I am passionate about empowering people to become their most authentic selves. I believe each individual has unique traits and abilities, and through uncovering these, one can contribute positively to their communities and build meaning into their lives. As you think about making positive changes in your life, you may feel stuck, unclear about your goals, overwhelmed by the journey, or affected by unresolved issues and past traumas. Whether you are here to improve your relationship with yourself or with your significant other(s), I am here to help you create that secure connection. I aim to create an environment where you can feel safe, respected, and accepted for who you are. During our time together, you can expect me to be transparent, compassionate, and curious about your inner world. It is my goal that you leave each session feeling hopeful, supported, and capable.

I have over a decade of experience in the field of mental health and have held various positions, including community mental health worker, mental health court advocate on the DTES, harm reduction facilitator, behaviour interventionist with children on the Autism spectrum, and crisis line call taker. Over the course of my career, I am continuously in awe at people's capacity for growth. I value your lived experience and combine it with applicable research and adaptable therapeutic techniques in order to make the most out of our time together. I tend to draw from several modalities: some target unhelpful thinking patterns (i.e. CBT), some increase emotional awareness (i.e. EFT), some direct behaviours toward what is valued most by you (i.e. ACT), and some help folks to feel more present and regulated (i.e. EMDR, DBT, mindfulness). When working with couples, I operate under the assumption that, in our common humanity, we all want to be accepted, to feel loved, and to know that we matter. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples to understand their attachment needs, to increase their connection with each other, and to enhance their communication and intimacy.

I have an innate thirst for knowledge and a deep desire to grow as a counsellor. I enjoy learning through professional development courses, books, podcasts, and research articles as well as through the wisdom of my clients and via my own counselling journey. In my spare time, I crochet and learn to let go of imperfections. I also spend time with my cats who teach me the value of being (vs doing). My favourite ways to recharge, however, are exploring nature, painting, gardening, and listening to music.

Hi! I'm Marina

Areas of Practice

I work with individual adults, couples and other relationship duos, and I hold special interest in exploring the following:

• Anxiety and depression

• Communication and boundaries

• Anger and emotion regulation

• Neurodivergence

• Attachment trauma (childhood and adult)

• Relationship difficulties

• Non-traditional relationship structures

• Attachment styles

• Family of origin and childhood trauma

• Grief

• Inner child work

• Concurrent and mood disorders (substance use, bipolar, unipolar depression, etc.)

• Immigration and acculturation stress

• Life transitions and personal growth

Therapeutic Approach

• Person-centred

• Relational

• Attachment-based

• Collaborative

• Evidence-based

• Feminist

• Sex-positive & kink-positive

• Culturally responsive and socially just

• Harm-reduction

• 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming

• Neurodiversity affirming

• Trauma-informed

Educational Background

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

• Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples & Individuals (EFT)

• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy for Attachment Trauma (EFiT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course

• Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University

• Bachelor's Degree (honours) in Applied Psychology - Douglas College

• Diploma in Social Work - Douglas College

Rates & Payment Information

Fees:

My fees correspond to the schedule recommended by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Standard individual counselling session is 50 minutes in length. Standard couples counselling session is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Couples 50-minute sessions are available although not recommended. Individual 30-minute and 80-minute sessions are available upon request.

Individual Psychotherapy (50 min) - $150 (+GST)

Couples Psychotherapy Short session (50 min) - $170 (+GST)

Couples Psychotherapy (80 min) - $250 (+GST)

Phone Consultation for Individuals (15 min) - FREE

Video Consultations for Couples (20 min) - FREE

Payment Options:

I accept e-transfers; cheques and cash are accepted for in-person sessions only.

Extended Healthcare Plans:

I am Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #21392), a designation of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Many medical insurance companies cover the cost of counselling. If you are enrolled into an extended health care plan through your employment, school, or a family member, I encourage you to check if you can be reimbursed for counselling services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I am unable to bill insurance companies directly.

Reduced-Cost & Sliding-Scale Options:

Should poor financial health be a barrier for you to access counselling services, please reach out to me. I may be able to offer sliding-scale options, low or no-cost referrals, or free self-help resources.

Availability

Schedule:

Marina is seeing individuals and couples in-person and online in the afternoons and evenings.

She is available in New Westminster on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as in North Vancouver on Wednesdays.

Booking:

To book an appointment with Marina, please email her directly.