Background

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My name is Sonia Bertelli (she/her) and I am a registered clinical counsellor at Avery Therapy Centre. I work collaboratively with individuals to reach their therapy goals through empowerment and encouragement. I use a person-centered approach where I believe the individual has the power and strength to achieve their therapy goals and live a more meaningful and positive life. I was born and raised in the Vancouver area where I have received my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from City University in Vancouver. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, I majored in Psychology and minored in Counselling and Human Development. 

 

I have experience volunteering on a crisis line and with my past work endeavors of working and communicating with various individuals daily. In these experiences, I learned to value the importance of communication and maintaining boundaries in any relationship and the significance of human connection by forming strong relationships with those around me. I also learned that there is joy to be found in the smallest of moments and how those moments can lead to living more of a positive and grateful life. Finding the small moments of joy in life has shown me that there is so much more to life than we allow ourselves to experience. There is so much peace and joy in watching the leaves swirl in the wind or feeling the warm sunshine on your face. Finding those moments of peace and allowing ourselves to live in the moment. 

Therapeutic Approach

 

Within a counselling session, I use an integrative approach as I feel that there isn’t one approach that fits all. I also use a person-centered and talk therapy approach which helps navigate our conversation into various techniques and exercises. Some of the approaches I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Nervous System Regulation, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Inner Child Work. My goal is to work collaboratively with you, providing empathy and warmth, to achieve your desired goals, find coping mechanisms that work for you, and to take the journey towards healing together. I also love giving my clients resources, resources are valuable in maintaining a regulated nervous system and managing various issues, such as anxiety and depression. These resources can lead to healthy coping mechanisms and allows yourself to live more authentically while being able to enjoy life's moments around you.

 

I feel that the most important aspect of a therapeutic relationship is the relationship in itself. I value creating a safe, trusting, and genuine relationship with all my clients. My approach is to validate the feelings and emotions you are experiencing as well as help you understand where the feelings reside in your body. The mind and body have a unique connection and often in times of stress, anxiety, or trauma, there is a disconnect between the two and I am here to help you connect them back together. I work with all individuals who are seeking guidance and help to navigate what they are experiencing. You have the power to create change and achieve your desired outcome, I am here to empower and encourage you to achieve that.

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My availability can be found here.