My passion for mental health was illuminated after volunteering with those struggling with severe and persistent mental health, substance use/dependence and overall functioning issues in Vancouver, British Columbia. This inspired my career transition out of Electrical/Project Engineering giving me the privilege to acquire further clinical and professional experiences. Over the last ten years, I have accumulated a broad range of experience helping individuals and families struggling with mental health and addiction issues to reclaim, maintain and improve their overall wellbeing. I have worked and volunteered in the mental health community for agencies such as the BC Crisis Centre, MPA Society, Coast Mental Health, as well as clinical settings such as the Vancouver General Hospital, VCH Eating Disorders, Vancouver Detox, and Venture often alongside mental health teams which may include psychiatrists, addiction and vocational counsellors, occupational therapists, nurses and social workers. I have also studied and worked in educational settings such as doing research on the treatment of substance-use, addiction and variable of hope at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
What brings one to counselling is as unique as their journey to get there. My aim is to have each client leave with the common benefit of sustained growth & development. I work from a foundation of psychosocial, strength & evidence-based treatment approaches to guide the therapeutic process & support the client in feeling equipped in actualizing their goals and aspirations. I maintain hope & communicate an unwavering belief in my clients throughout our working alliance. The courage to be who we are and get what we want out of life starts with a belief in ourselves and taking action. My aim is to help clients become more self-aware and mindful, discover & understand their strengths, live according to their values, and utilize resources in order to have a voice, feel empowered, develop agency, build resiliency, enhance productivity, foster healthy relationships ultimately living the best version of themselves.
My therapeutic approach stems from a strong clinical foundation in Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) which promotes higher functioning, community integration, recovery and enhanced quality of life for clients living with mental health, substance use, and behavioural barriers. My style can best be described as integrative and adaptive; drawing from several evidence-based treatment modalities and counselling interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.
I am an owner/operator of my growing practice MALM Counselling (www.malm-counselling.com). Prior to MALM Counselling I provided therapy as an independent contractor with Manifest Wellness focusing on men's mental and physical health, relationships and career success. I have also provided clinical counselling and assessments in public and private settings to youth, adults, couples and families collaborating closely with the Ministry of Social Development (MSDS) and Harbourside Family Counseling Centre. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselling (BCACC) and hold a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, post-baccalaureate diplomas in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Guidance Studies and a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC).
