ileah Snell

"Whether you’re navigating persistent mental health challenges, grief, burnout, trauma, or a period of transition, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore difficult emotions and patterns. We move at a pace that honours your experience, potentially using new tools for insight, like Art Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, or trauma therapy. My role is to walk alongside you with care and professional guidance, helping you process change meaningfully while accessing practical strategies for everyday life."

Hi, I’m Ileah Snell, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Professional Art Therapist supporting adults and youth. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ2S+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, survivors of violence and abuse, and people navigating systemic or cultural stressors. I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy from Adler University, and I bring a warm, collaborative, and strengths-focused approach to therapy. I believe that healing is most effective when we consider the whole person, your perspective, experiences, relationships, and culture, and work together to connect with your resiliency and enhance your wellbeing.

In therapy, I integrate evidence-based and expressive approaches, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Adlerian therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),  Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Art Therapy, and Nature-Based Therapy. I work from a trauma-informed, attachment-focused len, always mindful of building a felt sense of safety, attuning to your pace, and appreciating your capacity for reflection and growth. My approach is compassionate and encouraging, balancing structure with space for what naturally emerges in our sessions.

For clients interested in creative exploration, art therapy offers a way to process experiences that can be hard to put into words. Using image-making, metaphors, and symbols, we can explore identity, trauma, and times of transition while supporting emotional expression and nervous system regulation. No artistic experience is needed, just an openness to using art materials for reflection and processing.

I also offer nature-based therapy in Vancouver and North Vancouver. The outdoors can be grounding and restorative, providing a supportive space to explore emotions, reflect, and reduce intensity when needed. Movement and sensory engagement with the environment can deepen insight, calm the nervous system, and foster connection. Our first session takes place in the office, where we discuss what setting feels safest and most supportive for you.

When working with trauma or complex mental health concerns, I use creative, somatic, and relational approaches to engage the body and mind gently. I understand the impact of fragmentation, dissociation, and chronic dysregulation, and I prioritize fostering safety, coherence, and empowerment.