Clinical Counselling
A combination of clinical expertise with our own lived experience with physical injuries and chronic pain.
The therapist I worked with was very professional and articulated. The compassion in their voice and understanding made it easy to open up and elaborate on the areas that we will be working on. Their comforting demeanor sealed the deal into carrying on with more sessions with the clinic. My overall first experience was more than a five star.
About Clinical Counselling
It’s undeniable that our mental health and physical health influence one another. From a broken leg to a traumatic brain injury, not only are we dealing with the physical symptoms, but we are also forced to cope with the sudden and drastic changes in the other areas of our lives. Maybe we are unable to engage in the activities and hobbies that we used to like, perhaps our relationships have been influenced by the onset of this injury or condition. Maybe we can no longer go to work, or our day-to-day routines look completely different. The list goes on.
This cascade of changes can influence how we think, how we feel, and how we behave. Perhaps we now struggle with a sense of panic whenever we step back into a car after an accident, or we struggle with constant worrying of what may go wrong next which leads us to avoid certain situations or activities.
Perhaps there is unprocessed anger from the injustice of the injury, or there is a visceral sense of grief from the loss of our identity and lifestyle prior to the injury. These are just some examples of the many ways in which our mental health can be impacted by not only the singular event of an injury, but also the subsequent changes that take place in the aftermath.
At the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic, we recognize this strong link between our mental health and our physical health, and acknowledge how our mental health can be an active player in the recovery process.
Our Counsellors
We offer counselling services from a registered clinical counsellor and a registered social worker. Their approaches to treatment are informed by a combination of their clinical expertise with their own lived experience with physical injuries and chronic pain.
Anne-Marie Sylvester
Registered Clinical Counsellor
About Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie has experience in working with clients with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, injuries, life transitions, body image, relationship issues and trauma. She utilizes an integrative, trauma informed approach to help her clients achieve their therapy goals. Book with Anne-Marie.
Khalida Braid
Registered Social Worker
About Khalida
Khalida has experience in working with clients with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, OCD/HOCD, PTSD, addiction, trauma, couples, family, LGBTQ2+ and more. She utilizes a holistic approach to empower her clients to be active participants in their therapy to achieve their goals. Book with Khalida.
Andrew Ku
Registered Clinical Counsellor
About Andrew
Theoretical approaches that inform Andrew’s therapy are Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Interventions, and Trauma-informed approach. Andrew’s systemic approach to therapy ensures that client’s feel heard and understood while co-collaborating with clients towards wholeness and stronger mental health. Book with Andrew.
What to Expect
We offer a comprehensive treatment approach that includes counselling services, so that we can deliver the best support to individuals who are either coping with or recovering from a physical injury/condition.
Our clinical counsellors will start with a comprehensive assessment during your first visit, in which you will be asked a number of questions regarding:
- the nature of your challenges,
- external and internal factors that contribute to the betterment or worsening of your challenges, and
- your childhood, relationships, family history, and other topics as seen relevant by your therapist.
Once your counsellor has a better understanding of your situation, they will discuss their thoughts and treatment plan with you and allow you to be an active participant in your treatment. The therapeutic approach your counsellor decides to use for your treatment will depend on many factors, primarily the factors unique to your needs, the counsellor’s training and experience, and the goals of your treatment.
Confidentiality
Information discussed with your counsellor, including your counsellor’s session notes, are fully confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent except in dire situations. The guidelines of confidentiality will be reviewed with you by your counsellor, as your informed consent is vital.
According to British Columbia law and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, the following criteria identify as unique circumstances in which the limits to your confidentiality may be invoked:
- Court subpoena of session notes
- Possible abuse of a child or vulnerable adult
- Disclosure of intent to harm someone else
- Disclosure of operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner (as per the Motor Vehicle Act)
- Potential risk to the public if you are a regulated health professional
- Immediate danger of harming yourself
Appointments and Billing
We offer online booking and direct billing to most extended benefits providers. To schedule an appointment, please click here.