Ready to take your first step?
I’m David, and I’m glad you found your way here
Today’s families face increasingly complex pressures in their lives. In a world where blended and single parent families are increasingly the norm, parents often wish there was some grand handbook on how to raise their child. Children are constantly bombarded with confusing and often distressing messages, leading to epidemic rates of anxiety, problems in the home or at school, and difficulties dealing with their peers. And with problems of their own, adults find it difficult to be present to the needs of their family, let alone themselves.
It’s hard enough to face these challenges alone.
I’m here to walk alongside you, to provide you with the support, tools, and confidence to find your footing in your journey towards a healthier family.
I’m here for you
As a fellow companion along life's mental health journey, I work with parents and their children, other caregivers, and adults of all ages in the following areas:
Parenting: difficulties in parenting, coparenting and parent education.
Childhood issues: misbehavior, troubled emotions, relationship issues and mental health issues.
Trauma: past traumatic incidents, relationship conflict or abuse and grief issues.
Individual therapy
Are you feeling distressed, worried, or stuck? Do you struggle with nightmares, difficulty focusing or sleeping, or constant reminders of past trauma or losses?
Child therapy
Is your child struggling emotionally, acting out, or having trouble relating to others? Are they having difficulty adjusting to new living arrangements?
Parenting
Do you experience difficulties managing your children, feel distant or don't know how to talk to them, or are at a loss of how to coparent successfully?
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"Very attentive counsellor with a deep knowledge in family and children psychotherapy. Very helpful."
Modalities I use:
Adlerian
Attachment-Based
Child Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family Systems
Gottman Method
Mindfulness-Based
Positive Discipline
Culturally Sensitive
Play Therapy/Sandplay
Trauma-Focused
Satir Method
Internal Family Systems
My journey
My personal journey has always been a meandering road of twists and turns. As the youngest of four siblings, I had the benefit of having a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of those that went before me, and how my family shaped the person I am today. Ever the adventurer, I am often taking my bike through an off beaten path or ambling through a scenic vista.
My professional arc of life has also led me through a winding path where I eventually developed a passion and expertise in parenting, child therapy, and trauma work, where I’ve worked with individuals at various ages, helping them navigate their mental health challenges, and build better connections with those they care about.
I believe our mental health is an ongoing journey where we set out on life's path, supported and formed by our connections with our family, our community, and even ourselves. As parents, we also have a role as guides along the way in shaping the lives of our children.
My education & experience
Education:
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Master of Education, Counselling Psychology, Simon Fraser University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Simon Fraser University
Parent Education Certificate, The Alfred Adler Institute
Expressive Play Therapy Certificate, Justice Institute of BC
Training:
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Trauma Incident Reduction, Pauline Carey Counselling and Training
Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy Level 1, Satir Institute of the Pacific
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, The Gottman Institute
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Do you offer in-person or virtual counselling?I offer in-person therapy in the Metro Vancouver area, centrally located in Burnaby, and online therapy across British Columbia. My hours are Fridays 1pm-8pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
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How can I contact you?Please feel free to connect with me or access any of the services by calling or emailing me at: ​ T: 236-986-3707 E: connect@connectedhopecounselling.com
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What are your rates and payment policy?50 min Session: $150 - Individual Therapy, Child Therapy, Parent Consultation 100 min Session: $225 - Family, TIR CVAP Session (50 min): $15 ($90 for TIR) - to top up what is not covered by CVAP Payment is due at the end of each appointment. Major credit or debit cards registered through our secure online payment system or bank e-transfers are accepted, and receipts for services will be provided.
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Do you offer Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) Counselling?If you or an immediate family member have been a victim or witness to a crime, including physical and sexual abuse, you may be eligible for financial assistance to cover the full or partial cost of counselling through the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). It provides financial benefits to help offset financial losses and assists in recovery. Victim Service Workers are available to offer assistance applying for CVAP funding and to answer any questions you may have. Even if you’re not sure if you have been a victim of crime, you can call VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 for assistance. For more information and application forms, visit the CVAP website.
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Can I claim my counselling fees through my insurance or income tax?Clinical counsellor fees are not covered by MSP but may be completely or partially covered by your extended medical plan or possibly deductible as a medical expense on income taxes. Please check with your health plan provider, workplace human resources, and/or post-secondary institution's student services to confirm your policy's eligibility.
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What is your cancellation policy?Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed session leaves a hole that could have been filled by another client. In the event that you cannot attend your next scheduled appointment, please notify me by phone or email at your earliest convenience so we can reschedule. At least 24 hours notice must be given for cancellation of appointments. Any late cancellations or missed sessions will be charged the full fee. If you are more than 20 minutes late for your scheduled appointment and no contact has been made indicating you are running late, the full fee will be charged. We can decide whether to forfeit the session or end at the remaining scheduled time.
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What is your communication policy?Please leave a detailed message including your full name and number if contacting me by phone, or clearly state the nature of any emails in the subject line. I will strive to check my messages within 48 hours (except Sundays). Please do not use email or text to discuss content related to your sessions. Due to the nature of online communication, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, and emails can become part of your legal record.
Find out more about working with me
Start with a free consultation
If you have any questions, or would like to explore what it would be like to work with me, feel free to connect with me by contacting me or booking a free consultation now. I would love to journey with you!
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I look forward to talking to you!
David
