I help people feel better and live more fully.

Make lasting changes — start counselling now, in Vancouver, BC.

You’re tired of avoiding some of the important parts of life. You see other people seeming to be at ease in life and wonder how you can find that too. Low mood, anxiety, stress, and that pessimistic inner voice really gets in the way of living fully.

I know how hard it is to struggle to feel good, to feel confident and to feel optimistic. I struggled with all this for many years — and then I got better. Way better. So much better that I now help others feel better too.

I became a counselling therapist because I want to help people suffer less, feel more optimistic, and feel more connected to themselves and others. I know from experience what it can take to turn your feelings about yourself and your life around and get back to enjoying life.

Life can feel rich, engaging and meaningful again — and I believe I can help. 

(You might find my Therapy Prep Package useful: a free resource I send when you sign up for my newsletter)

I get it.

I know how hard it is to struggle with feeling bad about yourself and your life.

I know what it is like when depression tells you that things will never get better — and you believe it.

I know what it is like when anxiety gets in the way of reaching your goals.

I was there too, for many years. And then, with deliberate work and by seeking help, I got better. I was hopeless, struggling and stuck, now I feel engaged, motivated, and connected.

You likely can too.

I acquired the formal training and education so that I can help you feel better too. You do not have to be alone with your uncomfortable feelings about yourself and your life. Therapy is a place where all feelings and thoughts are welcome. 

I believe that therapy is about more than addressing problems — it is a life-affirming process that ignites your ability to imagine new futures and take steps to make them happen. Working with a counsellor like me allows you to find your strengths and make the changes that lead to living a life that is in alignment with your what is truly important to you. 

We work together so you can learn new ways of being in the world, with better coping skills, more knowledge about yourself, more energy, deeper relationships, and more optimism. 

Maybe you’ve been thinking of reaching out for help...

It can feel like a risky step to take, but I promise that it is less risky than it feels. Once you start, you will feel the relief of taking action to help yourself feel better. Working with a Register Clinical Counsellor you can lead to long-lasting, effective changes in how you think, feel and behave. The work you do now can affect your entire life and all your loved ones. The trickle down effect of your therapeutic work can be immense.

You can start to make changes today. Get in touch to find out if we are a good fit.

— Laurel Swenson MC, RCC (#16572)

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) 

Theoretical approach

I draw on various theoretical lenses and philosophies to suit each client’s unique needs: Polyvagal Theory, Attachment theory, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT 1), Somatic therapies, Adlerian Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotionally Focussed therapy, Rogerian, Relational Neuroscience, Internal Family Systems, and additional emergent research in neuroscience all influence my practice. I integrate therapeutic approaches such as strength-based, Solution Focused, person-centred, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, cognitive (CBT), emotion-focussed, Gottman Method couples therapy, and more.