Individual Counselling is known by many names. Counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy to name a few. They all have one thing in common. They allow someone the space to work through the things going on in their life, without judgement.

Counselling can be helpful in many ways. Regardless of what brings you here today, we can help you find someone who will be a great fit for you. Whether you are going through a life transition, are dealing with difficulties outside of your usual experience, needing help coping, or even just a space to talk, we are here to help.

Relationships occur between you and everyone you know. There are intimate relationships, friendships, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships and even a relationships with your own self. Relationship counselling can help you and the people closest to you find ways to communication, experience conflict and find easier ways to connect with each other.

Relationship counselling is unique in that the appointments are a mix of personal appointments and appointments with all involved in the relationship. Generally, we will meet together first, then one on one for an appointment before coming back together. We will discuss how everyone desires to move forward and what format is going to best serve you. Services are always geared towards what is going to work best for the collective.

Family counselling is designed for any group of people belonging to their version of what family means. This can include parents, children, siblings, grandparents, caregivers and even friends at times. The goal of family counselling is to help everyone understand and support one another. There are many reasons why people may come in for family counselling. Often times, the topics centre around addictions, mental health, moving, ageing, trauma, and conflict.

At its core, family counselling provides a space for understanding and communication. People learn to communicate more effectively, and even find a version of relationship that works for everyone involved.

Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique therapy founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro that treats present-day difficulties as symptoms of holding impactful memories that we may or may not have full access to. Bilateral stimulation, usually in the form of back-and-forth eye movement, helps people to access memories and get around cognitive blocks or protections for the purpose of processing those memories that are unprocessed, partially processed, and/or stored in a dysfunctional way.

EMDR is commonly used in cases where trauma is a major contributing factor, such as with victims of recent accidents or clients diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, even seemingly “small” traumatic events can impact the way we think, our core beliefs, and the often dysfunctional ways that we cope and protect ourselves, so EMDR can be helpful in many cases of depression, anxiety, and other common mental health difficulties. Your counsellor may suggest EMDR as an option if unhealthy/unhelpful cognitive patterns are identified in therapy that may be related to impactful events you have experienced.

Counsellors who work with youth are trained and experienced in approaches that make sense specifically to children and youth. This can include art or play therapy, and is aimed at helping children make sense of what is going on in their minds, bodies and lives in a way that they can understand. Counselling addresses issues specific to their growth, development, mental health and general well-being.

Adolescence is so much more than just a phase of a person’s life. It is a period of change in regards to biology and psychology, but usually also in a person’s social life, adaptive skills, economic dependence, education, and role in society. Adolescence is a time of experimentation, identity formation, emotion, and changing perspectives. An adolescent has so much to learn about themselves and the world around them while at the same time undergoing more change and taking on more responsibility than they have ever had before; it is not surprising that this can be a time of stress for many. It is also common that adolescents have more conflict with their parents/caregivers than they have had before as they explore who they are and how to express that.

Seniors counselling provides specialized support for older adults navigating various life-stage challenges that come with aging. Some topics can include grief and loss, adjusting to life changes and transitions, managing and navigating health, and coping with loneliness or isolation. 

Counsellors work with you to navigate these challenges through empathy, compassion, and understanding. Counsellors will provide meaningful conversation, coping strategies, and emotional support to help you feel empowered.  

Sexuality counselling helps people learn about their own sexuality, and addresses various difficulties someone may have around sex. It can be for individuals or people in relationships, and is a form of talk therapy. There is no physical contact in the office during counselling. People in counselling are often times sent home with homework to try at home instead. 

Sexuality is defined as the way a person relates to sex, relationships, orientation and identify. Essentially, it is the way they express themselves as a sexual being. It can therefore include include gender expression, sexual orientation, personal values, what they have been taught about sex/self, religion, culture, sexual desire, self-image, and sexual interests. Ultimately, it impacts the way someone relates to self, partners, people in their life and the world at large. Sexuality therapy is simply therapy that works on these areas with a client.

Gender Affirming Care involves many options based on client need. All practitioners are trauma informed, affirmative in their practice, and trained by TransCare BC. We follow the most current WPATH Standards of Care, with provincial amendments where applicable. At Clarity, we offer the following services for Trans-related health, and gender affirmation.

HRA’s are for those looking for hormonal treatment or puberty suppression as part of their transition. It is a comprehensive assessment that looks at personal, medical, and mental health histories, as well as overview and education around effects and timelines of hormone effects. A report is completed and is provided to medical professionals at the request and consent of the client. Assessors can also provide recommendation letters to your family doctor if they are not comfortable or trained in providing care.

Depending on the surgery, you may need one or two assessments completed for surgeons. These assessments, much like the hormone readiness assessments, look at general, medical, and mental health histories, but also include information and care planning related to pre-op, post-op and recovery from the surgery you are seeking.