Olessia Axenova, RCC

Truthfully, I have yet to meet a person who has a rich life and depth of character who has had it easy. I believe that life’s challenges can be a source of transformation and deepening of life’s experience. Our struggles are openings and opportunities to rediscover our greatness and experience life a little more fully, so that one day we can proudly look back and say, “Wow, what a journey this life has been!”

I also believe that life is richer in connection with ourselves and others. Although relationships can be challenging, complicated, and confusing, they can also be healthy and healing, joyful and rewarding, and a secure base to explore the beauty of life from. I work with people to help bring them into alignment with relational goals they have for themselves.

##WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS

Are you crushing it on those rock walls but cruxing out in relationships?

Sending double blacks but wiping out in other areas of life?

Sports analogies and humour aside, maybe life and or your relationship looks pretty good on the outside, but inside…

- Something doesn’t feel quite right, and maybe you can or cannot put your finger on it, but something somewhere feels a little empty or lacklustre, or maybe just plain exhausting?

- It feels tough to hold on to yourself while maintaining connection to others?

- Find yourself looking at your life and wondering, “how in the world did I get here?” but not sure which string to pull on or where to even start?

- Perhaps wanting to be in a relationship and simultaneously feeling terrified at the idea?

Because every individual and life path is unique, my approach to working together is collaborative and person-centred. With genuine openness, curiosity, and warmth, I hold a safe space for us to explore your experiences and support you in navigating your way from struggle to flow.

I draw on modalities such as AEDP, mindfulness, parts work, and various behavioural tools as needed. At the root of it, I work relationally and with a deep knowing that we’re all inherently whole, but life happens… and yet despite that, we are innately drawn to healing, genuine connection, and vitality.

##WORK WITH COUPLES

Do you deeply care for each other and yet feel frustrated and discouraged having the same fight over and over again?

Not feeling seen, heard, understood, considered, or valued by your partner?

Do you feel like you used to have something beautiful and now, after too many painful moments and experiences, questioning what you have?

Or is your relationship actually pretty fantastic and you want to make it even better? There’s a place here for you too!!

In my work with couples, my intention is to help you get to the root of your sticky points, to help foster better communication, understanding, and knowing of each other. We will work on ways you can break out of the cycle you’ve gotten into and navigate conflict in more productive and healing ways, so that you walk away feeling more connected than before.

I bring a calm, warm, and non-judgmental energy to my practice. Whatever your challenges, I welcome you.

##MY BACKGROUND

I am a certified yoga instructor and have been teaching since the COVID days (it was an interesting time to start!). I have also sat in multiple silent meditation courses, learning and practicing Vipassana, which is a type of mindfulness meditation, and I bring that presence and awareness to my practice. Prior to teaching yoga, I had a career in corporate (actuarial science, if you know what that is!) and can certainly empathize with challenges that arise in that kind of environment, as well as questioning one’s path and going through life transitions.

My education and training also include:

- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) — Certified Level 1, AEDP Institute

- Couple Therapy Certification with Dr. Alexandra Solomon — in progress

- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trauma Treatment with Frank Anderson — in progress

- Repairing Betrayal with Stan Tatkin

- Sessions Live with Esther Perel in NYC

- Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle

- Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Waterloo

##LET’S CONNECT

I know that choosing a counsellor can be challenging. To make things a little easier, I offer free 15-minute consultations as an opportunity for us to chat, for you to share a little bit about what’s going on for you, ask me any questions you may have, get a feel for each other and see if we want to take the next step together. There’s no pressure to book at the end of that call. I’m here whenever you’re ready.

Looking forward to connecting with you!