Available In-Person & Online

Susanne Leach

M.S.W. , RSW
Locations
Primary Location
Big Tree Counselling
5050 Kingway
Burnaby,
V5H 2E6
Office is Wheelchair Accessible
Proximity to Transit and/or Intersections:
close to sky train station and public transit
Other (nearby) Locations Served:
Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam
Secondary Location
Big Tree Counselling
1651 Commercial Drive
Vancouver,
V5L 3Y3
Office is Wheelchair Accessible
Proximity to Transit and/or Intersections:
Close to numerous bus routes and skytrain.
Other (nearby) Locations Served:
Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond

Counselling Practice Website

Practice Information

Do you want to build a life that is worth living, filled with healthy balanced relationships with friends, family and important people in your life?  Do you want to build a stronger understanding of yourself and navigate things that get in the way of you living the life you want to lead?  ​Do you want to challenge your anxiety, anger, sadness and other intense emotions?  Do you want to address issues such as self-harm, unhealthy eating habits, feelings of loneliness and disconnection.  Do you want to work towards goals that create connection and meaning in your life?  Have you tried talk therapy and feel like you are still stuck and are looking for other possibilities?

You have come to the right place, it is possible.

I'm a counsellor with extensive experience and training which includes Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Radically Open Dialectic Behaviour Therapy as well as others.  I am a trauma informed counsellor who is trained in EMDR.

I have worked as a counsellor for over 13 years.  I work on a community based adolescent mental health team where I meet with teens with complex mental health concerns.  I facilitate a 14 week DBT program that includes both caregivers and teens.

I work with caregivers and other family members to build their skill set to provide love and support for children and youth who need advanced caregiving skills. 

I worked on an eating disorder team. 

In my private practice I work with adults and caregivers to help them build a strong rich life which is sustainable and increases opportunities to thrive.

I have expertise in perimenopause and menopause and how this transition can have significant impact on our daily life and mental health. 

You have come to the right place.  It is possible.

I always start with the relationship and meet you where you are, so we can work together to best meet your needs. I have a warm, compassionate and genuine style.  I am passionate about helping people build strong relationships.

I have an office based in Burnaby and Vancouver and meet in person, I can also meet virtually.

I have a Master of Social worker (MSW) and am a Registered social worker (RSW)

 I always start with where the person is at and bring in skills from different types of counselling. I have extensive training in a number of different types of therapy. 

Sometimes its useful to know what each type of therapy is and when it might be helpful.

Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is really helpful for people who have big emotions and struggle with keeping healthy relationships, knowing who they are, setting and sticking with goals and sometimes doing things that are unhealthy and unhelpful to try to feel better.  The problem is it often makes the situation worse.  DBT can help.
 

Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is really helpful for people who have experienced all types of trauma.  This could be relationships ending, loss of jobs, struggling with feeling stuck, sexual abuse and other relational trauma.  It can also be helpful if talk therapy is just not your thing or if talk therapy has not helped to get you unstuck.

Radically Open Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (RODBT) is really helpful if you struggle to feel connected with others, feel lonely, tend to get stuck with perfectionism and being harsh on yourself and people who are important to you.

Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Circle of Security (COSI) are both helpful for caregivers who are struggling with their loved ones behaviours.  Maybe you feel a disconnection to your child or you are worried everything you do might make it worse, or if your loved one is refusing help including therapy- this is for you!

Certificate in Menopause mental health through BRIA.

I am registered provider under First Nations Health Authority and can bill directly to the Autism Funding Unit and those covered under Sunlife Insurance.

With counselling, fit is important. Its also hard to reach out and talk with someone. Please feel free to call or email me.  I'd be happy to talk with you about my services, approach and answer any questions you may have.  I can also give you an outline of what counselling can look like.  Please reach out to me for a complementary consultation

Specialized Training

  • Emotion Focused Family Therapy- Helpful for caregivers who are stuck and are looking for ways to connect with their loved one
  • Radically Open Dialect Behaviour Therapy- helpful for individuals who are lonely and would like to build strong connections
  • Circle of Security Facilitator- Helpful for caregivers who are stuck and looking for building connection with their child
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing- EMDR- really helpful for past traumas, when you are stuck and as an alternative to talk therapy
  • Extensive training in Dialectic Behaviour Therapy- including facilitating Teen and caregiver skills groups- helpful for those with big emotions lookin

Client Fee (Individuals)

$160.00 Sliding scale is available

Client Fee (Couples/Families)

$180.00 Sliding scale is available

Availability

 
MorningAM
AfternoonPM
EveningLate
SundaySun
MondayMon
TuesdayTue
WednesdayWed
ThursdayThu
FridayFri
SaturdaySat

Areas of Practice

Family Caregiver Stress
Adolescent Issues
Parent∕Teen Conflict
Teen Adjustment Issues
Marriage and∕or Relationship Issues
Family Issues
Parenting Issues
Menopause and Perimenopause issues
Anxiety and∕or Panic
Depression
Eating Disorders
Neurodiversity
Perfectionism
Self Harming Practices
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Approaches Used

Adolescent Therapy
Brief Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Communication Skills Training
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
EMDR
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
Family Systems
Family Therapy
Menopause and Perimenopause issues
Mindfulness approaches
Motivational Interviewing