Merel Schuurman Hess

Registered Clinical Counsellor #23678

Merel Schuurman Hess is accepting new clients.

About Me

Hello! I’m Merel Schuurman Hess, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I hold a master’s degree in counselling psychology and am registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I believe people grow when we feel connected, appreciated and heard. I offer therapy to English and Dutch speaking individuals and bring my European and Canadian roots into session.

RCC (23678)

No “One Size Fits All” Therapy

In session I encourage a safe, non-judgemental, warm and compassionate environment. Counselling can be scary, vulnerable, raw, complex, yet beautiful and inspiring. When starting therapy, it is okay to feel different emotions. This is normal. My approach to counselling is relational oriented, we are all humans and I believe connecting on a human level is where true healing begins.

Within my approach, there is no “one size fits all”, every individual is unique, and my goal is to collaboratively help you build a strong sense of self, while remaining mindful of your well-being. I integrate socially just and culturally responsive approaches into sessions and will honour your diverse life experiences.

Throughout your therapy journey, my goal is for you to gain trust in the tools you have within you and learn new ones to help you along the way. We will work together and focus on creating a greater sense of self and belonging, increase confidence and build self-compassion.

Counselling for Immigrants, Third Culture Kids, Life Transitions

Growing up in multiple cultures and in a multi-language home, I identify myself as a Third Culture Kid (TCK). I recognize the beauty in new beginnings and the challenges in patterns of starting over.

Individuals who are TCK often connect the meaning of home to memories and close-knit relationships, rather than a physical environment. It can be beautiful and challenging, up lifting and lonely, motivating and isolating.

I relate to the range of struggles that comes with immigration, TCKs and transitioning to new environments. Cultural identity, loss of friendships, difficulty making decisions, social isolation, and financial stressors are all so common. In counselling we will explore and honour your lived experiences, and how they shaped you into who you are today. With an open and curious mind, we will help you find meaning and purpose in your life and encourage you to discover tools that are already within you.

Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Identity, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, self-esteem or self-worth, you are not alone. It is normal to feel stuck, overthink, struggle with low confidence, face life transitions, and feel disconnected. I encourage you to listen to your parts and ask each part what kind of support they need. I am here to guide you along your journey and remind you that you are not alone.

I offer accessible counselling for any client, during slower moments in the week.

Outside of Sessions

When I am not in session, you can find me with family and friends, playing pickleball, working out, making something out of air-dry clay, or watching Friends!

Feel free to book in a free 15 minute phone consultation with me.

You can view my Informed Consent Form here.

Approaches Used

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Anti-Oppressive, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Creative and Strength Based, Critical Race Theory / Culturally Informed / Culturally Competent, Humanistic Approach, Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Parts Work, Mindful Self Compassion (MSC), Motivational Interviewing, Neurodiversity Affirming, Non-Pathologising Approach, Relational Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma Informed Therapy

Merel Schuurman Hess 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 have lived in three continents, five countries, and 17 homes. I understand the advantages and disadvantaged of moving and transitioning to new environments, saying goodbye to friends, beginning new friendships, and starting over. It can be overwhelming! Moving so often forced me to tap into my mixed European and Canadian roots and learn to love who I am due to these experiences. Clients who have up rooted their lives or have immigrated to new cultures may benefit from my experiences.

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

It is so hard to think of just one favorite thing! I love human connection and building relationships with people. There is such uniqueness in our world, and I truly enjoy working alongside my clients, and watching them grow into their wonderfulness.

What have you learned from your work?

What I have learned through my work is the power behind vulnerability. It is very scary to become vulnerable, and to trust another human being, but there is so much courage, beauty and healing that can come from being vulnerable.

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Last Updated: September 29, 2026 Created: June 18, 2026

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