REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR + NEUROFEEDBACK PRACTITIONER

Special Interests

ADHD, Anxiety, Autism and developmental disabilities, Borderline personality disorder (BPD), Career development, Consensual non-monogamy, Couples/partners counselling, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Men’s issues, Mindfulness, Neurofeedback, Relationship issues, Self-esteem, Stress management, Teens, Narrative therapy

Education

• Master in Science (MSci), Natural Sciences – Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Medical Physics, University College London (UK)
• Master of Arts (MA), Counselling Psychology, Adler University

Professional Registrations & Certifications

• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCC #20350.
• Member – International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)

Advanced Training

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1
• Brain Story Certification, Alberta Family Wellness Initiative
• Be the Change: Truth and Reconciliation + Understanding Homelessness, Stenberg College
• Trauma-Informed Practice training, Level 2, Trauma-Informed Practice Institute
• Brief & Narrative Therapy certificate, Windz Centre
• Collaborative Divorce training (Basic training in the Collaborative Model of Dispute Resolution)
• When Love Hurts anti-violence training for helping professionals
• San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

About Nik

A childhood love of science led me to begin a career in neurobiology in England, but I soon realized I am much more passionate about working with real minds, outside of the laboratory! I returned to my hometown of Vancouver and after some frontline experience supporting vulnerable individuals, I completed a degree in counselling psychology. I see counselling as a process of self-discovery; a way of gaining deep insight regarding ourselves and others. You can expect evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches rooted in empathy and compassion. I strive to help my clients develop resilience so that we are better prepared to confront life’s challenges with calm and confidence.

When and why did Nik join Alongside You?

Alongside You was an easy choice for my practicum placement in 2020 given its integrated and evidence-based practice, and commitment to addressing gaps in community services. I am excited to be a part of the team to provide counselling and neurofeedback services to a wide variety of clients.

What would Nik be doing if he did not pursue the career path he has right now?

I have several years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities, so would most likely remain in that field. Sometimes throughout my career I have considered pursuing either website development, music, or the study of English literature. I particularly like the creative element of these pursuits. They reminds me to consider the stories in our own lives, and how we might take the pen to write the next chapter ourselves.

How does Nik relax when he is outside of work?

I enjoy playing music, hiking, photography, jogging, and reading. Daily mindfulness meditation is very valuable to me. I am also a former glider pilot with experience in the UK aviation community. I see many parallels between the process of psychotherapy and the experience of learning to fly — adapting to the terrain and the weather, facing situations of confusion and high workload with the assistance of a skilled co-pilot, and ultimately enjoying the freedom of a clear day with strong lift under your wings.

What does Nik consider to be the most important value?

I cannot choose between two, which I think go hand-in-hand: patience and resiliency. Even if it doesn’t happen overnight, we all have the potential for change, whatever that may look like for each of us.

Interested in hearing more from Nik?
You can read his blog posts here.