Özlem Mavis, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Özlem Mavis, RTC (she/her)
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Grief, Heartbreak and Relational Wounds
Anxiety and Depression
Trauma and Complex Trauma
Relationships and Sexuality
2SLGBTQIA+
Cross-Cultural Issues, Identity and Belonging
Life Transitions and/or Immigration
THERAPY MODALITIES:
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)
Body-centered and Somatic Approaches
Parts Work and Attachment Theory
Expressive Arts Therapy
Focusing-Oriented Dreamwork
Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ÖZlem
I am here to hold your pain, longing, and courage with deep respect and tenderness. Therapy is an opportunity to foster genuine connection in a supportive space dedicated to your healing and growth. As a trauma-informed counsellor, I honour your choices, go at your pace, and prioritize building trust.
Our work may include body-centered, somatic, relational, and emotion-focused approaches, such as slowing down to notice feelings and sensations as you speak.
As an expressive arts therapist, I can also offer you opportunities to explore your innate creativity—no arts background needed. You can book a session at my Fernwood studio, where we may engage with sensory materials like clay, felt, or pastels. Expressing through images, sound, or movement can expand imagination, soothe the nervous system, and bring unexpected insights.
My aim is to collaborate with you to uncover your strengths, wisdom, and truth. I draw from my training to support you but see myself primarily as a caring, open-minded companion, honored to be part of your journey.
Özlem’s EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
My fascination with creative expression, psychology, and philosophy led me to a B.A. in English Literature and World Religions at McGill University. I earned a Graduate Certificate in Spiritually-Informed Psychotherapy from St. Stephen’s College and am now pursuing my RCC designation as a Master’s student in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology at the European Graduate School.
I completed my practicum at Bodymind Counselling, where I began training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). I also have extensive training in Focusing, a modality that accesses bodily-felt knowing, and hold a certificate in Focusing-Oriented Dreamwork.
Outside of Bodymind, I provide counselling and expressive arts therapy at Victoria School for Ideal Education and the Island Kids Cancer Association. Previously, I was a community support worker for neurodivergent individuals. I am deeply grateful for the inspiring people I have worked with and learned from.
ON A PERSONAL NOTEFourteen years ago, I immigrated alone from Turkey to Canada, deepening my understanding of cross-cultural challenges, belonging, and self-discovery. My personal therapy journey—exploring queerness, spirituality, chronic illness, and anxiety—informs my empathetic approach. I welcome all facets of your identity and strive to remove shame from self-exploration. No topic is off-limits in our work together.
In my free time, I love long walks in nature, spending time by the ocean, reading with tea, being with loved ones, painting, playing music, and watching inspiring films. I have a special love for animated movies and am a big fan of The Last Unicorn—both the book and the movie!
FEESSessions with Özlem are $105 per 50 minute session for individuals, plus GST. ($110.25)
Özlem is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) and many extended benefits plans will cover her services.
HOURSÖzlem is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2:30-8, and Thursdays 8:30 - 2:00.
Trainings:
AEDP Immersion - 2025 - with Diana Fosha
Advanced Dreamwork Supervision – with Dr. Leslie Ellis
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 Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy – Vancouver Art Therapy Institute
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
All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
