Practice information:

In the fantastically busy and often confusing world in which we live it is far too easy to overlook the single most important aspect of our lives; the wellbeing of ourselves and our relationships. Every aspect of our existence depends on our attitudes and beliefs and how we relate to others. I am pleased to be offering professional counselling services in North Vancouver, BC and throughout the Lower Mainland. My intention is to support the process of learning how to switch from “the glass half empty” to “a glass half full” point of view by concentrating on the “wellness” of every individual and their relationships.

At the most core level, my philosophy is that fulfilling relationships are the key to our happiness. That includes the most important relationship of all; the relationship we have with our self. If we can learn to love, honour and accept ourselves without judgment, then we can learn to accept and love others.

Who is Andrena Smith? I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother and a friend. I have successfully survived, so far, raising three children and I have been married, to one man, for over 30 years. I have a BSW from UBC and I am a Registered Social Worker with The B.C. College of Social Workers. I am also registered with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association and have been trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy.

Towards the end of 2009, I, along with my husband and children, returned to the Coast; after 15 years of living in the Okanagan and away from the ocean and our extended family and friends it was time to come home. What a blessing it has been to live within spitting distance of the people who remind me on a daily basis how fortunate we are to have each other and how sacred our relationship, and all relationships, truly are. If there is one thing that I strongly believe in it is the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships.

As a counsellor I understand just how easily some of the most important relationships in our lives have a way of becoming unbalanced and disconnected. Plain and simple; relationships are often very difficult. Coupled with my conviction of the importance of relationships is my unwavering belief in the power of unconditional love, even in small doses, and its ability to heal and transform.

I have a reputation of meeting people right where they are in their struggles with love, compassion and understanding. I strive to always maintain a sense of humour and with a very direct, open, no-nonsense, honest style of counselling do my utmost to support people as they become more self-aware and attune to their own wisdom.