Vilayvanh Sengsouvanh

Feeling down, overwhelmed, anxious or stressed? Maybe you're dealing with a loss or a break-up or getting used to life in a new city or country. Life can get difficult for many of us, and sometimes a little help or support can make things better. I care about your well-being and can provide you with the tools you need to tackle even the most challenging circumstances.

If you decide to work with me, we may explore what you want to be different in your life and what approaches may work well for you. I bring my full presence, warm respect, deep listening, compassion and insight. Ideally we would work as a team to help you make the changes you want. I can go beyond listening to offer new skills or tools to improve your mood, reduce stress or negativity, and/or improve your relationships. My approaches are grounded in respect, non-judgment, anti-oppression and anti-racism, including a lived understanding of intersectional identities. My hope is that you will feel seen, supported, cared for, resourced and understood. Making small changes and coping with challenging feelings and thoughts can bring positive,  life-changing results.

 About me:

• Over 14 years of counselling experience
• Queer, trans, non-binary, Vietnamese and Laotian
• Immigrant and settler resting on unceded, ancestral and traditional Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and other Coast Salish territories, colonially known as Vancouver, BC
• Offers individual and relationship therapy to individuals age 16 years and over
• Offers gender affirming care, hormone readiness and surgery readiness assessments for adults
• Approved provider and can bill directly to:
  • First Nations Health Authority
  • Metis Nation of BC
  • Crime Victim Assistance Program
  • Interim Federal Health Program or Medavie for newcomers and immigrants
• Other services offered include clinical supervision and consultation for organizations - please see my website for more information

I have worked in non-profit, private and health settings, including for a Coast Salish nation, rape crisis centre, employee assistance program and community mental health centre.  I've assisted queer, Two Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks, Indigenous people, and adults with substance use issues, persistent mental health issues, and/or street-involvement, including sex work. It is an honour and a privilege to do this valuable, meaningful, heart-centred work.

My work is informed by being neurodivergent with disabilities, having experienced my own mental health challenges and my own ongoing journey as a client. My healing path has also involved connecting with nature, meditation, mindfulness and other spiritual and ancestral practices.

I value ongoing professional and personal growth, including having completed training in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy or IFOT, EMDR, DBT, etc. I have also taken many workshops and groups as a participant, such as assertiveness, mindful self-compassion and non-violent communication. Some favourite personal activities are swimming, gardening, and spending time with friends and loved ones. Some of the things I care about are building relationships and community; mutual aid and community care; respect and care for other beings and the earth; social, racial, economic, and disability justice, and collective liberation.