Background

Hi! I am Galina (they/them; she/her). I made Vancouver my home in 2004 and fell in love with this land that has been looked after by Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples since time immemorial. I as I explored the many natural wonders of British Columbia, I developed a passion for the environment and a recognition of the therapeutic value of being connected to nature.

 

Shortly after moving to Vancouver, I began to work as a tenant support worker, and then, coordinator, in Downtown Eastside’s social housing. Later, I worked as a school counsellor, providing bilingual (English and Russian) support to international students in Canada. These two professional experiences helped deepen my appreciation for the many identities we embody and the many paths we travel. Additionally, working with diverse peoples from all over the world helped solidify my passion for ecological justice, and concern for the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and the global indigenous communities.

 

I am now a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC, and a graduate of the Master of Counselling program at Athabasca University. I enjoy working with diverse clients in multicultural settings, and I appreciate the many diverse facets of human experience, including the diversity of race, gender, culture, religion or belief, sexual orientation, family structure, age, ability, body size, as well as neurodiversity. Whatever your life’s journey, whatever your identity, come as you are.

 

Therapeutic Approach

Sometimes the counselling process can become shrouded in mystery. I strive to demystify the therapeutic process by explaining the theory behind the proposed interventions, as well as helping you to evaluate potential risks and benefits. I firmly believe that you are an active self-healer with an insight into your own life, and it is my hope to help you develop your own understanding of the process of change so that you can build your own solutions to your challenges.

 

My approach to counselling is evidence-based, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, 2SLGBTQIA+ allied, poly allied, and kink allied. I work from the compassion-focused framework that can help you understand your behaviour, replace shame and self-blame with compassionate self-correction, and establish a healthy and helpful inner dialogue. However, I also hope that your healing journey will bring about more than relief from suffering. I believe that a life of wellness involves making meaning of life experiences, forming healthy relationships with people in your life, connecting with your values, and finding sources of fulfillment.

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My availability can be found here.