This is a Safe Place
At times, we all encounter different changes and challenges. Life comes with more than a fair share of emotional roller coasters - you never know when you are going to be on one. We can't always change things. But we have quite a bit of space for change in the ways that we deal with them. Or in the ways that we make sense of them.
In my practice, I aim to help clients engage with our innate ability to cope with life's challenges.
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As a fully certified counsellor, I help my clients feel better, cope effectively, and learn more about themselves. Whether you are dealing with difficult emotions or thoughts, going through a life transition or need new skills, I am here to help you achieve your goals. I want to understand what your hope is so that I can help you keep moving in that direction. My practice is a supportive, safe and non-judgemental environment that focuses on what matters to you.
In human connection, we find comfort, support and hope. Let me tell you more about how it works.
What I Can Help With
I help cope with challenges related to:
- anxiety
- trauma, including C-PTSD
- physical and emotional impact of MVA
- depression
- relationship challenges
- panic attacks
- self-esteem
- loss and grief
- fear and worry
- anger management
- substance use
- motivation
- shame and guilt
- parenting
- compulsive behaviours
- sex and sexuality
- BPD journey
- search for meaning and better understanding of self
Person-Centered Approach
I practice from a person-centered and strength-based approach. I aim to use evidence-based methodologies.
It means that my priority is to learn and understand your needs and your worldview. I want to help harness your strengths and abilities to achieve your goals, as well as to introduce techniques that are effective and fit your needs and your individuality.
My goal is to learn about who you are, and to create space and supportive environment for you to feel good, find peace and achieve your goals.
Types of Therapy
I practice from a trauma informed, eclectic therapeutic approach.
This includes:
- mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral therapy (MBCT) (we attempt to understand and impact the thoughts that brings us pain, we build awareness and compassion for emotions and thoughts that emerge);
- narrative therapy (we address painful stories that we carry inside and develop new healing ones );
- logotherapy (we explore meaning and value of your experiences);
- trauma-informed cognitive therapy (TF-CBT) (we aim to make sense of past pain and its impact, we find ways to heal, release and grow);
- somatic work (we work with the wisdom of your physical self by paying attention to responses of your body);
- anti-oppression and feminist (we explore complexity of power dynamics and inequality, its impact and ways to heal);
- dialectal behaviour therapy (DBT) (we learn to regulate intense emotions and tolerate stress);
- psychoeducation (we address material that helps develop and maintain new skills or acquire helpful new perspectives).
Fees & Hours
My rate is $140.00 per 55 minute session.
There is no tax on therapy in BC.
The rate applies to all sessions: individual, couple & family sessions; online or in person.
Sliding scale and reduced rates are available and can be discussed.
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My current availability is:
- Tuesdays 5-8pm
- Thursday 3-9pm
- Saturday 9-4pm
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In-person, online and phone sessions are all available.
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I accept credit cards, cash, e-transfer and cheques.
The detailed receipt will be provided after the payment and can then be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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My services are covered by most insurance companies. The coverage may vary based on the insurance plan. I recommended touching base with your insurance provider to ensure that my services are covered. My professional designation is called CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor), CCC #10005613. You might need this number to check with your plan/provider.
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About Me
My name is Olga Barrows (she/her), I am an immigrant, a cisgender woman, a mother, a wife, a pacifist and a feminist, an explorer and a wonderer.
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I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University), a BA in Sociology (UBC) and a BA in Communications (USU, Russia).
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I speak English, Russian and Spanish. I have lived in 3 different countries: Russia, Argentina and now Canada (for the last 20 years).
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Besides my work, I also love doing other things: I love (really love!)
to read, take care of my garden, travel, learn languages and go on adventures with my two little kids.
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I am grateful to be able to connect with people of diverse cultural
and ethnic backgrounds. All humans are welcome, respected and appreciated. I aim to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
My practice brings me a lot of joy. It is blessing to be able to bring care and support to people and communities.
Thank you for considering me as a companion and a fellow traveller
for your unique beautiful journey.
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I acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). I thank
the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm who continue to live on these lands and care for them, along with the waters and all that is above and below.
My Space
A comfortable and cozy setting, with soft light and lots of plants
Located in Coquitlam, BC, two blocks from Coquitlam Centre and Skytrain station
