Hello

I’m Arezu (she/her). I help clients understand what keeps them stuck, explore the beliefs and systems that shape their lives, and support them in making meaningful changes that align with what matters most to them.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

 
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  • Education and background

    I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#19089) and I have a Master of Counselling degree and a Master of Public Health.

    Prior to counselling, I worked in health and mental health research for over 15 years in the areas of stress and coping, eating disorders, substance use, and women’s health. I value using evidence-based learning to nurture individual and community growth.

  • my clients

    I work with adults who are facing challenges coping with life transitions, navigating health issues, feeling stuck, pursuing meaningful change, and reestablishing their identity.

    My practice is grounded in an awareness of how social systems, power, and inequity shape our lives and experiences. I take a neuroaffirming approach and value working with people across diverse identities and backgrounds.

  • a little about me

    I share my home with two kids and a snake which adds a lot of personality to my day.

    I love books and will look up pretty much any book you mention after our session to add to my reading list.

    Spending time with my family, going on mini adventures, and being creative are some of my favourite ways to recharge.

    I genuinely believe therapy is a useful tool and I care a lot about making the process worthwhile (and fun) for you.

My approach

 

I believe every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength and purpose. By cultivating a safe and respectful relationship to understand your needs, we can explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck. You can connect more deeply with your experiences, develop new understandings of yourself and find new ways forward. I work from an intersectional and anti-oppressive framework which means that I believe that our individual health cannot be disentangled from our collective wellbeing and the larger context of our lives.

It is my great privilege to support individuals as we explore the complex histories that we each carry within us and find our way forward.

  • areas of focus

    Some of the areas I focus on are:

    • Identity and life transitions

    • Medical trauma, navigating health challenges/new diagnoses, healthcare system advocacy

    • Reproductive mental health (including postpartum depression)

    • Family of origin and attachment work

    • Depression and anxiety

    • Racial identity, first generation immigrant challenges, and multicultural issues

  • influences

    I use an integrated approach and adapt the format of sessions to meet your specific situation and needs. The following are some of the therapies and philosophies that influence my work:

    • Humanistic/Existential Psychology

    • Attachment Theory

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

    • Polyvagal Theory and Trauma Informed practice

    • Family Systems Therapy

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“I am not what happens to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Carl Jung

For more information about my services or to book a session:

Counselling Services