Increase Awareness. Begin Healing. Embrace Change. Grow.

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Getting Help

Life is full of challenges. Have you tried to solve problems on your own and haven’t been able to find resolve or continue to struggle? Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed by life stressors? Do you want to make conscious and positive change in your life? 
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Seeking professional help is a step towards making important and lasting change and you don’t have to be alone in this journey. 
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I believe that people have the natural potential to actualize and find meaning in their lives. This may mean digging deep, having courage, or being vulnerable. Through an authentic and trusting therapeutic alliance clients are able to gain the awareness and self-directed change they are looking for.  Counselling is unique to each individual and I can guide you towards understanding the principal causes of your struggles, finding new perspectives, achieving your goals, and equipping you with the necessary tools in order to live a more meaningful life. 
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If you are ready to take the next step, contact me and let’s get to work.

Emily Thomsen

Emily received her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Victoria. She is also a certified Art Therapist, Life Coach, and has training in mindfulness. Emily lived abroad for many years and has a unique perspective on multiculturally sensitive counselling.
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Emily has been working in the counselling field for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including government funded agencies, educational settings and private practice. She has experience working with anxiety, stress, depression, anger management, emotional dysregulation, self-defeating behaviors, self-esteem, life transitions, family issues, grief and trauma.

Counselling Services

I focus on providing an empathic and gentle stance towards a collaborative relationship, that with guidance provides clients the opportunities to illuminate healing, deep understanding and personal growth.

Self-Work

At times we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed with work, stressed by responsibilities, exhibiting problem behaviors, or undergoing disconnection with others. We can lose touch with who we are and what matters most to us. Through counselling one can learn new ways of coping, strategies to change old patterns that don’t work, self-compassion, and a new outlook on life.

  • Feeling isolated or lonely
  • Insecurities and Low Self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and Stress
  • Anger Management
  • ADHD Related Struggles
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Relationships

Throughout life we may come upon loss, or conflicts with important people in our lives. Discussing the roots of the problems, dynamics of relationships and having a better understanding of our own behavior can lead to stronger communication, deeper connection, and clarity.

  • Loss of a Partner (through death or divorce)
  • Conflict with Friends or Family
  • Poor Communication
  • Relationship Challenges
  • Difficulties with Trust or intimacy
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Wellness

Everyone faces unique obstacles that might hold them back from optimal living. Recognizing ourselves as a whole person, through mind, body and spirit, can help us reconnect to our true self and reach our full potential. Having support can guide you to set intentions and develop purpose driven goals, align behavior with your vison for life, and explore ways to grow from adversity.

  • Life Visioning and Coaching
  • Alcohol and Drug Problems/ Dependency
  • Career/Life Transition
  • Body Image
  • Personal Growth
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Approach

I am a client-centered counsellor and emphasize the strong use of empathy and non-judgement. I use an integrative approach, pulling from different counselling theories in order to best support the unique needs of the client. Focus is based on understanding the particular challenges of each client, individual strengths, resolving inner distress, transforming thoughts and perceptions, enhancing body awareness, and creating personal goals. Pulling from my own journey, education and professional experience I offer a framework that is growth-oriented and guides you towards greater emotional well-being,

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps one to become more aware of inaccurate or negative thinking and supports new ways to behave by changing thought patterns. It is done in a structured way and can help clients recognize distorted thoughts, gain a deeper understanding of their behavior, and use problem solving to cope with common life challenges. CBT focuses on what is currently going on in a person’s life and emphasizes moving forward in order to develop more effective ways of coping.

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of behavioral therapy that combines mindfulness skills with practicing self-acceptance. The goals of this framework are to diffuse negative thinking, accept thoughts and feelings, face problems head on rather that avoiding, and committing to actions that facilitate one’s own experience. It can help with coping skills designed for particular challenges and support a life-affirming perspective on self-determination.

SFT

Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is growth oriented and focuses on the importance of finding solutions rather than the problems. Sessions don’t tend to delve into past or childhood issues and will be more rooted in present challenges. The key is to address the difficulty and emphasizes quick problem solving and solutions instead of spending time suffering or struggling. This provides quicker relief from symptoms, is a therapy that has a wide-range, and can be used in multiple contexts.

Mindfulness Approaches

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) are based on the philosophy of mindfulness and current cognitive therapy understanding and knowledge. They are taught in a secular way (not based on religion) and cultivate a non-judgmental attitude towards thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness approaches encourage the clarity of thought, accessing inner understanding, and bringing attention to the breath and body. These approaches have been widely used for anxiety and depression but can be applied to a wide range of presenting psychological problems.

"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."

Brené Brown

Contact and Fees

P. (604) 841 8345
E. emily@thenestcounselling.com

Sessions are available virtually or in-person at my North Vancouver office,
located at
4313 Gallant Ave.
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Accepting new clients at the North Vancouver location.
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Video counselling sessions are conducted through the Jane App - a secure, encrypted telehealth platform. Video counselling sessions through the Jane App are never recorded or stored.

The services of Registered Clinical Counsellors are often covered by Extended Health plans.  Please ask for more information on how to take advantage of your benefits package. If you don’t have extended health coverage, the costs of counselling can be used as a tax credit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of counseling do you do?

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What is the cancellation policy?

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What other questions do you get asked, Emily?

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