Hello, my name is Shan (they/them), and I am a white queer nonbinary therapist living in Vancouver, which is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I have a background in science and have been working with kids and families in various capacities for the last seven years. I am a recent graduate of the Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) program at Adler University with a specialization in children and youth. I am currently taking new clients at Connect Counselling Services in Kitsilano (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays) and New Westminster (Thursdays and Fridays).
I use play therapy in sessions, which is the child-equivalent to adult talk therapy. Children use play to process the world around them, connect with other people, and understand their own experiences. Play is also fun! Using toys, art supplies, and other creative methods in therapy engages children and their developing brains in a way that is most effective for them. I aim to provide a warm and non-judgmental space for kids to travel at their own pace towards personal growth and self-understanding. While I most often work with an individual child (with regular caregiver consultations), there may be times when families would benefit from multiple members attending sessions together (e.g., caregiver/child, siblings, or whole family), as therapy progresses more quickly and with more lasting changes when the whole family gets involved.
If you are interested in working together, please reach out via email to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.
