Laurel Aasen

Note to prospective clients: 

I am offering in-person sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Maple Ridge (see schedule below).

I am a settler with the privilege of working and living on the traditional, ancestral territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓) and Kwantlen (qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓) First Nations. I believe in the inherent humanity and dignity of every person, regardless of ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, culture, or socioeconomic status, and in each individual’s right to self-determination. I am committed to lifelong learning as a pathway to deeper understanding and to building inclusive, connected communities where everyone can thrive. In my practice, I care about creating a space that acknowledges the detrimental impacts of discrimination, intergenerational trauma, and systemic oppression.  

My specialties are working with individual adults and teenagers living with anxiety and/or experiencing life changes. Below are some descriptions of the clientele and issues I commonly encounter in my practice:

• Individuals experiencing a major life transition and feel overwhelmed (eg. a move, adjustment to university, change in relationship, new job).
• Have anxiety that interferes with their functioning (eg. Social anxiety, fear, panic attacks, fear, generalized anxiety).
• Live with chronic pain or illness and want support in navigating healthcare options or tools to manage pain.
• Have experienced trauma and are looking for ways to support their nervous system.
• Are wanting support with grief and bereavement.
• Have specific goals but feel stuck in regards to moving forwards (eg. health goals, new entrepreneurs).
• Want space to explore concerns about their relationships, or are going through the end of a relationship.
• Are wanting to explore current patterns of thinking, feeling, relating, and behaving, to create more opportunity for choice in their lives.

Approaches with clients are always non-judgemental, collaborative, and sensitive to diversity. I have worked with clients in clinical, Employee Assistance, hospice, and international settings. I also have a background in intensive workshop facilitation, primary through the Haven on Gabriola Island and with the Heartsome Group from China. I believe that finding the right therapist is highly important, so all clients are offered a no-obligation, 15 minute phone consultation to meet and get a sense if the working relationship will be the right fit - if not, I am happy to provide referrals to other practitioners and resources. 

I offer direct billing for ICBC/most insurance