registered clinical Counsellor

North Vancouver Counsellor from Helen Whitehead Counselling

Originally from Yorkshire in the U.K., I have lived in North Vancouver for over ten years. I have worked in a number of areas in the field of mental health and graduated from City University (Vancouver campus) with a Master's degree in Counselling and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (the BCACC).

I have trained in a number of therapeutic approaches and am continuously staying up to date with current mental health research and best practices. All my work is trauma informed and I value and constantly work toward inclusivity. When away from work I enjoy hiking my dog on the North Vancouver trails, drinking my favourite British tea (Yorkshire Gold of course) and exploring the beautiful Okanagan, the other place I like to call home.

My Counselling Approach

Helen Whitehead M.C., R.C.C.

My counselling practice incorporates theories and techniques from several evidence-based therapies including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (parts work), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I welcome questions about these approaches or any other aspects of therapy that you are unsure about to support your comfort and understanding of the therapeutic process.

What to expect... If you choose to work with me, as your counsellor I will provide a non-judgmental and confidential space in which you are given the opportunity to discuss your inner thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will support you and at times challenge you, so you can explore who the real you is and what really matters to you. Together we will find the space in which to work out how to best cope with the challenges you are presently experiencing and find your way forward by drawing upon your strengths and acknowledging your history.

Often I have found that our ways of responding to events and situations in the present are complicated by trauma and hurt we may have endured in the past and it can be helpful to understand what our own ways of responding to threats and distress are (such as fight, flight, freeze, fawn), so we can learn to work with what we have instead of fighting against it. We can talk about the past as much or as little as you wish to - my aim is for you to be able to live the life you want to live from this day forward.

Click here to see how I might be able to help you and feel free to check out my latest blog posts!