About BE Counselling
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Larissa
FOUNDER
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Josie
THERAPY DOG
Hello, I’m Larissa.
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Above all else, I value you as a fellow human and our relationship is important to me. My goal is to support and help you make sense of what you are experiencing, in a non-authoritative way
I also place emphasis on how we’re working together. Do you feel you can trust me and share what’s going on in your mind? Or do you feel wary, unsure if I might judge or dismiss you? I aim to work with you to feel comfortable sharing what you need.
My specialties, skills, and advanced training lie in the areas of perinatal mental health, perinatal loss, grief, early years childhood development, maternal bonding and attachment, and internal family systems.
My Approach
My primary approach to counselling draws on Internal Family Systems or IFS. Rather than describing how a family works, this approach points to an internal system of parts that exists within each of us. Together we can help you get to know the parts of you causing distress, and we do this by tuning into your body and what it might be showing you. By understanding these parts and developing a strong relationship with them, it’s possible to transform them and find more balance, connection and calmness.
Training, Credentials, Qualifications.
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #19264
Doctor of Philosophy (Developmental Psychology), UNSW Sydney, Australia
MA in Counselling Psychology, Trinity Western University, Canada
Honours in Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia
Bachelor of Science (Psychology), University of Sydney, Australia
Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C) Training
Internal Family Systems Level 1 Training
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Training
Gottman Couples Training
Trauma Informed Practice Training
Circle of Security Facilitator
Expressive Arts Therapy
Outside the counselling room.
My husband describes me as friendly, social, energetic, curious, and thoughtful. We have three children and a very cheeky Cavapoo puppy. I enjoy adventures in the outdoors - hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, skiing, and stand-up paddling to name a few. I have travelled to over 50 countries so far - new places and cultures have always intrigued me. I am known in my family for being a sweet tooth - the Australian dessert called ‘pavlova’ is a personal favourite of mine.
Photo: Me at the top of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro!
Hello, I’m Josie.
Josie is a Therapy Dog (in Training). Her breed is a Cavapoo/Cavoodle - a cross between a King Charles Cavalier and a Poodle. Josie was born to be a therapy dog as she is hypo-allergenic, super friendly, and very insightful. She loves endless amounts of affection, especially belly rubs! Her temperament is naturally attuned, affectionate, and gentle. Josie is particularly fond of children, and makes a perfect therapist for even the most shy or anxious child. Josie attends all kinds of events and has experience with elderly homes, University events, and schools.
Benefits of therapy dogs
Research has shown therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations. Animal assisted therapy can:
teach empathy and appropriate interpersonal skills
help individuals develop social skills
be soothing and the presence of animals can more quickly build rapport between the professional and client, and
improve individual’s skills to pick up social cues imperative to human relationships. Professionals can process that information and use it to help clients see how their behaviour affects others.
Photo: Josie discovers snow on Cypress Mountain for the first time!