Assistant Clinical Director + Registered Clinical Counsellor

Special Interests

Trauma; PTSD; Complex-PTSD; Dissociation/Dissociative Disorders; Anxiety; Depression; Sex Therapy; Relationship Issues; Addictions/Substance Use Issues; Separation and Divorce; BPD; Sexual Assault; Social Anxiety

Education

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Global Development Studies, Queen’s University
• Professional Certificate in Sex and Gender Diversity, Queen’s University
• Masters of Counselling Psychology (MCP), Adler University

Professional Registrations & Certifications

• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCC #17165
• EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA)
• Certified Birkman Consultant

Advanced Training

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Levels 1 and Level 2
• Extensive advanced EMDR training, including working with Dissociative Disorders and Complex PTSD
• Emotionally Focused Therapy: Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy – Advanced Skills training
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1
• Mindful Self-Compassion – Core Skills Training
• DBT Skills Training
• AEDP Training
• Sandplay Introductory Training
• Sensorimotor Level 1 Training: Affect Dysregulation, Survival Defenses and Traumatic Memory
  Collaborative Divorce training (Basic training in the Collaborative Model of Dispute Resolution)
• Clinical Supervision Course (30 hours) with Dr. Vange Thiessen, CAMFT Approved Supervisor Mentor
• When Love Hurts anti-violence training for helping professionals

My training and life experience have both led me to focus on helping clients heal emotional and psychological wounds from challenging as well as traumatic experiences. I also work with clients who are in the midst of challenging experiences and need help navigating their way through it. I believe that every person has an innate ability to grow and heal; however, sometimes the cards you are dealt make it extremely difficult to heal on your own. I’m here to help you let go of what is no longer serving you and to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing. My personal and professional experience with trauma, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety have all shown me that counselling has an incredible power to bring healing, wellness and personal growth, and I always feel deeply privileged to be able to walk with clients on their journey toward wellness.

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as DBT and somatic/mindfulness approaches to gently and collaboratively help you to discover your goals and move toward them. I know that each client I see is unique and I therefore tailor my approach to what will benefit each client. I enjoy working with individual clients, couples, and groups on a variety of concerns. If you have any questions about my approach please feel free to reach out!

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

I think I’d work in some form of healthcare. I get the most joy out of helping people achieve a greater sense of wellness, so whether that’s physical or mental wellness, it’s all connected so I think I’d feel equally fulfilled. My niece recently told me I should be a dolphin trainer though so maybe I’d take her advice and do that.

How does Marcia relax when she is outside of work?

I try to go to the forest as often as possible for hiking or camping, but when I can’t get there, my favourite things to do are work on my garden and curl up with my cat and a good book.

What does Marcia consider the most important value?

For me, I consider humility my most important value. I’ve found that there is so much to be learned from every person I encounter and that the more I learn, the less I realize I know. Staying humble has allowed the world to remain exciting, full of mysteries left to explore. For the same reason, curiosity is also a very important value for me.

Interested in hearing more from Marcia?

You can read her blog posts here.