Accepting New Clients
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Yes
Rates*
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Individuals: $175
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Couples: $195
*Prices Exclusive of GST
Availability
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Mondays (Daytime)
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Tuesdays (Daytime)
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Thursdays (Daytime)
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Fridays (Daytime)
*Limited evening appointments available
Therapy Formats
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Virtual
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In-Person
Populations
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Individuals
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Couples
Susan Oliveira (She/Her/Hers)
Registered Clinical Counsellor, MA, RCC
Accepting New Clients
-
Yes
Rates*
-
Individuals: $175
-
Couples: $195
Appointment Times
-
Mondays (Daytime)
-
Tuesdays (Daytime)
-
Thursdays (Daytime)
*Limited evening appointments available
Therapy Formats
-
Virtual
-
In-Person
Populations
-
Individuals
-
Couples
Full Bio
I have a passion for difficult topics. For raw, vulnerable states of being. For genuine encounters, rather than the veneer we present to the world.
I believe that our bodies and our psyches store the pain and suffering that accumulates throughout life, but also hold the key to healing and wellness. I am inspired by our capacity to create meaning and purpose in order to move on after traumatic life events. Bearing witness to my clients’ journey towards greater wholeness and authenticity is an honour, and I am perpetually grateful for my clients’ trust.
Areas of Focus/Specialty
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Grief & Loss
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Relationships
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Postpartum Difficulties
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Sex & Sexuality
Therapy Modalities
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Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
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Psychodynamic psychotherapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Mindfulness-based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
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Family systems/attachment based therapy
What You Can Expect When Working With Susan
The co-creation of a safe and authentic therapeutic relationship is the most fundamental task of this work. It is within the framework of this relationship that insight and change is made possible. I am highly skilled in attuning to my client’s emotional state and inner life, and in forming deep and healing connections.
Therapy may include psychoeducation and skill building, depending on the client’s stated goals and priorities. Where suffering is so great that it prevents functioning, symptom reduction and stabilization can be paramount.
I support my clients in accessing their emotions in an authentic and productive way. Together, we experience moving with the emotion, using it to give direction and meaning to life. I am adept at working with clients to challenge beliefs, patterns, and coping strategies that may no longer be serving them. In their place, new ways of being can be explored and applied. It is through this process that clients are able to attain a more connected life, both to self and other, and establish a more genuine sense of purpose.
Susan's Experience & Training
I completed my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2007. I had the privilege of training under excellent mentorship at the University of British Columbia’s Counselling Services, where I then began my career as a member of staff. I have also worked as a therapist with Vancouver Coastal Health both at Vancouver General Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry as well as in the community. I am experienced in providing psychotherapy to treat highly complex cases, as well as treating high functioning people who have been thrown a curveball in life.
More About Susan
I am, first and foremost, a mother to three children under the age of ten. This role has brought such profound joy, along with immeasurable growth. It is a daily practice of remaining present, being aware of my triggers and projections, and learning to accept my multitude of shortcomings. The challenges are intense and the struggle is real. Motherhood has given me a true understanding of radical acceptance, embracing uncertainty, and accessing a core sense of meaning and purpose.
I am happiest when I am travelling the world, trying out a new language, a new cuisine, or an alternate way of viewing things. In more recent times, this has taken the form of immersing myself in books, movies, or really good television…anything with the creative power to transport me.
