therapy sessions, and strive to show up as the most authentic version of myself that I can be, without taking myself too seriously. You can expect me to operate from a place of curiosity and empathy, and the deeply held belief that you are the expert of your own life. Together, we will explore the experience of the present-moment to foster a greater sense of honesty, embodiment, understanding and growth.

MILA’S EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

I completed my Master’s degree in counselling at Simon Fraser University. Prior to this, I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, in psychology and applied ethics. I have also undergone additional training in trauma, and recently completed the level 1 EMDR course. During my university internship, I received a lot of mentorship in providing couples therapy, and this is something that I am excited to continue doing, and continue training in.

Separate but adjacent to counselling, I have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training. While I do not teach yoga anymore, my understanding of the connection between mind, body and emotions deeply informs my counselling practice. 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I chose to pursue therapy as a career because of a deep passion for growth, and curiosity around what it means to be human - both for myself, and others. I am proud to say that I have been a client in therapy for most of my adult life, and that I understand the courage it takes to embark on this journey. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and constantly strive to better understand myself, others, and the world. 

I grew up in Victoria, and am very excited to be back here to stay after several years spent living in Vancouver. I live with my fiancé and our two quirky rescue dogs named Sylvie and Mona. I also love to read and write, and have a yoga practice that I frequently drift away from and then find my way back to. I’ve recently begun singing lessons, which has been as empowering and fun as it is scary!

FEES

Sessions with Mila are $140 per 50 minute session for individuals, and $150 for for couples, plus GST. 75 minute couples sessions are available upon request, pro-rated.

HOURS

Mila is available Monday 2-8, and Tuesday 9-2.

Trainings and Workshops:

• EMDR Level 1, Victoria BC, June 2024

• AEDP Immersion, May 2024

• A Step by Step Guide Through Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems

• Top 10 Highly Impactful Therapeutic skills in AEDP

• Narcissistic Abuse in Depth

• Core Emotion-Focused Family therapy

• The Body Keeps the Score - online trauma training

• Trauma, the Body, and the Autonomic Nervous System 

• YTT-200 Hour Yoga teacher training 

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Allie Murphy, Post-Graduate Intern Counsellor

Allie Murphy, Intern Counsellor (she/they)

AREAS OF FOCUS: 

• Anxiety

• Life transitions

• Grief and loss

• 2SLGBTQIA+

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Body-centred and somatic approaches

• Radical Self-Compassion

• Emotion-Focused Therapy

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ALLIE

First and foremost, I believe that healing is possible through the cultivation of safety, connection, and empowerment. Some key values for me are being culturally responsive, socially just, compassionate, and collaborative. My sessions are experiential, relational, and somatically oriented.

Working from a foundation of safety, I encourage and accompany clients to explore difficult emotions and experiences. I recognize that you are the expert in your own life and my goal is to help you uncover your own strengths, wisdom, and expertise. I offer my training and experience and together we work to address the challenges that bring you in, as well as whatever arises in the process. In session, I am deeply interested in your experience in the present moment and will encourage you to shift focus from in-the-head toward body-based sensing and feeling. We will check in regularly to ensure you feel safe and supported by the tools we use, and I welcome input and feedback throughout. 

ALLIE’S EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

I’ve always been drawn to our stories and how we tell them, and I have a B.A. from McGill University and an M.A. from University of Victoria in English Literature. During the pandemic, I returned to school to pursue an M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, and completed it in Spring 2024. I have experience in queer and feminist organizing, community healthcare, and as a researcher about issues impacting young people at the Centre for Youth and Society. I have spent over 5 years supporting survivors of sexual assault on crisis lines and in support groups. Transformative experiences with my own therapist while navigating grief, loss, and major life upheavals showed me firsthand the power of the therapeutic relationship and inspired me to pursue this path. 

I am an intern still practicing under supervision and expecting my registration in fall 2024.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I grew up on the east coast but have lived in BC since 2015, and as a Maritimer, I am happiest near the ocean. My personal experience with grief, loss, queerness, anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, and chronic pain inform my practice and my commitment to our collective liberation and healing. To unwind, I love to read, write, practice tarot, attend community acupuncture, spend time by the water, cuddle with my cat, and learn new things (pottery at present).

FEES

Sessions with Allie are $100, plus GST.

HOURS

Allie is available on Monday mornings, Tuesday afternoons (online only), Wednesdays afternoon/evenings, and Sunday afternoons.

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Özlem Mavis, Student Counsellor

Özlem Mavis, Student Counsellor (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Existential Issues

• Relationships and Sexuality

• Cross-Cultural Issues, Identity and Belonging

• Chronic Illness or Pain

• LGBTQ2SIA+

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• Body-centered and Somatic Approaches

• Expressive Arts Therapy

• Focusing-Oriented Therapy

• Embodied Experiential Dreamwork

• Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ÖZlem

My aim is always to provide a gentle, creative, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. I deeply respect the courage it takes to begin this journey and approach each session with kindness, curiosity, openness, and a touch of playfulness to foster a supportive healing environment.

My sessions often include body-centered and somatic approaches, alongside a deeply relational approach. I also offer expressive arts therapy for interested clients, which can include creative processes such as painting, writing, storytelling, movement, or music, leading to surprising insights and unimagined possibilities. No prior experience required!

Özlem’s EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

My fascination with creative expression, psychology, and the existential-spiritual dimension of life led me to a B.A. in English Literature and World Religions from McGill University. I then earned a Graduate Certificate in Spiritually-Informed Psychotherapy from St. Stephen’s College. Since 2017, I've undergone extensive training in Focusing, an experiential therapeutic modality facilitating access to unique bodily-felt knowing. Additionally, I hold a certificate in embodied experiential dreamwork—a somatic, client-led process of working with dreams and nightmares.

I am currently pursuing my RCC designation as a Master’s student in the Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology program at the European Graduate School. My previous roles, from supporting adults with diverse abilities to offering individual expressive arts therapy sessions to elementary school students, enrich my training with real-world empathy and understanding.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Thirteen years ago, I undertook a life-changing journey, moving from Turkey to Canada alone. This experience deepened my understanding of cross-cultural challenges, belonging, and self-discovery. My personal therapy journey, which has helped me explore my sexual identity, spirituality, chronic illness, and anxiety, informs my empathetic and non-judgmental counselling approach. I highly value authenticity and aim to remove shame from the process of self-exploration. No topic is off-limits in our work together.

In my free time, I find solace in freediving, nature walks, music, meditation, journaling, and painting, which keep me grounded and inspired.

FEES

Sessions with Özlem are $60 per 50 minute session for individuals, plus GST.

HOURS

Özlem is available Sundays, Tuesdays 2:30-8, and Thursdays 11:30 - 2:30.

Trainings:

• Trauma-Informed Grief Support - 2024 - with Shauna Janz

• Kink Education for Therapists - 2024 - with Sexual Health Alliance

• Intro to AEDP - with Diana Fosha

• Transform Trauma Through Fierce Love - AEDP Institute - with SueAnn Piliero

• Making Good Use of Suffering - AEDP Institute - with Jerry Lamagna

• Getting Started or Restarted with AEDP - AEDP Institute - with Ben Lipton

• Graduate Certificate in Spiritually Informed Psychotherapy - St. Stephen's College

• Focusing Level 4 - with The International Focusing Institute

• Embodied Experiential Dreamwork Certification - with Dr. Leslie Ellis

• Nature-based Expressive Arts Therapy Certification - with World Arts Organization

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

August Waite, Student Counsellor

August Waite, Student Counsellor (they/them)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Anxiety and social anxiety

• Shame and self esteem

• Complex trauma and attachment wounds

• Body image and gender dysphoria

• Couples therapy (including non-monogamy)

• Sexuality, coming out, and transition/post-transition experience 

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Body-Centered and Somatic Approaches

• Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

• Developmental Model for Couples Therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH August

Whatever we are carrying becomes lighter when we’re connected to, and witnessed by, caring others.

I believe in experiential work, and in the power of something new happening in each session. In our work together, I strive always to create an environment that is safe enough to honour and hold your struggle, your courage, and your joy. My approach incorporates techniques to help us show up compassionately to all our parts and all aspects of our emotional experience, including the ones we may struggle to be with. I also work to create opportunities to return to the body, while honouring the reasons we may have had to leave it. As a trauma-informed counsellor, sessions with me always explicitly invite collaboration and choice, and I work with an eye turned toward the collective wounds we each carry from the trauma of social injustice.

In my work with couples and relationships, I am passionate about understanding the culture that your relationship exists within, and the culture which has been created between you. I work to see and mirror the patterns you elicit in one another, and experientially work with moments of connection and disconnection in the here-and-now.

I believe that when we ground into emotional safety and connection with one another, we can unlock our inherent capacity to grow and to heal.

August’s EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

My curiosity about the ways in which we are impacted by culture, communities, and social structures led me from initial study in Gender Studies to a B. A. in Psychology. I then began my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at City University.

I have worked for years as a community volunteer counsellor at Citizens’ Counselling Centre, where I’ve experienced working with a diverse array of individuals and couples. Prior to this, I worked as a crisis line volunteer with trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks across North America. I also provide training to novice counsellors in gender and sexuality affirmative counselling. I am passionate about working with trauma, shame, grief, anxiety and social anxiety, body image and self esteem, gender/body dysphoria and euphoria, transition and post-transition experience, and relationship challenges (including non-monogamous/polyamorous relationships).

Beyond my Masters of Counselling Psychology coursework, I have also completed professional training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotion Focussed Therapy for Couples, the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy, and will be completing training in Lifespan Integration Therapy this year.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I’ve lived and worked as an uninvited settler on unceded Lekwungen territories for the past 10 years, and grew up in Nogojiwanong (so-called Peterborough), Ontario. I’m always striving to live in closer alignment with the teachings and decolonizing calls-to-action which the indigenous stewards of these territories so generously extend to us.

My counselling work is inspired by my lived experiences and desire to bring my whole self to the work. My experience as a queer, trans, and non-binary person has informed my interest in community, relationship, and our experiences of the self and the body. I’m an enthusiastic collector of art practices, and my time-tested art loves include poetry and music making. In times of challenge and times of celebration, I am grateful to be accompanied by my weird and wonderful chosen family and by my relationship with the land and water.

FEES

Sessions with August are $60 per 50 minute session for individuals, plus GST. Couples are $75 per 50 minutes, plus GST.

HOURS

August is available Mondays 2:30 - 8pm and Tuesdays 8am - 12pm.

Trainings:

• Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Therapy Immersion - AEDP Institute 2024 - with Diana Fosha

• AEDP Portrayals: The Dyadic Experiential Processing of Trauma to a Corrective Emotional Experience - 2024 - with Diana Fosha

• AEDP for Trauma and Attachment Wounds - PESI 2024 - with Diana Fosha

• Introduction to AEDP - AEDP Institute 2024 - with Diana Fosha

• Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis - PESI - with Sue Johnson

• The Developmental Model for Couples Therapy Intensive - Adaptive Counselling Seattle 2023  

• Creating Well-Functioning Polyamory - Queering Mental Health Conference 2022 - with Martha Kappi

• Introduction to Couples Counselling Training - Citizen’s Counselling Centre 2022

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.