Counselling Practice Website
Practice Information
Summy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Counselling Art Therapist who graduated with a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy from Adler University. Summy has experience providing individual and couple/relationship psychotherapy services and group art therapy for adults of all ages. She also has experience working with children and adolescents using art therapy interventions and assessments.
Summy’s own lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the systemic and relational challenges we often face and the importance of connecting with our inner strengths. As an immigrant, she also experienced the pain of separation from her family and friends and the challenges of adjusting to a new country. She deeply understands the importance of self-compassion, empowerment, relational support, and the resilience that arises from vulnerability.
Summy is a parent and enjoys spending time with her family. However, she acknowledges that parenting can take its toll on the strongest people. Summy has training in positive discipline by Dr. Jane Nelsen as part of her Adlerian training. Positive discipline techniques and skill sets helped Summy personally and enabled her to assist her clients with parenting challenges successfully.
Summy is passionate about working with children, youth, and adults. She has worked successfully with clients struggling with relationship problems, divorce, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, anger management, self-esteem, substance use, parenting struggles, boundary setting and trauma and perinatal mental health.
Summy also provides couple counselling services using the Gottman therapy model. While working with couples, Summy focuses on helping couples improve their relationship and resolve conflicts. She supports couples facing various challenges, including communication issues, infidelity, trust issues, and differences in parenting styles. In couple therapy, Summy helps the couple identify patterns of behaviour and communication that contribute to their challenges and works with them to develop new strategies for resolving conflicts and improving their relationship. She would also try to explore their individual and shared goals and values and work to rebuild trust and emotional connection in their relationships.
While working with her clients, Summy incorporates internal family system (IFS), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and art therapy approaches. In her counselling process, she utilizes other modalities such as Adlerian, trauma-informed care, attachment, and self-compassion. Working from a holistic, person-centred, strength-based lens, Summy focuses on the interconnection between emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and physical symptoms to heal the struggling mind and body.
Summy appreciates that each person’s journey through life is unique; therefore, her approach to counselling is primarily person-centred. She believes that authentic connection, empathy, and unconditional acceptance are essential in fostering the safety needed for healing to occur. As your therapist, Summy will help you uncover and explore your inner resources, navigate challenges, and help you attain your goals. She will gently guide you in connecting with your inner voice and finding the path that feels right for you.
Summy is honoured to help you live your most authentic story, and she looks forward to connecting with you.
Specialized Training
- Gottman Method Couples therapy- (level 1) / Trauma-informed care training (2022) / Positive Discipline for Parenting (2021)
- Trauma Focused CBT for all ages (level 1)
/ Trauma Focused CBT for all ages (level 2)
/ BC Concurrent Disorder Conference (2021) - Internal Family System (2022) / Advancing Perinatal Counselling (2023) / The Neurobiology of Attachment (2023)
- Battered Women Support Services – Crisis line training and volunteering / Neuroscience for Parents (2021) / Using Yoga in Counselling (2021)
- Summy is an approved ICBC and a CVAP counsellor. She would directly bill ICBC and CVAP for clients with approved sessions from these providers.