Amanda Chalmers, MEd, RCC
A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
How I work with you
About Me
My background in counselling began in the field of sexual and reproductive health. After many years in this career - an area that I am still extremely passionate about - I decided to go back to school to pursue further education and gain additional experience as a therapist. Today my practice includes work with many diverse concerns, and I have now been providing counselling to individuals and couples for over 15 years.
I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo, which includes study in psychology and women’s studies and a specialization in sexuality, marriage and family studies.
My training includes work with survivors of complex trauma, intimate partner violence, and childhood abuse; utilizing mindfulness meditation in the clinical context; and study in abnormal and cultural psychology.
I am also certified as a yoga teacher, and have studied and practiced asana and pranayama (yoga and breath work) for over a decade.
In my view, the role of a counsellor is to provide a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration and growth, and to assist each individual in discovering and accessing their own unique strengths and innate healing potential.
I firmly believe that it takes great courage to face the difficult things in life and requires wisdom to recognize when we might need some extra help. It takes strength to reach out for support and grace to accept it.
As a counsellor, I strive to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space that can allow my clients to move into greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, and ultimately into the freedom to live more fully.
Some of my areas of practice include:
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Developing healthy relationships, improving communication and setting boundaries (including in non-traditional, polyamorous and open relationships)
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Concerns around identity, self-esteem and self-worth
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Concerns around sexuality and sexual expression
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Managing anxiety, grief, dissociation and distraction through mindfulness practice
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Healing from childhood trauma, sexual abuse and emotional neglect
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Moving past shame and fear and into greater authenticity
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Support around pregnancy, contraception, miscarriage and abortion
To love means to be actively concerned with the life and the growth of another.
-Irvin Yalom
Be human, strive, act with kindness and compassion, serve, dance every now and then, appreciate life while you can – that’s about the best there is. It’s our chance to be magnificent.
-Carl Safina
Contact
Telephone
778-554-9297
Availability
Virtual appointments
Morning and afternoon, Tuesday - Friday
Rates
$130 / 50 minutes