about Amanda

I believe all people have the capacity to make changes and deserve the opportunity to.

Hello! I’m Amanda, the person behind Moving Mindset Counselling.

I love my work as a counsellor, especially the opportunity to listen to people’s stories and walk alongside them as they become the best version of themselves. I identify as a cis-gendered, white woman and use she/her pronouns. Much like others, my life is a mix of roles including, a mother, wife, friend, counsellor and adventurer. Through these roles, I’ve learned the importance and necessity of life balance.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am a member in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). My professional experience spans over a decade and includes working the frontline doing outreach, working with first responders, within correctional facilities, in detox and treatment programs, among indigenous communities and with clients living with brain injury and experiences of intimate partner violence. With a specific emphasis on addictions in my career, I excel in navigating the intricacies of the health care system and can efficiently manage recovery program referral processes.

My beliefs

I believe that everyone possesses the ability for positive change and deserves the opportunity to attain it. At times, we may underestimate the impact of what we see and experience on our lives, resulting in unexpected behaviours, feelings and thoughts. Feeling stuck in challenging situations without a clear way forward is a common experience. This can lead to feelings of shame about certain aspects of our lives. 
With the right support, you can navigate through these emotions and kickstart positive changes. 

My approach

My general approach to counselling is trauma informed and grounded in the idea that we are two people coming together to create a space where you can feel safe and heard. I come into our conversations with curiosity that encourages you to share your personal story and context. Counselling with me is confidential and there is no pressure to disclose anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Humour is an appreciated element of my therapeutic process and complements the strength-based and solution-focused counselling style I use. I am direct and committed to working on your goals, utilizing evidence-based methods such as EMDR, DBT, and CBT. 

Why I became a counsellor

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how our brains and experiences influence our interactions with the world. Having experienced significant losses, having a family member with a traumatic brain injury and witnessing addiction from a young age, I’ve observed that society often pressures us to appear “okay”, regardless of what our lives are really like. I recognized that there are times when asking for help is necessary to overcome our challenges. My dedication to helping others navigate difficult situations has deepened through my personal and professional experiences, including working in high-risk, high-intensity environments where support is limited.

What you can expect working with me

There is no pressure to come in knowing exactly what you want to get out of the session or what you are going to say. I aim to keep to keep our conversations relaxed yet meaningful, which will steer us toward your goals. Each session will be unique, depending on what you choose to share. I encourage you to bring up any topics or experiences you feel relevant and I will approach them with an open-mind, free from judgment and I am not easily shaken so nothing is off limits. My primary role is to listen which is why honesty and trust is important for our success together. I will do regular check-ins with you to be sure our sessions are evolving with your needs and goals.

Areas of Support

  • Addiction
  • Brain Injury
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Frontline workers
  • Suicide and self- harm
  • Anxiety & Panic
  • Communication
  • Depression, Low Mood, & Purpose
  • Trauma Recovery
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Personal Development
  • Life Transitions
  • Relational Stress, Breakups & Navigating new Relationships
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Separation, Divorce, & Co-Parenting
  • Grief & Loss
  • Mindfulness

Some of my modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR),
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution Focussed Therapy (SFT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Response-Based Practice
  • Narrative Therapy (NT)
learn about these modalities

Who I Typically work with

I am open to all adult clientele but I am focused on working with first responders, brain injury trauma, and addictions. 

I provide:

  • Individual counselling,
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR),
  • and Couples counselling

 

My education

  • Master’s degree in counselling from City University of Seattle
  • A post degree diploma in interprofessional mental health and addiction
  • A bachelor of science degree in psychology from the university of Victoria

Rates

Individual Session in person or virtual (50 mins in person): $145

Couples Session in person or virtual (65 mins): $180

Are you ready to get started?

Book your first session