“One of the most courageous decisions you will ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.” —Brigitte Nicole
Clinical Counsellor and Therapist in Chilliwack, BC
I believe that when we enter into therapy, it’s a rare opportunity for the two of us to have an open and honest conversation. You can let yourself shine with me as I invest time exploring all things impacting your ability to live life fully. This includes any concerns you might have about yourself. It means creating a space for you to grieve any loss in your life. It means learning about the anxiety, worry and panic you currently feel. It might be understanding the anger you struggle with that is impacting your life and current relationships. It could also be any past trauma that lies underneath what seems like “normal” behavior but still affects who you are today. No matter how challenging issues become-we will find ways around them together!
I have always been interested in the field of counseling and wanted to help people. As a young child, I was aware that some events in life were so difficult for folks and they needed someone on their side who could offer support through tough times. With this mindset, as well as my love of helping others grow into happy healthy adults – it became clear why being an effective therapist will be what makes me feel most fulfilled.
I learned the importance of sitting with you and listening to you closely. There is something so therapeutic about having a space where you can share not only your worries and concerns, but also your successes. This freedom creates an environment where you get to feel supported in your journey toward healing–I believe my skills are best suited for helping you find solutions that will work!
When we work together, I hope you feel supported as you explore the past, present, and future of your life. Our sessions is the space for you to be yourself without judgment or fear. Together, we are building a foundation on which healthy self-confidence can grow with the strength and self-compassion needed to live a meaningful life.
I want to help you overcome your issues and feel better. I guide the process so that it is tailored for your needs. I work with you to make sure that the process is manageable for you, and at a pace you feel comfortable going.
The work we do might not always be comfortable, and that is what happens when you do the work you need to change and grow. I want you to be heard in every step of this journey, so please let me know what pace works best. No two people are alike, so each session will be tailored to meet your specific needs.
I have been volunteering and working in the field of psychology since 2013. I received a Master’s degree from Adler University in 2015, and opened this practice in 2017, while also working for Community Mental Health.
My experience spans many different areas including all ages Hospice Bereavement Support; Older Adult Mental Health, and Adult Mental Health. I truly enjoy working with folks like you in one-to-one settings, and have a love of facilitating groups in therapy.
Originally trained as an Existential Therapist, I have welcomed other focuses such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TIR (Traumatic Incident Reduction), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), among others. I have also completed PHSA’s Advanced Gender Affirming Care training to be able to provide letters of recommendations regarding readiness and initiating hormones.
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors (#12871).
LGBTQ2S+ ally.
I am an affirming counsellor. My space is safe, confidential, respectful and non-judgmental.
Mental Health Provider for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
My space is safe, confidential, respectful and non-judgmental. I also draw from Cultural Safety and Trauma Informed Practice training.
ICBC approved practitioner.
Our relationship is key in developing a supportive space for you during our time together. You deserve quality service and treatment, which is why I start off with a free 15-minute consultation so you have all of your questions answered and we can see if we’re a good fit!
Click here for more information about me and how we can work together.
Working together looks different for each client. For you, we may work together briefly as your concerns are managed quickly, or you may need to learn just a handful of skills. Or, you may choose to work with me for some time to manage a variety of concerns that are impacting you life. And we may work together on and off over the years, touching base with things that pop up and when you may need a little help.
When we work together, you get to decide how long that work is and what you want to work on.
I draw from Cultural Safety and Trauma-Informed Practice training. I work from an Existential focus in therapy overall, but to get there, I work through an eclectic lens. This means I bring in tools from different therapies as needed because no two clients are alike and therefore each session will be tailored towards what might be best for you at the time.
To support you best, I make sure to practice what I teach in my own life so that I can model the hard work I am asking you to do (such as challenging thoughts, doing things to take care of myself, and holding boundaries). You are not alone in this journey and I am here to offer my help. Additionally, our time together is always wrapped in support & encouragement so that our relationship becomes more than just a place for healing – but rather an empowering space where change happens!
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This book is focused on words of how wonderful all children are. Too many children grow up not hearing or knowing the many wonderful qualities they possess. This lack may very well contribute to poor self-esteem and self-worth from a young age. By teaching children early on about the positive qualities they have, their self-esteem and self-worth can be energized and built early in life, and hopefully they will grow into mentally well teens and adults.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, working in both the private and public sector, Devan Christian-Vermeer has worked with many adults who have struggled to see these qualities in themselves their whole lives. By using this book to teach children the language of their positive qualities, they can learn to see their own strengths and to use them as they grow up.