Getting to Know Your Counsellor: Lauren Phelan
1) get to know us better, and
2) hopefully feel even more safe/comfortable when you come in for counselling.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being a counsellor?
A: I love that it is a process of never-ending learning. I learn more about what it means to be human every day in this role. And I love that counselling is a place where people can bring all sides of themselves, even (and especially) the parts of themselves that tend to get hidden.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to counselling?
A: First, I would acknowledge how tough it can be to know where to begin! I always suggest talking to a few different counsellors to get a sense of their personality and style, and to notice how you feel with them. It’s also totally okay to not know exactly what you’re looking for or what your goals for counselling are at the beginning. Your counsellor is here to help you with that. And, sometimes, it’s just not the right time in a person’s life to start counselling. That’s totally okay too. Whenever it feels like time to begin is a perfect time to begin.
Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: Definitely time travel.
Q: What do you love about living in Vancouver?
A: I grew up in Quebec and Ontario, so I never stop appreciating the fact that I can go outside in the winter here and still feel my toes. I am a huge fan of Vancouver’s love for sea otters, sushi, and bike lanes. And I really love that we say ‘thank you’ to our bus drivers!
Q: How do you practice self-care?
A: Lately, I find myself coming back to creative activities like writing, drawing, music, or making something with my hands. They’re things I have to actively remind myself to do, but afterwards I’m always so happy I did.
Q: What’s a great book you read recently?
A: Sexual Fluidity by Lisa M. Diamond
Q: What is the best advice someone has given you?
A: “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to make the ‘right’ decision. It’s rarely that black and white. Just make the best choice you can with what you know. And if you wake up one day in the future and want to make a different decision, then allow yourself the grace to make a different choice at that time.”
Q: What is a myth about counselling?
A: I really want to dispel the myth that counselling is only for when there is a ‘crisis’ in life. Counselling is useful when life gets hard - absolutely. But it can also be really helpful at any point in life, to understand things about ourselves and our relationships better, to set goals and to problem solve, and just to have a place that’s all ours, where we don’t have to focus on anyone else’s needs.
Interested in knowing more about Lauren? You can check out her profile, watch her intro video, or send her an email at lauren@peak-resilience.com.
If you’re still not sure who might be a good fit for you, you can also fill out our Get Matched Form - we'll match you with the best counsellor for you within 24 hours.