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Welcome to ACS "The only constant in life is change."

At ACS, we can help individuals, couples, familes and groups with:

• Relationship/Family issues (trust, improvements,

support through separation & divorce, transitions,

communication, co-parenting, loss & stress)

• Being single in the city

• General emotional support , Depression, Anxiety,

Stress

• Personal development /Life coaching

• Pre-marital /Co-habitation counselling/Marital preparation

• Pre/Post-natal emotional support

• Life Transitions /lifestyle changes

Are you struggling with a problem and feel like you are stuck in place?

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TAMARA KNOTT RCC, MA, BComm 778-888-3418

KATARINA CHIN RCC, MA, BSc 604-910-2726

TARA STOLL RCC, MA 778-840-6587

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Adult individuals, couples & groupsTamara graduated from Queens University with her B.A. in Psychology, followed by her BComm from Royal Roads University. She received her M.A. in Counselling Psychology from City University. Tamara is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Internship: Victoria, at B.C. Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) helping individuals, couples and groups navigate the challenges of relationship transitions specific to separation and divorce or prevention of separation. Volunteering: the Victoria Womens Transition House (4 years)Publications: A Proposal to Determine What Significance Post-Partum Stressors have on Marital Dyad Satisfaction Treatment Philosophy: Tamara counsels adult individuals, couples & groups. Tamara's approach is based on the individual needs of each client and can be considered eclectic. However, sessions will tend to lean towards Solution Focused, Family Systems and Cognitive Behavior therapies. (Please see FAQ for definitions) Tamaras therapeutic training includes: Family Systems therapy, Brief Therapy Models (Solution focused, Narrative etc), Couples counselling, Addictions, Trauma & Interpersonal Violence, Testing & Appraisal, Aging, Group counselling, Loss & Grief, Diversity & Cultural counselling, PREPARE/ENRICH program (premarital counselling), Sexuality & Human Development, Cybercounselling and CBT for hoarding.
Adult individuals & groupsKatarina was born and raised in Sweden and came to Canada as a teenager. She graduated from University of BC with a BSc (Dietetics) and worked with individuals and families as a registered dietitian for 10 years. She received her MA in Counselling Psychology from City University. Katarina is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.Internship: Broadway Youth Resource Centre (Vancouver) and Pacific Family Life Counselling (Richmond).Volunteering: Crossroads Community Project, RESPECT For WomenTreatment Philosophy: Katarina counsels adult individuals, couples and groups. Her approach is client centred: focused on the needs of the individual(s). Katarina seeks to team up with the person to locate their strengths and empower them to find solutions to challenges. Her approach includes but is not limited to Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Solution Focused therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Her group work with parents (part of her Advanced Studies with the Neufeld Institute) is informed by Dr Gordon Neufelds approach to parenting. (Please see FAQ for definitions) Katarinas therapeutic training includes: Solution Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Family System therapy, Group therapy, Couples Counselling, Addictions, Trauma, Violence, Aging, Loss & Grief and Sexuality & Human Development, EMDRIA approved EMDR Training (Level 1 and 2) and When Love Hurts Training. She is currently doing Advanced Studies with The Neufeld Institute.
Families & ChildrenTara works primarily out of her office at: 1273 E 29th Ave.She has been working in the helping profession for over 20 years. Currently, Tara divides her time between private practice and her position at Vancouver Coastal Health in which she counsels youth (12 - 25 yrs) in high schools and at a sexual health clinic. Tara began her career working with young men struggling with severe mental health diagnoses such as schizophrenia. She received an honours BA in Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec in 1994. Tara completed her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 1999. Her thesis explored how counsellors' self monitor their ethical practices. Since receiving her counselling degree Tara has worked primarily with children, youth and families. For the most part she has divided her time between private practice and non-profit agency work. When not at work Tara enjoys spending time with her nine year old daughter and 18 month old son. Tara is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association on Clinical Counsellors.Internship: the Women's Student Office at UBCTreatment Philosophy: Tara counsels children, youth, adult individuals, couples and families. Her approach is tailored to the unique needs of each individual and she is oriented to strength based conversations rather than problem saturated ones. The therapeutic approaches that Tara uses include, but are not limited to, Narrative, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, Family Systems, Art and Play Therapy. (Please see FAQ for definitions) Tara's therapeutic training includes: Narrative Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Couples' Counselling, Group Therapy, Sexuality and Human Development, Gender Fair Counselling, Parenting, Sexual Abuse and Trauma (historical and recent), Loss and Grief, Addictions, Diversity and Cross Cultural Counselling.
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INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING

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COUPLES COUNSELLING

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GROUP SUPPORT

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PHONE AND ONLINE COUNSELLING

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PRE-MARITAL/CO-HABITATION SUPPORT

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INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING

Sessions of 50 minutes are for any adult over the age of 18. This gives you an opportunity to talk about whatever may be troubling you. This can be just one session or for long-term help. Many people like to do occasional “check-ups” even after the original problem has been resolved.

** Children between the ages of 18 months-14 years may not attend your sessions with you (unless you are seeking family counselling) as there is no childcare provided Children under the age of 18 months may attend sessions with you. If you would like for your children to attend their own counselling sessions, we can work together to find the ideal form of help for them.

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COUPLES COUNSELLING

Couples counselling offers a safe environment in order to begin the process of making decisions for the future of your relationship. Many people often find it easier to say the things that they need to in front of a counsellor. Sometimes it is impossible to step back from the problems in the relationship with a view of moving forward when you are embroiled in turmoil. Having an objective helper in the room can allow each party to release themselves for healing and growth. Whether you have a specific problem or are just feeling disconnected, counselling can help.

The format will be based on the needs of the couple. For example, the initial session can be for 25 minutes for each partner (50 minutes total) to speak to the counsellor privately or the couple may attend the entire session together. A recommendation will be made at this point for the possible future session format.

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GROUP SUPPORT

Groups will be formed in two ways:

1) Open groups are on a drop-in basis and focus more on peer support and sharing,

2) Closed groups are slightly more educational based and participants are required to attend a set number of sessions.

Topics include such things as: Co-Parenting Through Separation/Divorce, Busy Lives & Social Lives, Living Single, Pre-Marital Support, Pre-Natal Support & New Parents. Your counsellor will discuss with you if a group format may be helpful to you.

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PHONE AND ONLINE COUNSELLING

How it works: Sessions are 50 minutes in length and will be booked in Pacific Standard Time. You will not be charged for long-distance fees. Online sessions will take place through Skype or email.

Contact instructions, privacy and confidentiality issues will be discussed and agreed upon during the initial consultation.

Set-up: Payment must be received at least 24 hours before the session and may be paid by cheque, Paypal or direct electronic funds transfer. 24 hours notice must be given for cancellation or postponement or you will be charged for the missed session.

Who it works for: Phone and online sessions are only available for individuals.

*** Online and phone sessions are not suitable for people who are experiencing an unstable psychiatric condition, such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, or

any life threatening disorders.

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PRE-MARITALCO-HABITATION SUPPORT

PRE-MARITAL/COHABITATION SUPPORT

This allows couples to celebrate the strength of their relationship and to explore those areas of the relationship that would benefit from discussion.

We will examine up to 15 topic areas and spend the time necessary as individualized for the couple.

Couples should allow for completion of these sessions at least 6 months before the wedding/co-habitation to give time for the relationship to adjust based on response to counselling.

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RATES

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RATES (Free initial phone consultation)

Per 50 minute individual/couples session (all prices are subject to HST):

•Individuals: $105

•Couples: $120

•Online/phone: $120

Per 1 hour group session :

•Open Groups: $15 drop in fee

•Closed Groups: $160/8 sessions- each participant is pre-screened and

has chosen to attend a specific group for the complete set of sessions.

Payments can be made with Cheque, Cash, Paypal or Direct deposit

*Fees are in compliance with recommendations made by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. You will be charged for missed appointments unless 24 hours notice of cancellation or postponement is given.

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CONTACT US

ADDRESS

#200- 1892 W. Broadway,

Vancouver, BC

PHONE

778-888-3418

EMAIL

info_adventuracounselling.ca

tamarak_adventuracounselling.ca

CAREERS

We are always seeking extraordinary individuals with excellent qualifications to join our team.

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FAQ & RESOURCES

1. What are the benefits to counselling? Counselling can help you work through problems you may be experiencing and to find ways of coping with lifes events. You may have had or are experiencing a troubling event, you may just need someone to talk to with an independent point of view, you may not wish to burden family and friends, or you may need more support or time than those around you can provide. Our policy is to provide a non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere in which to explore issues that are causing you emotional distress. 2. Are the sessions confidential? Yes, confidentiality is very important, however, there are certain exceptions where information will be shared. These instances include: •The counsellor believes that you may harm yourself or someone else •Child abuse •The courts subpoena documents or testimony •Written permission is given by the client (ex: to share with other health professionals) •In a group setting, the counsellor cannot guarantee that other members will not discuss information shared outside of the group3. How does it work? The counsellor will guide you through what is troubling you and help you move towards solutions that will fit with your way of being and to investigate new alternatives. You can express your wants and needs in a safe atmosphere with someone trained to listen and to help resolve the issues that you wish to work on. The counsellor can help you to face up to these issues and to take responsibility for your part in them, as well as exploring how other people may be affecting you. 4. Myths about Counselling. •Counsellors are there to give me advice. At Adventura, counsellors will not work in this way. We will explore the individuals goals, patterns and existing coping skills in order to build toward solutions based on what is working and how to create positive momentum. The focus is on solutions that realistically fit into the persons life. Learning how to fix these problems is more important than being provided with a quick solution that may not work for the clients context. •People who seek counselling are weak. Exploring ones emotions and problems takes a great deal of courage, as does asking for help. Sometimes problems do not go away simply by ignoring them or by dealing with them on your own. Giving a space for working on issues that are troubling can ensure that they do not build up to a breaking point. •People who go to counselling have mental health problems. Many people find the need to seek help for their problems. Counselling is just one alternative for that help. Those who hire a counsellor are just everyday people who want to work towards a more positive, healthy lifestyle. Examples of problems may be anything from a relationship breakdown to feelings of depression. 5. What will I need to do in counselling? The person(s) seeking help is in control of the format of the sessions. The counsellor will check-in to make sure that the client is feeling heard and helped. This may require certain types of participation on the clients part such as keeping an open mind for solutions and ideas, completing agreed upon homework (or else be willing to discuss the reasons as to why it didnt work), and a willingness to evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions.THERAPEUTIC DEFINITIONS:“Solution-focused brief therapy targets what works rather than what’s wrong. It is based on a non-pathology model that emphasizes the strengths and resources of client(s) in a collaborative effort to reach goals and resolve problems rapidly.” “Family therapy is based on family systems theory, which understands the family to be a living organism that is more than the sum of its individual members. Family therapy uses “systems” theory to evaluate family members in terms of their position or role within the system as a whole. Problems are treated by changing the way the system works rather than trying to “fix” a specific member.” “Cognitive Behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that is based on the theory that psychological symptoms are related to the interaction of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist and patient will work on identifying and directly changing thoughts and behaviors that may be maintaining symptoms.” “Narrative therapy focuses on the stories we tell about ourselves and the ways in which these stories actually shape reality. The therapist will work with clients who feel stuck in a problem-saturated” story to recognize or construct alternative life narratives- new, but equally true, stories that shed light on strengths and hopeful possibilities.Art/Play therapy provides a way for children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. As childrens' experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important vehicle for them to know and accept themselves and others.Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders (ex: PTSD) caused by exposure to distressing events. These events may overwhelm usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms. The memory and associated stimuli of the event are inadequately processed, and are dysfunctionally stored in an isolated memory network. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, reducing their lingering influence and allowing clients to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.RESOURCES:Please see these websites in order to identify postpartum depression symptoms: http://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-symptomshttp://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-symptoms http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Anxiety/women_14.asp OTHER RESOURCES/LINKS: Family Services: http://www.fsgv.ca/ Family & Anger Management: http://www.touchfam.ca/ Crisis Intervention: http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/ Community Support Network (Addictions): http://www.angelscommunity.com/EN/crisis_&_help_lines/ Battered Women Support Services: http://www.bwss.org/Definitions: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com Dr Gordon Neufeld: http://www.gordonneufeld.com/EMDR Canada: http://www.emdrcanada.org/EMDR International Association: http://www.emdria.org/When Love Hurts: http://whenlovehurts.ca/RESPECT For Women: http://www.respect4women.org/Divorce for men: http://www.divorce-for-men.com/resourcvan.htmlSouth Asian Law: http://www.southasianlaw.ca/links/Chinese Divorce Law: http://chinesedivorcelaw.com/links/

Every stage of life poses challenges from growing up, to creating and maintaining healthy relationships with partners and family. Sometimes the stress we endure to meet those challenges can be difficult and feel overwhelming. We can help you to make the changes that work for you.