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Direct Contact

Phone: 778-651-2058

Email: emma@ivycounselling.ca

Meet Emma

I am a compassionate and empathetic aspiring counsellor, blending personal and professional experiences to inform a client-centred approach to therapy. I am passionate about helping individuals and families discover their strengths and navigate life’s challenges. Through my practicum, I have strengthened my ability to build trusting therapeutic relationships and support individuals navigating life transitions, cultural challenges, and parenting struggles. With a deep belief in the transformative power of connection, I bring active listening, empathy, and authenticity to every client interaction.

As a student, my academic journey is deeply intertwined with my personal growth. I see life as a mountain climb, where the obstacles we face are like falling rocks. Ideally, after we get hurt or stuck by the rocks, we can recognize them, put them aside, let them go, and keep moving forward. However, I often find myself holding onto these rocks, carrying their weight in my pockets, making the journey heavier over time.

My path to becoming a therapist is about learning to release these burdens —to find freedom, embrace curiosity, and rediscover love. As a therapist, I aim to walk alongside you on your own climbs. When you are struck by falling rocks, I can be there to help catch the rocks, process them, and learn how to put them aside. Together, we can lighten the load, allowing them to continue their journey with greater ease and resilience. ​

Framework

My trauma-informed practice is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Satir’s systemic approach. I help clients cultivate deeper self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Additionally, my training in sand tray play therapy expands my ability to support children who express themselves in unique and nonverbal ways.

My practicum experience has equipped me to ensure that clients feel seen and understood from the very first session. I believe that healing happens within the context of safety and connection, and I strive to create an authentic, transparent, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences with courage.

Education

Emma is a student member of the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT) and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trinity Western University. She holds an MBA from TWU with a specialization in nonprofit and charitable organizations. With a background in finance and experience working with international students, immigrant families, and diverse communities, Emma integrates her understanding of cultural transitions, financial stress, and family dynamics into her therapeutic approach.

Additional Training

Certificate Training:

• Gottman Method Couple Therapy Level 1 — The Gottman Institute — 10/2025

• Naloxone Administration — BCCDC Harm Reduction Services — 09/2025

• Indigenous Worldviews — Dr. Paul L. Gareau — University of Alberta — 09/2025

• Neufeld Intensive I: Making Sense of Kids — Dr. Gordon Neufeld — Neufeld Institute — 05/2025

• Mental Health First Aid — Canadian Mental Health Association — 04/2019

• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1 Certificate — Dr. Sue Johnson & Dr. Leanne Campbell — PESI— Ongoing

• ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) — Dr. Stephanie Sarkis — PESI — Ongoing

• Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy Level 1 — Jennifer Nagel — Satir Institute of the Pacific — Jan/2026 (Upcoming)

Seminars & Workshops: - Advanced Somatic Trauma Treatment Method Practical Tools for Clinicians — Linda Thai — 09/2025

• The 5 Common Mistakes Couple Therapist Make — Terry Real — Online Seminar — 09/2025

• Supporting Kids and Teens with Anxiety in the Classroom — Alisha Stobbe —08/2025

• Supporting Well-Being in 2025 in Our Children and Ourselves — Dr. Gordon Neufeld — Seminar — 04/2025

• Grief Group Facilitation Workshop — Deborah Davison — Trinity Western University — 01/2025

• Treatment Planning in Family Therapy - Dr. Diane Gerhart —Online Workshop— 12/ 2024

• Introduction of Sand Tray Therapy — Patricia Felzien & Beth Scholes — Trinity Western University — 10/2024

• Become an LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist: Trauma-Informed Clinical Interventions for Adults — Aaron Testard, Dr. Joe Kort — PESI — Ongoing

Languages

Emma provides counselling in both English and Chinese (Mandarin).

Direct Contact Phone: 778-651-2058 Email: emma@ivycounselling.ca Meet Emma I am a compassionat... Read More