
I would love to work with you, let’s connect!
About Sylvia
From a young age, I've been drawn to meeting new people, hearing their unique stories, and learning about their passions and interests in life. My passion for understanding human behaviour and emotions drove me to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. My professional journey in mental health began in research, driven by my curiosity about mental health challenges and its impact on daily life. As a Clinical Researcher, I collaborated with leading experts in psychiatry and co-authored on several published research articles, advancing our understanding of mental health and well-being. While I found research rewarding, I felt a growing desire to connect with individuals on a personal level, being able to support them in a more meaningful way. This desire naturally led me to transition into counselling and become a Registered Clinical Counsellor. With over 16 years of experience in healthcare, primarily in mental health and substance use, I've worked with diverse populations across various roles and settings. Throughout my career, my goal has been to provide compassionate support, guidance, and advocacy to individuals in need, helping them overcome obstacles and work towards recovery and wellness.
As I've continued on my own journey, both personally and professionally, I've gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health. Navigating my own mental health journey has been a transformative experience, having faced firsthand the challenges of burnout, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This experience has taught me the importance of seeking help, prioritizing self-care, and building a strong support network. Following many years of working in crisis situations, I decided to step away from frontline work and adopt a slower lifestyle. In 2019, my partner and I made the intentional decision to leave city life behind and move to Campbell River, seeking a more balanced and peaceful rhythm closer to nature. Raising two young children has brought new challenges, including postpartum anxiety and finding ways to manage my ADHD amidst the chaos of family life. Through my journey, I've come to realize that mental health is deeply intertwined with our relationships and environments. I've seen how mental health challenges can impact our closest relationships, and how having a strong support network can be a game-changer. After a decade of building a life with my partner, I've learned the value of healthy communication, empathy, and mutual support. As I've learned to communicate my own needs, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care, I've become passionate about supporting others in doing the same. In my private practice, I'm dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger, more resilient relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of their own mental health and well-being. By exploring the intersections between mental health, relationships, and everyday life, I aim to empower others to create a life that truly reflects their values, needs, and aspirations.
My Qualifications
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #16988, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Masters in Counselling Psychology (MCP), Adler University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology- Honours Degree (BA), Simon Fraser University
Additional Clinical Trainings:
Emotion Focused Therapy- Externship & Core Skills Training
Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 1 & 2 Clinical Training
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy- Advanced training with Adolescence, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- Advanced training in Psychosis, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Substance Use Disorder
Internal Family Systems- Specialized training for Perinatal Mental Health
Additional training in Substance Use:
Core Addiction Practice
Harm Reduction & Psychological First Aid
Harm Reduction in Youth
Additional training in Trauma:
Trauma: Resilience and the Way Forward
Professional Serial Trauma Exposure Protocol (Pro-STEP)
Violence Prevention
Additional training in Diversity:
Indigenous health- Cultural Safety and Humility
San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program- Core Mental Health
Indigenous Gender Diversity: Creating Culturally Relevant and Gender-Affirming Services
Gender Diversity & Trans Rights
My Experience
Mental Health Clinician- supporting individuals with mental health concerns, assisting with crisis intervention and treatment planning.
Substance Use Counsellor- supporting individuals struggling with substance use or affected by others’ substance use, assisting with recovery and relapse prevention.
Outreach Support Worker- connecting with individuals, often in non traditional settings (on the streets, shelters, overdose prevention sites), assessing their needs, providing support, and advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive necessary services, such as healthcare, housing, or employment support.
Phone Support Worker (Fraser Health Crisis Line/ BC Mental Health Service Line/1-800-SUICIDE Line)- providing emotional support to individuals in crisis situations.
Behavioural Interventionist- working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Clinical Researcher- conducting various research studies and clinical trials, studying schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mood disorders (Bipolar), and personality disorders (BPD).
I've worked with several health organizations, academic institutes, and non-profit societies, including:
Simon Fraser University- Department of Psychology- Human Neuropsychology Lab & Personality and Emotion Research Lab
University of British Columbia- Department of Psychiatry- Mood Disorder Clinic
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority- UBC Hospital- Mood Disorder Clinic
Fraser Health Authority- Royal Columbian Hospital- Fraser Health Outpatient Service: Psychosis Treatment Optimization Program (PTOP)
Fraser House Society- Substance Use & Prevention Outpatient Service
Kwakiutl District Council (KDC) Health- Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Vancouver Island Health Authority- Campbell River Mental Health & Substance Use Service
Areas of Specialty
Through my education, training and experience working with diverse populations, I've developed a range of interests and specialties that can be tailored to support you.
I have clinical experience working with:
Anxiety and related disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic attacks
Social anxiety
Separation anxiety
Performance anxiety
Specific phobias- Agoraphobia
Mood disorders
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorders (type 1 & 2)
Cyclothymic Disorder
Suicide and self-harm
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Delusional Disorder
Trauma and related disorders
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute Stress Disorder
Adjustment Disorder
Acute traumas: loss and grief, medical trauma, physical assault, sexual assault, serious accident/event, natural disaster
Chronic traumas: child abuse, bullying, neglect, domestic violence, physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, cyber abuse
Collective traumas: war and combat, refugee trauma, community violence, cultural trauma
Other traumas: historical, intergenerational, complex, vicarious, secondary, repeated or extreme exposure to traumas
Substance-related and addictive disorders
Substance Use (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines)
Behavioural addictions (sex, gambling, shopping, food, exercise, videogame, internet, social media, work)
Neurodevelopmental and behavioural issues
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learning Disabilities
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Personality Disorders
Odd/Eccentric Personality Disorders (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal)
Dramatic/Emotional Personality Disorders (Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Antisocial)
Anxious/Fearful Personality Disorders (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive)
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and I have experience working with clients on a wide range of other issues beyond those listed here. I'm open to working with clients on any issue that's impacting their well-being.
Areas of Interest
My clinical interests and areas of focus include:
Mental Health
Anxiety and Stress Management
Mood Disorders and Emotion Regulation
Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Trauma and PTSD
Substance Use and Addiction
Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Issues
Perinatal Mental Health
Emotional and Psychological Well-being
Self-esteem and confidence concerns
Identity related challenges
Emotional regulation difficulties
Grief and loss
Anger management
Shame and guilt
Chronic Stress and burnout
Personal Growth and Development
Mindfulness and meditation practices
Spiritual growth and exploration
Self-care and self-compassion development
Self-discovery and identity formation
Resilience and coping skills building
Creativity and exploration
Relationship Concerns
Communication and conflict resolution
Intimacy, sexuality, and connection concerns
Polyamory and Non-Monogamy
Pre-Marital/Readiness
Family planning and parenthood decisions
Fertility and Perinatal issues
Trust and infidelity issues
Jealousy and boundary issues
Relationship dynamics and unhealthy patterns
Parenting and co-parenting challenges and differences
Attachment issues
Family of origin issues
Blended family challenges
Separation and divorce
Family and cultural pressures
Life Transitions and Challenges
School and academic transitions
Work-related changes (new career, job loss, retirement)
Financial stress and changes
Moving and relocation
Marriage and divorce
Parenthood
Aging and Death
Chronic illness and disability
LGBTQ+ challenges
Social Justice issues
In my private practice, I am passionate about understanding how these areas influence and impact relationships, overall well-being, and quality of life.
