Laurel Aasen

It’s an honour and privilege to get to work alongside people as they make changes to create hopeful and fulfilling futures. I believe that change happens when we have the freedom to explore and expand who we are in a safe and caring environment. My role as a counsellor is to support, empower, and offer perspectives and tools that will help you live aligned with your values, while processing things that are mentally or emotionally holding you back. Note to prospective clients: I am offering sessions by telephone and video only. 

My specialties are working with individual adults and teenagers living with anxiety and/or experiencing life changes. Below are some descriptions of the clientele and issues I commonly encounter in my practice:

• Individuals experiencing a major life transition and feel overwhelmed (eg. a move, adjustment to university, change in relationship, new job).

• Have anxiety that interferes with their functioning (eg. Social anxiety, fear, panic attacks, fear, generalized anxiety).

• Live with chronic pain or illness and want support in navigating healthcare options or tools to manage pain.

• Have experienced trauma and are looking for ways to support their nervous system.

• Are wanting support with grief and bereavement.

• Have specific goals but feel stuck in regards to moving forwards (eg. health goals, new entrepreneurs).

• Want space to explore concerns about their relationships, or are going through the end of a relationship.

• Are wanting to explore current patterns of thinking, feeling, relating, and behaving, to create more opportunity for choice in their lives.

Approaches with clients are always non-judgemental, collaborative, and sensitive to diversity. I have worked with clients in clinical, Employee Assistance, hospice, and international settings. I also have a background in intensive workshop facilitation, primary through the Haven on Gabriola Island and with the Heartsome Group from China. I believe that finding the right therapist is highly important, so all clients are offered a no-obligation, 20 minute phone consultation to meet and get a sense if the working relationship will be the right fit - if not, I am happy to provide referrals to other practitioners and resources.