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chantelle phillips counselling intern

MANDY RAI

MCP, RCC


Registered Clinical Counsellor

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

Special Interests

Trauma, Complex PTSD, Intimate partner violence, Anxiety, Depression, BIPOC, Youth, Intergenerational trauma, Systemic violence and neglect

 

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics and Business, Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Masters of Counselling (MC), City University of Seattle

 

Professional Registrations & Certifications

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCC #20811.

 

Advanced Training

  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Levels 1 and 2, AEDP Institute
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT Vancouver
  • EMDR Trained Clinician, EMDIRA
  • EMDR Certified Therapist (in progress), EMDIRA
  • MenTor BC – A program of support for Men: Group Facilitator Training
  • When Love Hurts anti-violence training for helping professionals

 

About Mandy

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who uses a collaborative and person-centred approach to support clients in their journey toward self-discovery and healing. I offer a range of treatment options from a trauma-informed, intersectional framework.

I provide an empathic, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore beyond traditional talk therapy and move through painful experiences toward healing. A co-created, safe therapeutic relationship allows corrective emotional and relational experiences and neurobiological change.

After years of working in corporate environments, I made a career change to become a counsellor. My lived experiences of working through trauma, along with my professional training and education, have deeply informed my work. I have a personal understanding of the wide range of emotional and psychological reactions to trauma and stress, such as anger, social withdrawal, low confidence/self-esteem, internalized shame, and isolation. Growth is a lifelong journey, and I provide a judgment-free, safe space for clients to explore their inner world.

Compassion, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity are the core values of my practice. This work is incredibly humbling, and I am grateful to my clients for entrusting me with their experiences. It takes strength and courage to request counselling. If you struggle with difficult emotions or experiences, you don’t need to face them alone.

 

When and why did Mandy join Alongside You?

I joined Alongside you in 2022 as an intern and am happy to continue my practice as a therapist with the team here. At Alongside You, there is a diverse group of counsellors’ experiences, expertise and the range of modalities and clientele they work with. My education, training and lived experiences add a valuable contribution, and I have much to gain from the invaluable experience of working in such a supportive clinic.

 

What would Mandy be doing if she did not pursue the career path she has right now?

As this is a meaningful career change for me, I would not be doing anything else.

 

How does Mandy relax when she is outside of work?

I enjoy being in nature and do so as much as possible. My free time is spent listening to podcasts, reading, staying active, and learning new things.

 

What does Mandy consider to be the most important value?

I consider integrity to be my most important value.