This is a blog post series called "Getting to Know Your Counsellor", where we'll feature our counsellors answering questions so you can: 1) get to know us better, and 2) feel even more safe/comfortable when you come in for counselling.
The counsellors at Peak Resilience work from a human-first approach to counselling. We believe in the power of being real humans who are authentic and vulnerable - just like you. This led to our blog post series called "Getting to Know Your Counsellor", where we'll feature our counsellors answering questions so you can:
1) get to know us better, and
2) hopefully feel even more safe/comfortable when you come in for counselling. Lisa Bay
Q: What is your favourite thing about being a counsellor?
A: To be very specific, it is the deep sigh or exhale that a client makes when they discover something profound that shifts the way they understand themselves or their situation.
I also love showing people that counselling isn’t scary. Yes, we talk about some deep stuff, but you are in the driver's seat and get to choose your own adventure.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to counselling?
A: Try it once! Think about it like a massage for your brain.
Nothing you say is going to scare us away. Not even the snot that attaches to your kleenex as you wipe your nose (been there)!
We are here for you. We chose this profession because we care deeply.
Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: To speak every language.
Q: What is one cause you are really passionate about?
A: Mental health! Advocacy is an important part of my character. I will always try to be authentic about my experience with mental health challenges and how they drive me to normalize seeking treatment.
Q: What is your favourite color?
Purple always. Like the inside of seashells.
Q: What do you love about living in Vancouver?
A: Ocean. Mountains. People.
Q: What is the best advice someone has given you?
A: Keep doing what you truly love, and you’ll meet people that will change your life.
Q: What is a myth about counselling?
A: That you have to talk about your deepest darkest fears to feel better.
Q: Why is intersectional feminism important to you?
A: Intersectional feminism is one of my core values. I am grateful for Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work and its journey from the field of law to a global discourse.
We must be committed to dismantling the white cis-hetero patriarchy that has, and continues to, cause so much harm and violence to everyone.
It is very important for me to acknowledge my own privilege in this world and continually use it to center, uplift, and amplify the voices of those we marginalize.
Q: Why did you become a counsellor?
A: Since I was young I always saw myself in some kind of helping profession. Counselling felt like a natural fit because I am drawn to peoples’ stories. I feel really alive when I’m working with clients.
Q: What do you do outside of work?
I love to travel. Even if it is in a small town in the middle of nowhere. I want to find an independent cafe, the best thrift shop, and a cute book / gift store.
I also just got two kittens so now I am a cat mom.
