QUICK LINKS — Meet Ava — The Space — FAQ — Accessibility
My name is Ava (they/she). ☀︎
Before becoming a therapist, I became disillusioned by youth work, wherein I witnessed firsthand the way marginalized peoples are let down by systems and those meant to care for them, and made the decision to become a healer.
I have a sense of humour and love to joke around, including in sessions! I’m a tattoo enjoyer, alternative music listener, noncommittal artist, kombucha brewer, and proud owner of over 5 pairs of overalls. Gotta love ’em.
When not working, you can most often find me crafting, playing a card game, PC gaming, or basking in the sun. My favourite hobby is shamelessly loving on my silly cat, who never fails to make me smile after a challenging day.
Credentials
Registered Clinical Counsellor #24295 — BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional #138738 — International Trauma Training Institute
CVAP Approved Counselling Provider — Crime Victim Assistance Program of BC
Brainspotting Phase 1 — Canadian Prairires Institute for Midbrain Therapies
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 — The Gottman Institute
Master of Counselling Psychology — Adler University
Bachelor of Arts with Distinction — Simon Fraser University
Major in Psychology, Minor in Counselling & Human Development
Training
As part of my commitment to ethical practice, I engage in ongoing professional development. Below are select highlights of my training experiences.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): 2-Day Intensive with Daniel J. Moran
- The Art of the Body: Integrating Art Therapy Techniques with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Jacquie Compton
- Brainspotting: 2-Day Workshop with David Grand
- Brainspotting Phase 1 with Canadian Prairies Institute for Midbrain Therapies
- Bringing the Body into Therapy: Clinical Tools from Somatic Experiencing with Abi Blakeslee
- DBT Skills with Marsha P. Linehan
- Movement as Powerful Medicine Applications within EMDR & Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Katrina Curry
- The Neurobiology of Healing Relationships: Trauma Work Meets Couples Therapy with Terry Real & Juliane Taylor Shore
- Racial Trauma: Assessment and Treatment Techniques for Trauma Rooted in Racism with Monnica Williams
- Radical Mental Health First Aide: Therapist Edition with N. Oumou Sylla
- San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Core Mental Health Training with PHSA BC
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy from a Distance: Engaging the Body, Creating Presence, and Building Relationship in Online Therapy with Pat Ogden & Bonnie Goldstein
- Somatic Approaches in Therapy Summit April 2025
- Trauma-Sensitive Movement: Somatic Techniques to Support the Nervous System with Manuela Mischke-Reeds
- Working with Ethically Trans Youth with Kimberly Vered Shashoua
The space.
Curated with a pleasant sensory experience in mind, my office affords you a soft landing place in the bustling heart of downtown New Westminster. Inspired by sun, earth, and sea, the space invites you to nestle in among the pillows and blankets, tea in hand, as we explore your world together.
FAQ.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults of all ages, as well as teens 16+ who are capable of consenting to therapy as a Mature Minor.
Areas that I commonly focus on include…
- Complex trauma (cPTSD)
- Abuse & violence
- Childood abuse & neglect
- Male survivors
- Systemic oppression
- Mind/body/spirit connection
- Relationships & boundaries
- Identity & self-exploration
- Grief & loss
- Depression & anxiety
How can I work with you?
You are welcome to book yourself a free 20 minute consultation using the button below, or contact me to book an appointment.
I currently see clients virtually by video call (across BC) and in-person in New Westminster.
How much does therapy cost?
See below for my current rates. My services are PST and GST exempt.
Individual 60 minutes — $165
Individual 90 minutes — $235
Brainspotting 60 minutes — $165
Brainspotting 90 minutes — $235
Relationship 60 minutes — $180
Relationship 90 minutes — $255
Can I pay with insurance?
Yes. I offer direct billing for select insurers. You are responsible for ensuring that your insurance plan includes coverage for services offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) as plans may differ. You will be billed any outstanding amount not covered by your insurer.
Can I pay with CVAP?
Yes! The Crime Victim Assistance Program will pay $135 toward the appointment cost. If you would like to use your CVAP funding toward sessions, please email me a copy of your application approval letter OR application confirmation letter, if your application is pending.
Do you offer sliding scale?
I keep a limited amount of space available to clients at reduced cost. Reduced cost appointments are offered in the interest of addressing disparities in financial privilege. Reduced cost does not mean sale or discount.
You are warmly welcomed to book a consultation with me to discuss my fee. Existing clients are welcome to reach out should a need arise to adjust your appointment cost.
For significantly reduced cost, check out the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective by clicking the logo below.
Do you use AI in your work?
Nope. I do not use artificial intelligence with your personal information, nor do I use it to generate content or any other aspect of my work. It is my goal to keep my practice as AI-free as possible, out of respect for your privacy and my own ethics.
(Yes, I use the em dash on my website, and it has more recently become associated with AI-generated text, but I promise you I do my own copywriting. I just love the em dash.)
Accessibility.
I strive to make my practice as accessible as possible to a diverse variety of access needs and abilities. If the below information does not answer your accessibility questions, or you have feedback about how I can improve the accessibility of my practice, please reach out via email. I would love to hear from you!
My physical office is located in a wheelchair-accessible building on the first floor, accessible by elevator or ground-level backdoor. The office door has a round doorknob and must be held open to enter. Washrooms are gendered and have longer door handles — the men’s is wheelchair-accessible, however the women’s has a lip at the door that is a few inches tall, meaning mobility aids may not be able to enter. It’s an old building. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I offer tea and water, and blankets and pillows to ensure your comfort, as well as body-inclusive seating options. You are welcome to bring any comfort items, or calming activities, such as crafts, to your session. My office is scent-reduced but may smell lightly of incense. Natural lighting and soft lamps light the space, and a white noise machine may be playing to muffle sound travel. You may notice gentle music playing in the waiting room.
I use a HEPA air purifier at all times while on site to reduce possible virus transmission. Upon request, I can provide and wear N95 masks with headloops, but kindly note that I do see other clients unmasked. If in-person sessions are not a comfortable risk, I also offer my services via video call.
Video call appointments are conducted using the Jane App, which can be accessed in your browser or using the mobile app. At this time, Jane does not occur built-in live captions. However, captions can be enabled client-side in your browser settings or by using a third-party extension.
CLIENTS THROUGH BCSMSSA. My physical office space in Vancouver is located on the second floor of the building, and there is a steep set of stairs up to the space with no wheelchair-friendly option. The front door is heavy and has a round doorknob. Both natural lighting and lamps are used inside, and you may notice a white noise machine playing in the entry area. There is a single stall washroom that can fit smaller mobility aids. The building is located on a busy street with several bus stops close by, and free parking is available on West 10th Avenue.