Located on Commercial Drive in the heart of East Van, on the ancestral, traditional, unceded lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ peoples.
In person and online sessions available. E-mail: counsellinghome.ca@gmail.com
© 2024 Ishtar Beck & Associates Counselling
In my role as clinical counsellor, I offer a supportive, grounded space to freely explore your feelings, experiences, and decisions.
Within our therapeutic environment, you will be met - and encouraged to meet yourself - with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. I believe that all behaviour serves a purpose, and that only when we listen to and accept ourselves as we are, can we then create change. My work focuses on helping you recognize and disentangle from unconscious patterns in order to feel more free and empowered in your life.
I apply a narrative therapy lens when looking at the stories we tell and the meanings we give them. I also work very much in the present moment to help clients feel into the body’s often hidden wisdom. Current issues are explored in the context of the forces, experiences, and relationships that have shaped you.
Most importantly, I operate on the belief that you are the foremost expert in your life, and have the capacity and skills needed to make the changes you seek. I see my role as helping to liberate the goodness and gifts already within you.
Some areas of specialization include:
Men’s Issues: I have facilitated and participated in multiple men’s groups and worked with men individually and in relationships on issues including emotional openness, dealing with anger, self-worth, social and cultural expectations of men and masculinity, career related stress, and developing healthier communication skills.
Teens: I have supported teenage clients with addressing issues including anxiety, challenges with family members, self-harm and suicidality, substance use, criminal involvement, and pressures related to school and social life.
Relationship Counselling: I take a structured approach to relationship counselling that facilitates generative conversations and deep listening, and teaches communication skills for increased understanding and emotional connection between partners.
Individual Counselling: I have supported clients individually with navigating grief and loss, managing life transitions, working with the inner critic, substance use and recovery, mental health challenges including anxiety and depression, developing more assertive communication, fostering self-worth and confidence, exploring sex and sexuality, living with the impacts of trauma, managing ADHD symptoms, and more.
Marginalized Identities: I work with clients from a diversity of backgrounds and identities, including people oppressed by systems of racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, and the criminalization of drugs and sex work. Together, we can explore how to navigate the dominant culture, choose strategies for relating to and dismantling oppressive systems, access solidarity, build empowerment, and re-centre individuals and groups who have been systematically marginalized.
Please fill out the webform to book a consultation; let's talk.
