Meet the Team
Sarah Shaw-Ross
MCP, RCC
Video Sessions
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Teen Counselling
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Individual Counselling
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Couples Counselling
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Addictions
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Trauma
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Grief & Loss
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Postpartum
In her twenty years of working with a broad range of clientele, Sarah has developed an ever-growing appreciation for people’s inherent ability to make positive changes in their lives, and the difference that counselling and positive relationships can have on people who are facing multiple barriers to achieving their life goals. A registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC, Sarah graduated with her Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University with advanced clinical training in various psychotherapeutic approaches including Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Gottman Couples Counselling. Sarah has extensive experience working with adults and adolescents and their families dealing with mental health and substance use issues. Her clinical counselling experience includes the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss. Sarah’s counselling approach has been described by her clients as incredibly kind, gentle and very caring. As a mom of two elementary-aged children, Sarah understands the challenges today’s parents face. In addition to being parents, Sarah and her husband have been fostering youth for almost two decades.
Language(s): English
Gabriela Gutierrez
MCP, RCC
In-Person & Video Sessions
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Teen & Child Counselling
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Individual Counselling
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Grief & Loss
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Postpartum
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Parent Coaching
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EMDR
Gabriela was a practicing counsellor in her home country of Mexico before deciding to move to Canada, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and became designated as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia. Currently, Gabriela works with individuals, children, and families on a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Gabriela is committed to helping others and understands the importance of adapting the clinical approach in counselling to suit individual needs. In order to do this, she uses many strategies and techniques that include person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, play therapy, family systems theory and EMDR.
Gabriela believes that people do the best they can with the tools they have. Therapy is about building an awareness and understanding of different aspects of oneself, so that the individual can learn more effective tools that will allow growth and change for the better. Gabriela has been described by her clients as highly effective, goal-oriented and solution-focused while, at the same time, genuine and kind-hearted.
Habiendo crecido y estudiado tanto en México como en Canadá, tengo un amplio conocimiento de las dos culturas.
Creo que es importante valorar la experiencia individual que cada persona tiene con su identidad cultural y reconocer el impacto que puede tener en su vida.
Comprendo la ventaja y comodidad de poder expresarse en el idioma principal de cada uno y tener el apoyo de quien ha vivido valores, costumbres y creencias culturales similares.
Language(s): English, Spanish
Akbar Safari
MA, RCC
In-Person & Video Sessions
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Parent coaching (ADHD, ADD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorders)
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Parenting Teen Mediation
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Parenting Support After Separation
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Personality Disorders
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Couples Counselling
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Habitual Issues (obesity, addiction, internet and game, sex, irregular sleep style, having delay to do responsibility and lack of effort and aim)
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Anxiety Disorders
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Obsessive-Compulsive
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Trauma
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Mood Disorders
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Eating Disorders
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Chronic Pain and Pain assessment
Akbar has always been committed to forming a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 20 years of extensive academic and clinical experience in counselling and psychotherapy. Akbar holds two degrees in Personality Psychology and Clinical Psychology with research and assessment experience in Personality Disorders and Pain Disorders. Akbar also holds a Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis from ISSCH and is a member of the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis. His additional trainings include Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Tehran Psychoanalytic Institute (TPI), as well as training and work with Adolescents and Adults with co-occurring disorders and habitual issues.
Language(s): English, Farsi, Turkish
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Teen & Child Counselling
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Individual Counselling
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Addictions
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Trauma
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Grief & Loss
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Postpartum
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Parent Coaching
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EMDR
In-Person & Video Sessions
MA, RCC, CPF
Kathy Merabian
Kathy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Parenting Facilitator with over 20 years of experience in the mental health, both in Canada and internationally. Kathy’s number one priority is to establish an emotionally safe, supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship with those who choose her as their therapist. She adhere to all standards of confidentiality and professionalism while always strives to maintain a comfortable and friendly collaboration with her clients. Through the use of leading treatments, such as EMDR, CBT, and TIR, Kathy is committed to helping her clients efficiently and effectively work through various challenges by addressing the roots of their problems and changing existing thought patterns.
Language(s): English, Polish
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Children and adolescents
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Child-centred play therapy
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Expressive therapies (art, sandtray therapy, music)
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Peer conflict
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Social skills
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Coaching
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Life changes and transitions
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Parent Coaching
In-Person & Video Sessions
MC, RCC
Courtney Sung
With over 12 years of experience in working with children and youth, Courtney is passionate about working with both children and adolescents from as young as five through early adulthood, as well as the young at heart.
Courtney believes in the power of human connection and unconditional positive regard as a catalyst for change and growth. Working from a strengths-based perspective, Courtney sees the skills, tools, and talents that each unique client brings, and empowers them to work towards their goals in a safe space.
Courtney is solution-focused and approaches clients from an integrative lens. Though she specializes in child-centered play therapy, Courtney also blends in other expressive therapies in her work, such as art and music. She also draws on modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Courtney is committed to inclusivity by working with clients from all backgrounds and cultures, the LGBTQ2S+ community, as well as those with neurodiversity.
Clients Courtney has worked with have described her as an adult who “gets it”, respecting the unique trials and tribulations of growing up.
A nerd, knitter, and dog-lover, Courtney will work to connect with each client on their passions and values to make therapy as individualized and effective as possible.
