I completed my bachelor degree in linguistics/french in Simon Fraser University in 2007, and soon obtained a government position in the Government of British Columbia as an intake worker serving a wide range of direct or indirect contacts to hospitals, corrections, care centres, and health facilities for fifteen years.
In 2014, I had to take time off to deal with a critical illness. It was a life transition for me to explore and experience the power of art therapy. I want to introduce this healing method to those who are in needs of this therapeutic process.
In 2021, I completed the 700 hours in both direct and non-direct clients’ contacts, and received direct supervisions in both Moving Forward Family Services and Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. In 2022, I graduated from both Athabasca University and Vancouver Art Therapy Institute and obtained the Master Degree of Counselling (MC) as well as the Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy (DVATI).
I am now registered with RCC as a Registered Clinical Counsellor under BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC RCC #20138), and Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA #61173274),
My name is Niki, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a broad range of
experience working with different populations, including children, adolescents,
adults, and the elderly. I had experience working on the US suicide prevention
hotline, where I supported people in crisis over the phone. I’ve gained
specialized training in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Opioid Poisoning
Response, and SMART Recovery for substance use, which has helped me
provide comprehensive support to clients in various life situations.
I specialize in helping clients navigate a range of mental health challenges,
including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and grief. I primarily
use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapeutic approach that’s proven
to to help individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, regulate
emotions, and develop more effective coping strategies.
While I’ve found CBT to be incredibly useful, I’ve also come to recognize the
importance of addressing emotional aspects that might be overlooked in
traditional approaches. As I deepened my work with CBT, I began to integrate
other therapeutic techniques, combining them with my own creative approach to
customize treatment plans. I believe that every client is unique, and it’s essential
to consider their individuality when crafting a therapy plan that truly supports
their needs.
In addition to individual therapy, I am passionate about couples therapy,
particularly the Gottman Method, which helps partners improve
communication, manage conflicts, and strengthen their relationships by building
a shared sense of meaning. I also integrate mindfulness and stress-management
techniques to help my clients maintain emotional balance and clarity in their
everyday lives.
Outside of my clinical practice, I am a passionate advocate for mental health
awareness and committed to reducing the stigma surrounding therapy. I am an
active member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and am currently
in the process of joining the ICBC and CVAP counselling service provider
programs. I am constantly seeking opportunities to grow, learn, and expand my
skills to ensure I continue providing the best possible care for those who trust
me with their mental health journey.
