Neuroscience and Trauma Informed Psychotherapy
Marie Brizard CCC
Psychotherapist
M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services | Registered Nurse (RN)
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
My Approach to Therapy
I approach the human experience through the lens of neurophysiological states
From viewing individuals’ struggles not as pathology, but as adaptations
This supports a shift from judgment, to curiosity, to options
Subtle Patterns Meaningful change
Early patterns of relating—how we experience closeness, distance, safety, and independence—often continue to shape our lives in subtle but powerful ways
When these patterns are met with awareness and worked with directly, they can begin to shift, opening space for new ways of relating to yourself and to others
For those seeking work that goes beyond surface-level change, my approach offers a deeper path.
When Insight
Isn’t Enough
You may already understand your history, your patterns, and your triggers—yet still find yourself reacting in ways that don’t feel like a choice
At times, this can look like shutting down, feeling on edge, overthinking, pulling away, or repeating familiar relational dynamics despite a genuine desire for change
These responses are not flaws. They reflect adaptive patterns—ways your system has learned to protect you—that often operate outside of conscious awareness
In our work together, we bring attention to these patterns in a way that allows something new to emerge—so that change is not only understood, but felt, lived, and carried into your everyday life
How I Work
The session’s work is experiential and grounded in how change actually happens—not only through insight, but through new lived experience
My work is grounded in a deep respect for how people adapt to life experiences
Together, we attend to what is unfolding in the present moment: in your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and in how you experience connection
I work with individuals age 16 and above across a range of concerns, with particular attention to patterns that feel persistent, complex, or resistant to change through traditional approaches. Because insight is often not enough, we work directly with the deeper patterns that shape how you experience yourself, your relationships, and your life
The pace is collaborative and attuned. We move in a way that respects your system and supports lasting change
This Work May Be a Good Fit if you Notice:
patterns that persist despite insight
cycles of closeness and distance in relationships
moments of shutdown, reactivity, or disconnection
difficulty feeling at ease, even when life is going well
a sense that something deeper remains unresolved
These are often not problems to fix, but patterns to understand and shift
At any stage of life
Change is possible—even for patterns that have been present for a long time. Even long-standing patterns can shift when they are met with the right kind of attention, pace, and support.
About Me
I am a psychotherapist with a background in various nursing fields and extensive experience working within complex interpersonal systems, including complex couple & family dynamics, and domestic abuse. I grew up in Montreal in a French speaking community, I have had the privilege of raising four sons—a journey that continues to deepen my sense of care, alongside profound love and joy. I lived in Costa Rica and various states of the U.S. to fortunately land in wonderful British Columbia. I live in whistler with my dog Riley. Aside from speaking English and French, I am fluent in Spanish.
I am a lifelong learner. My approach is informed by the work of leading clinicians and researchers in neuroscience, attachment, and trauma, and is further shaped by parts-based, experiential, and mindfulness approaches.