Larissa Mowat

RCC #27143

Larissa Mowat is accepting new clients.

About Me

Hi! I’m Larissa (she/her). I navigate the world as a queer, cis woman with mixed ancestry. My mom’s family are settlers from Europe and my dad’s family are Coast Salish from Sq’ewqétl (Skowkale) First Nation. That in-between space shapes how I understand identity, belonging, and the complexity of people’s experiences.

My counselling approach is flexible and relational, drawing from person-centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness and rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care. I recognize that many of the struggles we carry are shaped not just internally, but by the systems and environments we exist in.

I work with young adults and adults, including women and folx who identify as queer and LGBTQIA+, and aim to create a space where all parts of you are welcome, even (and especially!) the messy or uncertain ones.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy slowing down through arts and crafts (most recently diamond art), wandering around local farmers markets, and spending time with my therapy cat (who often likes to sit in on work-from-home sessions). I also love exploring new places, whether that’s close to home or somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Trauma-Informed & Anti-Oppressive

I provide counselling that is trauma-informed and rooted in anti-oppressive principles, recognizing how relational trauma, historical harm, and systemic pressures shape our experiences. My approach to counselling prioritizes safety, and choice, supporting clients to engage at their own pace. We focus on building awareness, regulating your nervous system, and cultivating self-compassion, creating space to process experiences gently and without judgment.

Counselling for Life Transitions & Identity

I support folx navigating different shifts in their life, whether that’s evolving identities, academic pressure, work transitions, or uncertainty about the future. My approach to counselling offers a space to slow down, reflect, and explore what matters most to you. Together, we co-create a direction that feels aligned with your values and experiences. With awareness of how systems, culture, and social pressures influence the choices and challenges you face.

Relationships & Communication

I work with folx navigating a variety of relationships (dating, family, friends, work colleagues). Many clients notice recurring relational patterns, such as over functioning, people-pleasing, or taking on caretaker and mediator roles. Together, we explore these patterns and identify ways to cultivate more balanced, fulfilling relationships, while considering how your experiences, relationships, and broader social and cultural contexts shape the way you move through the world.

Anxiety & Overwhelm

I support folx experiencing anxiety and chronic stress. Many clients appear to have everything under control on the surface, while feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their own needs. Together, we explore the patterns that contribute to overwhelm and work toward creating more ease, flexibility, and self-trust. My approach to counselling is grounded in understanding your experiences, not pathologizing them, and encourages gentleness toward yourself.

And if all of this sounds like a bunch of psych-jargon, fair! I invite you to watch my intro video and/or book a free 15-minute phone consultation with me here. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and get a sense of who I am beyond the words on this page.

To learn more about my counselling process, what to expect, and your rights as a client, you can review my informed consent form here.

If it feels more comfortable, you can also email me directly at llmcounsellingcare@gmail.com

Approaches Used

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Oppressive, Attachment Informed / Attachment Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Critical Race Theory / Culturally Informed / Culturally Competent, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Humanistic / Person-Centred Therapy / Rogerian, Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Parts Work, LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Relational Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT), Somatic and Body-Centred Approaches, Strengths Based Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy

Specialties and Areas of Practice

ADHD, Alternate Relationship Structures, Anxiety, BIPOC and Cultural Issues, Boundary Setting, Break-Ups, Burnout, Career Counselling / Work Issues, Communication Skills, Dating, Depression, Emotional Regulation and Anger, Family Conflict, First Nations Issues, Goal Setting, Grief and Loss, Harm Reduction, Identity, Interpersonal Challenges, LGBTQIA2S+, Life Meaning and Purpose, Life Transitions, Minority Issues, Motivation, Nervous System Regulation, Neurodivergence, Perfectionism, Polyamorous Relationships, Queer Relationships, Relational Trauma, Relationship Issues, Self Worth and Personal Growth, Self-Development and Coaching, Self-Esteem, Sexuality and Gender, Shame, Stress Management and Stress Reduction, Student Support, Substance Use Issues, Transgender / Nonbinary / Gender-Nonconforming, Trauma, Youth / Young Adults 14+

Larissa Mowat is accepting new clients.

How Much Counselling Will I Need?

It depends on what you want. Most clients fall into one of three categories:

One (or two) and done – I just want some advice to move forward on a problem. Cool, just let me know that so I can make sure the session will be focused.
Acute issue – I need some support to resolve an issue, but I don’t want to be in counselling forever. This usually takes 8-12 sessions but could be shorter or longer based on your needs (time, financial, issue complexity). We create the ideal structure together.
Long-term therapeutic relationship – I need a safe space to process life events. Sessions are often booked up to a year in advance so you can count on the structure and support. The topic often changes session to session, but relates back to an overarching theme of self-development, relationship management, or something of that nature.

I can’t tell you which issues fall into which bucket, or guarantee results, because each client is unique. It’s best to let me know which category you think you might fall into, we can check and adjust as needed.

What experience or background do you bring to your counselling and supervision practice that is uniquely yours?

I bring a combination of lived experience and professional training to my counselling practice. Much of my own journey has involved navigating spaces of “in-between-ness”. As someone who navigates multiple identities and holds both experiences of marginalization and privilege, I have developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of people’s stories and the ways identity, relationships, culture, and systems shape our experiences. This informs my approach with curiosity and a commitment to honouring each person’s unique context.

My professional training has allowed me to integrate a variety of theoretical perspectives into my practice, adapting our work together to fit each person’s needs, values, and goals. I believe the counselling relationship is one where we work together to find what is most meaningful and helpful for each person.

What is your favourite thing about working closely with people every day?

My favourite part is witnessing people show up fully as themselves. There’s something deeply meaningful about being trusted with parts of someone’s life that they don’t always share elsewhere. I love those moments when someone gains a new perspective on themselves, feels a bit more grounded, or notices a shift in how they relate to their own experiences.

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Last Updated: September 29, 2026 Created: March 31, 2026

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