After each session, you will receive a receipt by email for insurance reimbursement or tax purposes. Counselling services are GST-exempt in British Columbia.

I encourage you to check directly with your insurance provider regarding your coverage, as psychotherapy is not included under BC’s provincial health insurance program (the Medical Services Plan, MSP). Many extended health plans—such as Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Pacific Blue Cross—do offer partial coverage; however, it is important to confirm that your provider is included in your specific plan.

If your plan does not currently include reimbursement for professionals designated as Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, some employers are open to updating their coverage upon request.

My approach is informed by research and clinical knowledge from neuroscience, physiology, psychology, attachment, human development, and trauma treatment.

Over the years, my work has been influenced by the contributions of clinicians, researchers, and theorists including Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Peter Levine, Kathy Kain, Rebecca Kase, Janina Fisher, Frank Anderson, Daniel Siegel, Robert Sapolsky, Judith Beck, Marsha Linehan, Richard Schwartz, Anna Freud, and Sigmund Freud.

Their work spans areas such as trauma, attachment, nervous system regulation, human development, cognitive and behavioural therapies, psychoanalytic concepts (of defense mechanisms), mindfulness, and parts-based approaches. Together, these perspectives inform how I understand human suffering, resilience, healing, and change.

While theory helps guide my understanding, therapy is always tailored to the individual. The focus remains on helping you better understand yourself, develop new ways of responding to life's challenges, and create meaningful and lasting change.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a mind-body approach that helps people reconnect with their body's natural signals and responses. By developing greater awareness of physical sensations, people can become better able to recognize and respond to stress, difficult emotions, and unhelpful patterns as they arise. This can support greater resilience, wellbeing, and a sense of choice in everyday life.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that we all have different parts of ourselves that influence how we think, feel, and behave. By developing a more understanding and compassionate relationship with these parts, people can experience greater self-awareness, inner harmony, and freedom to make different choices.

Trauma-informed psychotherapy recognizes that difficult or overwhelming life experiences can shape how we feel, think, relate to others, and respond to stress. Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?", a trauma-informed approach asks "What has happened to you, and how is it still affecting you?"

This approach emphasizes safety, collaboration, respect, and an understanding of how past experiences may continue to influence present-day life.

No. Many people seek therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress, grief, or simply a desire to better understand themselves.

The principles of trauma-informed care can be helpful for anyone because they recognize the connection between life experiences, emotions, relationships, and wellbeing.

Neuroscience-informed therapy draws on current research about the brain and nervous system. In practice, this means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to the body's responses, patterns of connection, and the nervous system's role in wellbeing and change.

Not at all. Many clients are beginning therapy for the first time.

Whether you are new to therapy or have worked with a therapist before, we will move at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Yes. I offer in-person psychotherapy sessions in Whistler, British Columbia. I will also soon start providing in-person services in Squamish. I offer on-line services for all of British Columbia.

Please contact me for current availability and office location details at marie@whistlerpsychotherapy.ca.

Yes. I welcome referrals from physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, schools, employee assistance programs, and other healthcare professionals.

Clients are also welcome to contact me directly without a referral.