Rebecca Farnell
MA, RCC
Associate, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Specialties: Individuals and Couples, Children and Play Therapy, Parents and Families of Children with Special Needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Positive Discipline, Parenting Children with Special Needs, High Conflict Co Parenting, LGBTQ+, Navigating Relationships, Communication, Mindful Self Compassion.
Main Affiliations:
Education:
Degree in Child and Youth Care, with Distinction from University of Victoria, 2011
Masters of Counselling Psychology from Adler University, 2016
Professional Registrations & Certification:
Registered as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Registration #14235
Advanced Training:
Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, 2019
Foundations of Play Therapy Program: Green Stream July 17-25, 2017
Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute, Calgary, Alberta
Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm Gottman Method Couples Therapy 2015
Certificate of Attendance:
- Workshop on Sexually Abused Children and Youth: Understanding the Developmental Impact and Facilitating Recovery with Play Therapy May 2015
- The New Frontier: An introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy May 2016
- Play Therapy for Complex Trauma Oct 2016
- Sensory Integration April 2017
I have always loved people. When it came to the type of job that I wanted to have, I knew that it would have to be people-centred. Over 15 years ago, I had a life-changing summer job. I worked in a camp for children with special needs, from there, my whole trajectory changed. I like to say that a part of heart opened up and I discovered an area of interest I never knew existed and I found a passion and a purpose. I started working as a support worker with individuals with special needs, then as an educational assistant. Later, I helped lead summer camps for teens with Autism. Over the course of my life, I have continued to provide respite care for many families and feel honoured to have shared a part of their lives.
A number of years ago, I was challenged with the question of if I could do anything in the world what would I want to do? Without hesitation, I replied, I would get my certification, become a counsellor and help individuals with ASD and their families. My friend then replied, “What is stopping you? I retorted back “People do not actually live out their dreams, do they?” I am delighted to say, that I went after my dream, I went back to school and became a counsellor and now have the absolute honour of working with a variety of people with a diverse set of abilities. While I work with many individuals on the autism spectrum, I enjoy working with anyone from any background as well as individuals, couples, and families.
I count it an extreme privilege to have people share their lives and thoughts with me. This is something that I never want to take for granted. I truly believe that each person that I get to work with teaches me something new and I am better for knowing them. Each of my clients demonstrates bravery as they recognize the need to make some changes and trust me to help them in their journey. I so look forward to meeting my new clients and learning and growing together.
Current member of the BC Play Therapy Association
Current member of the Richmond Autism Interagency Committee
I am an active member in my faith community.
Current board member of Lifeline Malawi, a medical clinic in Malawi, founded by a Canadian couple.
Interested in hearing more from Rebecca?
You can read her blog posts here.