Hi, I’m Adrienne, a member of the counselling team at Aster Wellness Centre. Glad you’re here!

I’m an individual and couple therapist with over 20 year of counselling experience. I have a special interest in helping people find freedom from anxiety and addictions, as well as with healing and strengthening relationships, especially couples.

Whether you come to this page because distress is high or you’ve been wanting to address long-standing issues, my message is the same – change is possible. I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where you feel comfortable to be open. I offer guidance and practical tools and challenge you to grow and do hard things.

Why work with me in counselling?

Treatment that works for you: I want you to get the help you need and see change for the better. I’ll tailor a counselling plan just for you, bringing in evidence-based approaches and collaborating with you along the way. If you’re not feeling better or getting what you need in counselling, I’ll help you find what does.

Comfort: What I commonly hear from clients is that I’m easy to talk to and help them feel at ease in sessions. People also notice I’m professional and committed to ethical practice, especially confidentiality. I strive to create safety in counselling. This means I bring respect for all identities and orientations.

About me – Professionally and Personally

There are several educational pathways to a career in counselling. I decided to do a Master of Social Work (MSW) because I liked the focus on individuals within their communities, such as families, friendships, neighborhoods and the groups people chose to identify with, e.g. racially, spiritually, or in terms of gender. I also liked that Social Work prioritizes making the world a more equitable and just place. 

After getting an MSW from the University of Toronto, I stayed in Ontario for another seven years and worked as a counsellor at a women’s health centre, and a sexual assault care centre and helped survivors of crimes navigate the court system. This included working with men who had been sexually abused when they were young. 

I grew up in Victoria (with a few years in both Regina and Waterloo) so my partner and I returned to British Columbia when our kids were young to be close to family. We eventually settled in Port Coquitlam where we’ve lived for the past twenty years. During this time, I worked at SHARE Family and Community Services providing subsidized and free counselling to individuals, families, and couples in the Tri-Cities. 

I’ve facilitated a lot of groups – for depression, anxiety, mindfulness and addressing addiction – and I’ll often recommend groups to learn more about a particular issue and to experience the relief that comes from knowing you are not alone. 

I focus on whatever issues people bring to counselling, so I’ve helped clients with a wide range of issues. However, there are some in which I have a special interest as well as more experience and training. See my areas of focus on the left side of this page.

What is the benefit of working with a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)?

A Registered Social Worker has met the qualifications and standards set by the BC College of Social Workers and is required to do professional development every year.

A Registered Clinical Social Worker (which I am) is an additional designation which recognizes advanced training and skills in mental health, counselling, and human development. An RCSW has 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience and passed a comprehensive North American clinical board exam.

RCSW are covered by many benefit plans. If you have coverage, check to see if a Social Worker is covered.

How to connect with me 

If you would like to chat further, don’t hesitate to reach out to Aster Wellness at 604-474-2790.