Virlyn Collantes
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About Virlyn
About Me
Grief, a relationship that feels distant, or the overwhelm of pregnancy and new parenthood can leave you feeling alone, exhausted, and unsure where to turn. Maybe you are grieving a loss others seem to have moved past, caught in the same painful loop with your partner, or navigating intense emotions, burnout, and a nervous system that feels on edge. You do not have to carry this alone.
I am a Registered Social Worker offering individual and couples therapy online across BC. My couples work is Gottman-informed, and I draw heavily on DBT for practical, nervous-system-friendly tools. For grief and perinatal support, I offer a steady, unhurried space — no timeline to "move on," no pressure to be okay yet.
My Approach
Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, grounded in anti-oppressive and inclusive practice. Alongside Gottman and DBT, I draw on CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, tailoring the work to what you actually need. I have experience supporting clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, navigating family obligations, migration experiences, and intergenerational patterns.
My Background
I hold a Master of Social Work from the Erikson Institute in Chicago, IL. My background includes hospital, research, and EAP work in Chicago, San Diego, and Vancouver, including maternal mental health research.
Which Insurance Companies Cover Counselling?
Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are regulated healthcare professionals, and when you seek counselling and services from an RSW, you can potentially qualify for a medical expense tax credit when filing your income tax returns. Although counselling fees are not covered under the BC Medical Services Plan, many health benefit plans do include counselling coverage that reimburse you for visits to a Registered Social Worker (RSW). If your insurance is provided by one of the below companies, check with them to see how much your plan covers per calendar year. However, if your insurance company is not listed below, this does not mean that they won’t cover costs. Refer to your insurance company benefits package or Human Resources Department to find out what type of coverage you have.
The following plans are known to cover some or all of counselling provided by a RSW:
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Great West Life
- Canada Life
- Beneva/SSQ
- Dejardins
- Sunlife Insurance
- Green Shield Insurance
- Chambers Plan
- Manulife
- Employee Assistance Programs
- *Family Assistance Programs
- *Workers Compensation Board (WCB)