Douglas Matear

Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.  Douglas collaborates with his clients to determine the best therapeutic approach to take.  He believes that "clients are the experts of their own lives, and wellness is not a state of being but a state of action."

Douglas has 24 years of experience as a psychotherapist working with trauma and its related symptoms while working at the BC Society of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse.  He has over 37 years in education as a teacher, counsellor and school administrator working with K to 12 students and their families.  Douglas has been a principal overseeing inclusive educational practices and alternative programs within the Vancouver School Board.  He has taught at UBC in the Department of Special Education and Counselling Psychology.

Douglas is a long-time practitioner of EMDR but uses a variety of approaches (I.e., IFS) which best suit the needs of his clients.  His diverse work and life experiences serve him well in navigating difficult conversations.  Early childhood trauma, the impact of abuse, anxiety, and depression, and using a lens of an anti-deficit frame are at the core of his work.  Cross-cultural sensitivity and being a member of the LGBTQIA2P+ community have enriched his therapeutic approaches.  He is further interested in stress reduction, mindfulness, the impact of exercise, coaching clients, and utilizing creative techniques in his practice.

Clients describe Douglas as a kind, optimistic and compassionate psychotherapist.  He cares deeply for his clients and always looks forward to their work together.  Douglas works with his clients to co-create a solid and safe therapeutic relationship where individuals feel heard, understood, and supported.  They collaborate to bring insights, solve problems, see more possibilities, and implement real change.  Douglas believes therapy aims to strive for a more fulfilling life where one acquires the knowledge and skills to enhance one's life through psychotherapy.

He considers it a privilege to journey alongside his clients.  He always takes the time to honour his clients' gains and tries to help them become the best they can be!

If you're feeling stuck, having difficulty finding a focus to move forward and/or have experienced problems that continually undermine the forward movement, but want that person in your corner for support, insight, encouragement, and skill development, then contact Doug.