Meet Tymarah (she/her)
I am specialized in working with trauma, adult children with challenging families of origin, anxiety, depression, and desire for personal change, growth and healing.
My Philosophy
Most people don’t believe that trauma therapy applies to them because they haven’t been through what they consider a “traumatic event”; that what they have experienced or are experiencing “isn’t as bad” or isn’t comparable to what others have been through.
Trauma therapy is not exclusively for individuals who have experienced acute traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or a major accident. Trauma therapy is a style, or modality, of therapy, in the same way that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychoanalysis are types of therapy. Trauma therapy applies to, and is appropriate for, anyone and everyone. Trauma does not refer to the severity of an external event, it refers to the emotional impact of an experience. We all experience significant emotional impact from the various events and relationships in our lives.
My Approach
I believe in my work and know that talking with a counsellor can help individuals to gain insight and perspective and to achieve positive personal growth. However, I know this is only possible if the client and counsellor are a good fit.
My approach to counselling is to build a safe, relaxed, and nonjudgmental environment. Feeling seen, heard, and understood by the person with whom you are sharing your most personal thoughts and feelings is the key to being able to objectively reflect on your personal issues. From this safe space we can work together to identify any patterns that might be holding you back from becoming the healthiest version of yourself.
I take a relational, somatic, and psycho-educational approach in my work. This means that the way you and I interact together will be the practice ground for skills that will help to improve your personal relationships - the most important being your relationship with yourself.
We will pair the “what and why” of your emotions with your nervous system; what is happening both physiologically in the body and neurologically in the brain. From here we can give ourselves the compassion and understanding needed to move towards how we want to feel. In addition to moving forward, we will also move deeper.
Sessions
My personal style of therapy is conversational; using humour, candour, curiosity, and always real genuine care. Because our moods and energies are always changing, every session is unique and we may explore areas we did not expect to go. I will ask questions to help us make sense of why you’re feeling the way you are, and to help you gain clarity around how you want to move forward.
The goal is for you to build confidence and trust in knowing and understanding yourself, and in your ability to practice the self-regulation skills that help you to feel consistent and grounded through all of life’s ups and downs.
My Education and Experience
I received my Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and have been working as a professional counsellor since 2013.
I have specialized in experiential, relational, and trauma-informed approaches. I received a Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma from the Justice Institute of British Columbia and have received BCACC-approved training as a Clinical Supervisor. I have completed trainings/certifications in:
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Focusing
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Polyvagal Therapy
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Attachment
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy
Play Therapy
Systemic Clinical Supervison
Prior to becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I worked as a sexual health educator; I am at ease discussing topics that might feel uncomfortable for others.
