Claudia Healey

##BACKGROUND

I've lived in the territories of the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) for most of my life and I feel very honoured to support the well-being of the community here. A career in counselling came naturally to me as I've always been drawn to helping others, understanding people on a deep level, recognizing patterns, and exploring different perspectives. I have also channeled my passion for health through studying yoga, vipassana meditation, and nature-based healing practices, in addition to following creative paths in writing, photography and visual art as tools for mental well-being too.

##MY APPROACH

My counselling approach is holistic, integrated and experiential, meaning I draw from several approaches to meet each person where they are at. It also means that I guide clients to explore their lives on many levels so that they can more clearly understand how all these parts influence each other and the issue at hand.

My areas of specialty include supporting individuals navigating:

- life transitions,

- anxiety,

- depression,

- identity-related challenges,

- neurodiversity (Autism and/or ADHD),

- high sensitivity (HSP),

- those with complex childhood trauma (C-PTSD),

- individuals living with chronic health conditions.-

Some of the therapeutic modalities I draw from are:

- Somatic Attachment Therapy,

- Expressive Arts Therapy,

- Yoga Therapy,

- Synergetic Play Therapy,

- Internal Family Systems,

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,

- Jungian Depth Psychology.

##PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS

I completed my Master of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in early 2024, and have been working in trauma recovery, wellness and social services sectors since 2021. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with minor in Sociology from Simon Fraser University which has offered me a strong foundation in understanding complex social issues, different cultural perspectives, and the relationship

between media and mental health.

Training I have completed:

- Complete Internal Family Systems Therapy Immersion | PESI | 2026

- Intro to Jungian Psychology | Zur Institute | 2026

- Post-Traumatic Growth & Yoga with Dr. Arielle Schwartz | Yoga International | 2026

- Somatic Expressive Arts Therapy Toolbox | Trauma-Informed and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute |2026

- Intro to Expressive Arts Therapy | Trauma-Informed and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute | 2026

- Intro to Synergetic Play Therapy | Synergetic Play Therapy Institute | 2025

- Autism in Women & Girls | Autism Community Training | 2025

- Gathering Our Medicine Indigenous Cultural Healing | Squamish Nation | 2025

- Introduction & History of Play Therapy | BC Play Therapy Association | 2024

-Navigating Gender-Affirming Care | Tran Care BC | 2024

- DBT for Adolescents | British Isles DBT Training | 2024

- Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate | Embody Lab | 2023

- Suicide-Focused Assessment | McLean Hospital | 2023

- 200hr Yoga Teacher Training | Casa Shambhala | 2021

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##COUNSELLING FOR KIDS (age 6+)

I have been providing therapy and support services to children and youth for over 5 years. I have extensive experience working with kids who struggle with ADHD, Autism (ASD), anxiety, emotional regulation, bullying, social relationships, family changes or conflict, and trauma.

Children tend to process experiences through play, creativity, movement, and connection rather than words alone. This is largely because their nervous systems and brains are still developing so their emotional expression is more abstract, experiential and indirect than adults. Modalities such as play therapy, art therapy, and sensory or movement-based activities are often more developmentally appropriate and supportive for their ability to process, learn, grow and make sense of their experiences.

I help kids feel like kids again while also supporting their growth towards greater ease, joy, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.

##YOUTH COUNSELLING (13+)

Youth counselling offers a supportive space for adolescents to slow down, reflect, and navigate the challenges of growing up in an increasingly overwhelming world. The teenage years can bring questions and challenges around identity, relationships, self-worth, anxiety, family dynamics, and the pressure to fit in or meet expectations.

Counselling teens usually involves helping them understand themselves better, while also guiding them in developing healthy coping skills, emotional awareness, self-confidence, and communication skills. I strive to create a space where teens feel comfortable being themselves without judgment, while supporting them in developing a stronger sense of trust in who they are and what they need.

##PARENT SUPPORT

Working with parents and caregivers is essential to my work with kids and teens too. I see it as working on a team together, collaborating on improving a child's well-being, and providing parents with guidance on how to understand and support their little ones better. All of this is done within the limits of confidentiality and a child's consent and participation. Parents are often included in sessions, provided regular check-ins, and sometimes offered a separate parent session for more in-depth support and psychoeducation.

##ADULT COUNSELLING

Most adults come to counselling seeking relief from what is creating stress and pain in their lives, and to access help on how to move forward. You might be grieving a recent loss, navigating relationship changes,

experiencing challenging mental or physical health symptoms, navigating a new diagnosis, or maybe just

feeling lost, disconnected or stuck in your life. More often than not, these challenges or difficult events are

also opportunities to learn more about yourself, reclaim your strengths, make positive changes, reflect on what matters to you, build stronger support systems, and create a life that feels more authentic to you.

As your counsellor, I will walk alongside you, one step at a time, as you do this brave and meaningful work.

##LET'S CONNECT

If you feel like I would be a good fit for the counselling support you need, or you would just like to learn more, please book a complimentary consultation call where we can meet and discuss any questions you might have. I look forward to connecting and learning more about you.