Hello, my name is Shay and I am a Registered and Licensed Clinical Counsellor who absolutely loves my work. I feel that helping people achieve optimal psychological, relational, and professional health is my calling in life.
I believe that you are the expert of your own life. Only you truly know where you have been, where you are now, and where you would like to be. I come alongside you to hold space, ask the right questions, and support you through your journey towards self-discovery and psychological health.
I take a Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual approach in counselling. Those are just fancy words to say that I believe we are dynamic beings and everything that happens in our mind, body, and psyche is important and affects every other area of our life. In our sessions, we explore what has impacted your mind, body, and soul, and how we can make things better so that you can live a happy, healthy, and meaningful life moving forward.
Most of the challenges that people come to me with include, anxiety, depression, various addictions (including substance use and sexual addictions), trauma, identity formation, life transitions, as well as family and attachment issues.
Some of the tools I often use in therapy include EMDR, CBT approaches, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psycho-Somatic approaches, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psycho-analytic approaches, Narrative therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I am also continually researching and learning new approaches that may be of benefit to my clients.
There are literally hundreds of theories and modalities (approaches) that are now being used in psychotherapy. However, it is only when you feel safe, heard, understood, and empowered within a therapeutic relationship that the most effective psychological work takes place. I work closely with you to find the right tools and therapies that work for you.
Thank you for considering my services in your mental health journey. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Shay Narain, MC, RCC
(He/Him)
Phone: 604-825-3039 Shay@arisecounsellingservices.com
Hi, I’m Despina! I’m a registered and licensed clinical counsellor. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt. My work is conducted on the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples - Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt and Kwikwetlem First Nations. I began my career 17 years ago in the non-profit sector, providing outreach support and case management to youth navigating mental health challenges and addictions. In addition to my private practice, I currently work as a mental health clinician in the public sector.
Establishing safety in our therapeutic connection is my priority—it is the foundation from which healing grows. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and non-directive because I believe you are the expert of your own experience. My role is to walk alongside you as a compassionate guide, helping you tap into your innate wisdom. I tailor my approach to your goals, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Early Psychosis Intervention.
It is a deep honor to hold space for others as they share their stories. There is something profoundly healing about being truly seen and heard without judgment. I look forward to walking this journey of healing with you.
Despina Stratidakis MC, RCC
(she/her)
Tel: (672) 885-1735
Info@arisecounsellingservices.com
