Carolyn Heppner

Life can feel overwhelming — whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or life transitions such as early parenthood, midlife change, or the perimenopause-to-menopause journey.
With 20 years of clinical counselling experience, I bring a calm, grounded presence that helps clients gain insight, process what feels overwhelming, and create meaningful change in their lives.

My Approach
I combine practical, research-based tools with deep emotional understanding and support to help you make sense of what’s happening, find relief, and build lasting change. When relevant, I also welcome exploration of personal values, meaning, or spirituality as part of the healing process. My style is genuine and natural, and I’ve often been told that I have a calming presence. Clients frequently share that they feel comfortable and safe early on, something I value deeply. In counselling, we often talk about profoundly personal or sensitive issues, and feeling safe and understood helps make the process easier. I believe that when you feel encouraged and supported without judgment, it becomes possible to continue creating the life you want and need.

How I Work
I’m certified in EMDR Therapy and trained in the Gottman Method as well as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Over the years, I’ve completed extensive advanced trainings in trauma treatment, EMDR, attachment-based therapy, mind–body integration, and related approaches that support deep, sustainable change. I bring both depth of knowledge and a supportive presence to the work we do together, and I work respectfully with clients of all cultures, genders, and identities, creating space for each person’s lived experience to be seen, understood, and supported.

Areas of Focus

• Couples issues: communication breakdowns, affairs/infidelity, intimacy challenges, attachment patterns, and relationship transitions (new parenthood, empty nest, pre-marital, retirement)
• Trauma: including the effects of childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and relational trauma
• Anxiety, panic, and phobias
• Prenatal & postpartum challenges: including anxiety, depression, grief, and loss
• Life transitions: midlife change, perimenopause, menopause, career or role transitions, retirement, identity shifts, grief, loss, burnout, and periods of self-redefinition
• Stress, self-esteem, and identity work

EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy can be profoundly effective for trauma, anxiety, complicated grief, chronic pain, and many other patterns rooted in earlier experiences. I’m a certified EMDR therapist with advanced training and extensive experience supporting clients through this evidence-based, integrative approach.

Availability
Sessions are available in person in Maple Ridge and online across BC. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you.

Location:
My office is located in central Maple Ridge in a shared professional space with Orenda Wellness.