About Me

My name is Ciara and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 20615) in the province of British Columbia.

I have been working in the field of mental health, substance use, and wellness since 2015. I began by co-facilitating a peer-lead support group with the Mood Disorders Association of BC, and after graduating with my BA in Psychology, I began working as a support worker with folks living in the DTES. Since then, I have worked in a variety of settings, including residential, community, and inpatient psychiatric care, including onsite at BC Children's Hospital, and the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Surrey Memorial. I have vast experience supporting youth, adults, and families in clinical settings, as well as providing workshops and groups in corporate, community, and classroom settings. 

 I strive to provide a safe and supportive space for all of the humans I work with, including individuals from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds, as well as those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. 

As a clinician and a human, I understand we are all deeply impacted by the world and systems we live in. I actively work to utilize a non-judgmental, client-centred, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive lens, while empowering clients to understand and navigate these systems. 

Some of the modalities I use include dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), motivational interviewing (MI), exposure response prevention (ERP) and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), among others. I have also studied psychoanalysis and logotherapy. 

 I specialize in providing services to individuals who may be struggling with concerns such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), mood disorders (anxiety/depression), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use, difficulty with emotion regulation, insomnia, and stress management. I also have experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum (ASD).

If you have any questions about my services, approach, or are curious whether I may make a good fit for you, please don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation!