Adrienne Cossom

Hi, I'm Adrienne.  Glad you're here!

I'm an Individual and Couples Therapist with over 20 years of experience.  I offer in-person appointments in Port Coquitlam and Pitt Meadows as well as phone and video sessions.  My special interests are helping people with anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship issues, especially couples.

It’s not easy to reach out for help.  Whether you come to this page because distress is pretty high or you've been thinking about counselling for a while to address long-standing issues, change is possible.  I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where you feel comfortable being open.  I'll offer guidance, practical tools, and challenge you to grow and do hard things.

I offer free 15-minute phone consultations.  

If you are struggling with any of these issues, let's talk:

• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed
• Low confidence, mood, and motivation
• Disconnection or conflict in relationships, especially with a spouse
• Critical self-talk and low self-esteem
• Dependency or addiction with substances or behaviours (e.g. gambling)
• Grief
• Difficulties adjusting to changes and transitions

Why Counselling Can Help

We all feel stuck and overwhelmed at times.  Joining me for a counselling session can help because you:

• Talk with someone who is supportive, non-judgmental and trained in helping people find solutions to problems
• Gain new ways of looking at yourself or the situation
• Walk away with stronger skills and effective strategies to try

What You Can Expect

I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW).  This is an additional designation which recognizes advanced training and skills in mental health, counselling, and human development.  An RCSW has 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience and passed a comprehensive North American clinical board exam.  I am accountable for my practice through adherence to the British Columbia College of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

I have experience in:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:  focuses on how thoughts-feelings-behaviour are connected and helps you to identify and change unhelpful patterns so you can feel more in control.
• Couples Therapy: I draw on both practical tools from the Gottman Approach and an attachment perspective from Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy which helps to interrupt negative patterns and strengthen bonds.
• Trauma Informed Therapy:  I focus on setting up safety and control, so you don’t leave a session feeling worse.  I can help you to connect with the ways trauma shows up in your body, emotions and thoughts.
• Addictions: Having worked with gambling, gaming and substance addiction for 15 years, I understand the complexity of these issues and what is needed in recovery.  I’m familiar with 12-step work and will make a recovery plan that works for you.