My approach to counselling is client-centered and compassionate, informed by years of experience working with highly marginalized people who have struggled to trust professionals (often for good reason). I bring a gentle sense of curiosity to the sessions and focus first on understanding your perspective and your experiences. I consider myself an ally - someone to walk alongside you and guide you through some of life’s challenges. I tailor my approach to your needs, pulling from an array of evidence-based therapies when they seem like a good fit. In a collaborative and transparent manner, we explore different approaches, skills, and interventions in order to meet your needs.
My Approach
Specializations
Life Transition, Grief and Loss, Identity, Workplace Issues, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Emotional Disregulation, Trauma, Immigration, Family Conflict, Early Psychosis Intervention, Mental Illness, Substance Use.
Areas of Focus
Therapy Styles
Client-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Anti-Oppressive, Mindfulness-based, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Bowens Family Systems Theory, Self-Compassion.
Experience & Qualifications
I am a Registered Social Worker (14851) with the BC College of Social Workers and earned my Masters of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. This was a clinical program that allowed me to specialize in mental health and counselling theories, with an emphasis on psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies.
I completed my Bachelors of Social Work at the University of Victoria. This program focused on critical, anti-oppressive, and anti-racism theories. Critical self-reflection was an essential part of my education and continues to be foundational to my practice.
Over the years, I have worked at several different organizations providing support and counselling to those in need. This includes working as a substance use counsellor at the Early Psychosis Intervention Program where I developed and ran therapy groups, as well as working at the brain injury program in Victoria, homeless shelters and a sexual assault response team. I have specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice and Motivational Interviewing.
About Me
My name is Anat (she/her) and I am originally from Mexico City, but I have spent the majority of my life in Victoria on the beautiful lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees), Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), and W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) peoples.
I grew up in a tight-knit Mexican-Jewish family where we enjoyed coming together over big family dinners filled with music, good food, and prayer. My family, culture, and community are still very important to me and so is the food!
I have always been driven by a desire to help others and right some of the wrongs I see in the world around me. From a young age, I felt a deep responsibility to do good with the privilege that I had and this led me down an academic path towards gender studies, Indigenous studies, and eventually social work and counselling. I believe that I am best suited to make a meaningful difference at the personal and individual level.
Recently, I made the move to Vancouver and feel very lucky to have found a new sense of home in this vibrant city between the mountains and the sea. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outside, exploring the city with friends, cooking new recipes, and cozy evenings making art.
I am very proud to call myself a therapist, and am honoured to work with people from many different walks of life. I hope I have been able to provide you with some understanding of who I am, and look forward to moving forward in our work together.
Services and Fees
Services are available in English and Spanish
Individual Therapy
I offer virtual, one-on-one counselling through a secure platform to anyone in British Colombia. Sessions are normally 60 minutes long and cost $120.
A free, 20 minute consultation is available for new clients who are considering individual counselling sessions.
Group Therapy
I occasionally run therapy groups, including groups such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills, Addictions Support and Education, Women’s Wellness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety. Please contact me if this is something you might be interested in.
Professional Services
I am available for presentations, clinical consultation and supervision. Presentation topics include raising awareness for mental health and substance use issues. Please contact me to enquire further.
Many benefits plans cover counselling with Registered Social Workers. It is recommended that you enquire with your benefits plan before our first session. If you have any concerns about this, please do not hesitate to ask!
Payment is accepted through e-transfers. Sliding-scale options are available, please contact me for more information!
Contact Me
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my practice or would like to book a free 20-minute consultation. You can also contact me here for scheduling regular, ongoing sessions.