Ashley Shankar

I’m a cis South Asian woman. My Masters in Social Work from the University of British Columbia has granted me the opportunity to work extensively in diverse community mental health settings. I work with individuals (19+) and couples using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and compassion focused approach.

I am committed to and experienced in supporting people to understand and cope more effectively with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, as well as family conflict and relationship issues. I support individuals to understand their thoughts and emotions, and discover how family and other significant relationships have influenced their inner worlds.  When we fully acknowledge and experience what is happening in the moment, we can maintain a stronger sense of self and confidence.

Having worked my entire professional life in the helping field, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments to offer support, compassion, and more effective ways to move through life's challenges. I am able to adapt my approach based on your needs and foster comfort through offering non-judgement and steady encouragement. My clients describe me as warm, easy to relate to, trusting, and reliable. These qualities allow my clients to feel safe, heard, and respected.

Investing in my own therapy and mental health have afforded me the opportunity to experience first hand the growth that is possible. Therapy has taught me how to be the most authentic version of myself by digging deep into my limiting beliefs and arriving at a place of self-acceptance.