Neighbourhood Referral List
Avery Therapy is counselling practice that provides trauma-informed care. Many of our clients also benefit from working with trusted paramedical and holistic practitioners such as RMTs, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and other allied providers so we've created a Neighborhood Referral List — a curated network of local clinicians whose practice values and approaches align with ours. The intention of this is to support thoughtful, values-based referrals and to strengthen connections among like-minded practitioners in our community.
Our intention is to build a referral network grounded in:
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Trauma-informed care
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Anti-oppressive and equity-informed practice
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Compassion-focused, client-centred work
AcuElements (Acupuncture, Chinese Herb, Lactation, Physiotherapy, RMT)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
Trauma-informed care at AcuElements begins with pacing, consent, and predictability. We are attentive to nervous system responses, body autonomy, and the client’s sense of control throughout assessment and treatment. This includes clear communication, permission-based touch, flexibility in positioning, and the option to pause or modify treatment at any time.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
Our clinic serves a highly diverse population, including many newcomers and clients for whom English is not a first language. We prioritize culturally responsive communication, avoid pathologizing differences, and remain aware of how power, migration history, and systemic barriers can shape a client’s healthcare experience. Practical accommodations and respectful curiosity are embedded in our clinical decision-making.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
For us, compassionate care means meeting clients where they are — physically, emotionally, and contextually — rather than where a protocol suggests they “should” be. Treatment plans are collaborative, adaptive, and grounded in the client’s lived reality, capacity, and goals.
Cascade Massage Therapy (RMT)
“As registered massage therapists, we are strongly encouraged to practice in a trauma-informed way. I have personally seen how supportive massage therapy can be for people who are also receiving counselling or other mental health care. At Cascade Massage Therapy, we ensure every patient understands what to expect during treatment by reviewing informed consent and emphasizing that they are in control of the session just as much as the therapist. Clients are always free to pause or stop treatment at any time for any reason. We pay close attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues and adjust treatments to meet each patient’s needs. Clear, ongoing communication is a priority, and we encourage clients to let us know if their needs change, if anything feels uncomfortable, or if they would like to shift focus during a session. We aim to create a respectful, inclusive environment where all clients feel safe, heard, and supported.” - Suzanne Malinowski-Plaquin, RMT
http://www.cascademassagetherapy.ca/
Cedarwood Therapy (RMT)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
Trauma-informed care in my practice means prioritizing safety, choice, and collaboration. I always explain treatment options clearly, obtain ongoing consent, and adjust techniques based on client comfort and feedback. I work at a pace that feels supportive rather than directive, and I respect each client’s autonomy and lived experience.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work?
I strive to approach each client without assumptions and with curiosity and respect for their unique cultural, social, and personal context. I am mindful of power dynamics in the treatment room and aim to create an inclusive, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. I also continue to reflect on my own biases and engage in ongoing learning.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Compassionate, client-centred care means truly listening to clients and tailoring treatment to their individual goals, needs, and boundaries. It involves meeting clients where they are, validating their experiences, and supporting their healing in a way that feels collaborative and empowering rather than prescriptive.
DaoEssence (Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
I take very seriously the precept from Chinese medicine that much of chronic disease is based in the emotional body and the trauma that has shaped it. I create a safe healing space in which to bring these wounds into the client’s awareness at their own pace and in a way that empowers them. I emphasize the need to detoxify these emotions and memories in order not to retraumatize the patient during the course of our work.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
I work tirelessly to center the client as the protagonist of their own story. This involves the recognition of the power dynamics within interpersonal relationships and the examination of mainstream cultural assumptions to address both misunderstanding and abuse.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
This is the core of my practice, to recognize and address the client’s suffering, to establish trust with the client and to engage them as being active participants in their own healing.
“I am a RTCMP working in East Van and the West End. I do a lot of work with Medical Qi Gong therapy in conjunction with my TCM practice, and have a strong focus on emotional detoxification. You can find out more at my website: www.daoessence.com. I am at Trikinetic Massage therapy, 2550 Commercial Dr., #203 on Mondays and at Denman Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage, 1030 Denman St, #103 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”
- Jacob Larmour, R.TCM.P, MQT
Intent Health (RMT)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
We’re a team of RMTs who have a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach to massage therapy. Trauma-informed care is foundational to how we practice. This includes co-creating physical and relational safety, offering choice and consent throughout treatment, being mindful of the set and setting and how we carry ourselves, collaborating with clients, remaining attentive to nervous system cues, and prioritizing clear communication. We adapt pacing, pressure, positioning, and communication based on each client’s needs and preferences.
"Trauma-informed massage therapy is an approach to practice and not a massage technique. It involves fostering trust, safety, clear communication and collaboration with patients and reduces the chances of inadvertently causing additional harm. Care provided in a trauma-informed manner is beneficial for all clients and should be applied as a universal standard of care, regardless of trauma history or disclosure." - Intent blog post
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
We recognize that bodies exist within social, cultural, and historical contexts, and that experiences of pain and stress are modulated/influenced by these factors. Our approach emphasizes curiosity, ongoing learning, and collaboration rather than positioning ourselves as experts over someone else’s lived experience. We use inclusive language, get curious about meaningful client-led goals, remain mindful of power dynamics inherent in healthcare relationships, and hold regular discussion nights as a team to explore topics and case studies through a trauma-informed lens.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Meeting clients where they are, respecting their autonomy, and treating them as active participants in their care. It involves listening closely, adapting care plans collaboratively, and recognizing strengths and resilience alongside challenges. For us, compassion also shows up in how we care for ourselves and stay connected to the shared experience of being human, which allows us to hold genuine respect for each person’s boundaries, goals, and lived experience.
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
Trauma-informed care shows up in how I pace sessions, explain what I’m doing, and give people real choice over their bodies. I ask consent before hands-on work, and adapt my approach when someone indicates that they're feeling overwhelmed or guarded - sometimes this may be only through their body language. In particular with clients who have a history of negative experiences in healthcare settings or trauma, I slow down my movements and check in more often to establish ongoing consent.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
As a queer, Asian physiotherapist, I’m mindful of power dynamics in healthcare and aim to empower clients in our sessions to make collaborative decisions together, rather than taking a patriarchal approach. Practically, this may look like flexible goal-setting, adapting exercises to someone’s life constraints (and being understanding when patients may not be as compliant in their homecare plan), and not assuming everyone has the same time, resources, or comfort with gym-style rehab. I aim to treat each person with dignity and respect, no matter what their background or personal circumstances.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
To me, this means seeing the person before the diagnosis, and understanding that everyone's recovery trajectory looks different. Pain, injury, and rehabilitation don’t exist in isolation, so I listen to what matters to someone and shape our care plan around their priorities and responsibilities. Client empowerment is also central to client-centred care - making sure clients feel heard, respected, and capable in their own bodies is a crucial part of a successful therapeutic relationship.
Myotherapy Massage (RMT)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
For us, trauma-informed care really comes down to safety and choice. We always explain what we’re doing before we do it, check in about pressure and comfort, and make sure clients know they’re in control of the session. We pay attention to how someone’s nervous system is responding, not just their muscles. If someone feels guarded or overwhelmed, we adjust. Nothing is forced. The goal is to create an environment where people feel physically and emotionally safe while receiving treatment.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
We don’t assume we know someone’s experience. Everyone comes in with their own background, stressors, and relationship to healthcare. We try to approach each client with openness and respect, and we adapt how we communicate and treat based on what feels right for them. Being in downtown Vancouver, we see a wide range of people, and it’s important to us that our space feels welcoming and non-judgmental.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Compassionate, client-centred care to me just means listening first. We take the time to understand what someone actually wants out of their sessions. Whether that’s pain relief, stress relief, recovering from an injury, or improving performance. We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Every treatment is tailored to the person in front of us. Our role is to support clients in feeling more connected to their bodies in a way that feels safe, respectful, and aligned with their goals.
The Nest Clinic (RMT, Acupuncture, Fertility Care)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
Our practitioners recognize that many individuals carry past experiences that may impact how they engage with healthcare environments. As a result, we emphasize clear communication, informed consent before any treatment or physical contact, and the option for clients to pause or stop treatment at any time. We also strive to create a calm, respectful environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and participating in decisions about their care, ensuring each individual feels safe and supported throughout their visit.
Ultimately, compassionate care in our clinic means creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their health journey.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
Our clinic is committed to providing inclusive and respectful care for individuals from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create an environment that respects diversity. We also aim to make our space welcoming and accessible by fostering an atmosphere of respect, non-judgment, and inclusivity for all clients.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Compassionate, client-centred care means placing the client’s wellbeing, preferences, and goals at the centre of every interaction. Our practitioners take time to listen carefully, understand each individual’s concerns, and work collaboratively to develop treatment plans that align with their needs and comfort level. We recognize that wellness is not one-size-fits-all, particularly in a multidisciplinary clinic. By offering a range of therapeutic approaches, we support clients in finding the care that best suits them.
Oceana Massage (RMT)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
For us, it's all about consent, choice, and staying communicative through the whole session. Before we start, we talk through what the client's hoping for and what feels off-limits. Like some people don't want us working on their abdomen, glutes, or chest, and that's totally fine. We explain what's going to happen and check in as we go with things like "How's the pressure on a scale of 1 to 10?" or "Do you want me to talk you through this more, or would you prefer it quiet?"
We always step out so clients can undress privately, and they only undress as much as they're comfortable with. We use proper draping the whole time, and we let them know before we switch to a new area (like "I'm going to move to your shoulders now") so there are no surprises and the client stays in the driver's seat.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
We do our best to make the space welcoming for everyone. Right at intake, we ask for preferred names and pronouns so we're addressing people the way they want to be addressed. We don't make assumptions. We let clients lead the conversation and we match our approach to what feels safest for them. That might mean a quiet session, explaining every step, or just doing minimal check-ins.
We also adapt for different bodies and needs. Side-lying positions, extra cushions, lighter or firmer pressure, whatever works. And if something doesn't feel right, we want to hear about it. Adjustments are totally normal and expected.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
It means actually listening and meeting people where they're at that day. Maybe someone needs deep work on a specific issue, or maybe they just need to relax and let their nervous system chill out. Either way, we're following their lead.
We also want it to feel like a judgment-free zone where people can speak up about what they need. If we're checking in during a session and something's not working (pressure's too much, they need us to spend more time somewhere, or they're feeling overwhelmed), we adjust right then and there. The goal is for people to feel respected, supported, and like they're actually in control the whole time.
The Physio Shop (Physio)
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
At The Physio Shop, trauma-informed care shows up in how we prioritize safety, choice, and collaboration in every interaction. We recognize that pain, injury, and hands-on treatment can feel vulnerable, so we take time to explain what we’re doing, seek ongoing consent, and adjust our approach based on each client’s comfort level. We emphasize client autonomy, offer options whenever possible, and respect boundaries - including the option to pause, modify, or decline any aspect of treatment. Our goal is to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and in control of their care.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
We aim to provide care that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to each client’s lived experience. This includes being mindful of how systemic barriers, identity, culture, and past experiences can influence access to care, health outcomes, and comfort within clinical spaces. We approach each client without assumptions, remain open to feedback, and adapt our communication and treatment plans to meet individual needs. As a clinic, we are committed to ongoing learning and reflection to ensure our practices remain equitable and supportive of diverse communities.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Compassionate, client-centred care means meeting clients where they are, considering the client as a whole physically, emotionally, and functionally, and partnering with them in their recovery. We take time to understand clients’ goals, concerns, and priorities, rather than focusing solely on symptoms or diagnoses. Treatment plans are collaborative and flexible, recognizing that progress isn’t linear and that life context matters. We believe compassionate care is built on trust, patience, and clear communication, and we strive to ensure clients feel supported throughout their healing process.
How does trauma-informed care show up in your day-to-day clinical practice?
In our physiotherapists day-to-day practice, trauma-informed care starts with recognizing that many people come into physiotherapy with lived experiences that affect how safe their bodies feel—both physically and emotionally. We prioritize creating an environment where clients feel respected, heard, and in control. This means clearly explaining what to expect during assessments and treatments, asking for consent before any hands-on care, and checking in regularly about comfort and boundaries.
We also remain attentive to signs of nervous system dysregulation, such as heightened pain responses, anxiety, or dissociation, and adjust my approach accordingly. Treatment plans are flexible and paced collaboratively, allowing clients to engage at a level that feels safe for them.
How do you incorporate anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, or equity-informed principles into your work with clients?
We approach each client with an awareness that health and pain are shaped by a multitude of factors, not just biomechanics. We strive to reflect on my own positionality as a healthcare provider and remain mindful of power dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. This includes using inclusive language, respecting clients’ identities and lived experiences, and avoiding assumptions about goals, beliefs, or capacity based on appearance, background, or diagnosis.
From an equity-informed lens, we also recognize barriers to care such as financial stress or work demands, and aim to provide flexible, realistic plans that meet clients where they are.
What does compassionate, client-centred care mean to you in your practice?
Compassionate, client-centred care means seeing the person before the condition. In practice, this looks like genuinely listening to a client’s story, validating their experiences with pain or injury, and collaborating on goals that align with what matters most to them—not just clinical markers of success.
As physiotherapists, we view ourselves as a guide rather than an expert dictating solutions. We aim to empower clients with education, choice, and agency, supporting them to build confidence in their bodies at their own pace. Compassion also means being adaptable—recognizing that progress is not always linear and that care sometimes looks like slowing down, adjusting expectations, or simply holding space.