“It’s never too late to be what you might have been”
George Eliot
True happiness will present itself once we learn how to deal with our emotions, know our passions, norms and values.
Hi, I’m Monique
REGISTERED THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLOR,
MASTER THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLOR, BC CANADA
I have been working in mental health care for over nine years, including volunteering as a police-based victim service worker and earning a Diploma of Professional Counselling. Alongside my continuous education, I dove into the fascinating world of Dog Emotion and Cognition—because, let’s be real, dogs are basically furry therapists in disguise.
My own journey with grief began when I lost members of my non-judgmental, furry cheerleading squad. Their strength, unconditional love, and loyalty had always been my anchor, and losing them hit me with a gut-wrenching blow. That pain, the loneliness, and the helplessness led me to make a vow—to honour their legacy by helping others navigate their own grief and trauma.
I now specialize in helping clients move through pet loss, grief, trauma, emotional bullying, and life changes that can leave them feeling disconnected from themselves and society.
I’ve also gained a deep appreciation for the therapeutic qualities of our canine companions and integrate these insights into my work when suitable. Through psychotherapy and somatic attachment therapy, I support clients in reclaiming their authentic selves.
Additionally, I am now accepting clients who experience dental fear and anxiety. With two decades of experience in the dental field, I understand the overwhelming emotions tied to dental procedures. I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and may become part of sessions for clients to reprocess traumatic dental experiences and overcome their fear, empowering them to approach dental visits with greater calm and confidence.
Whether you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, working through trauma, or overcoming dental fear, I’m here to guide you on your path toward healing and reconnection.
Monique
Credentials and Training
I have a special interest in Pet Loss and Grief, Trauma, Emotional Well Being for Pet Owners facing challenges with their beloved pup, Major Life Changes, and Dental Stress and Anxiety.
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Member of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists #2201
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Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Master Therapeutic Counsellor
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Vancouver College of Counsellor Training - Diploma
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EMDR - Kase & Co - Certificate
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Somatic Attachment Therapy - Dr. Scott Lyons & Kai Cheng Thom MSW, MSc - Certificate
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Healing Wounds of Trauma – Gabor Maté - MD
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Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health – The University of Sidney - Certificate
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Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling – Adam Godwin, MA
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Pet Loss and Grief – Kari-Änn Thor, M.Ed
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Balancing Acceptance and Change – Nadine Groves, MED, RCC
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Loss and Grief – Sarah Lipsett, MA, MTC, RCS
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Safe Talk Suicide Alertness – Living Works
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Dog Emotion and Cognition – Duke University - Certificate
Organizations and Affiliation
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Until We Meet Again Pet Memorial Services - Pet Loss and Grief Support Group Facilitator and Co-Facilitator
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Food For The Soul Project – Depression and Anxiety Group Facilitator Volunteer
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CooGo Dog Rescue - Volunteer
My Approach
I specialize in supporting adults dealing with the challenges of losing a beloved pet, trauma, dental fear and anxiety, managing overwhelming emotions, self-blame, feelings of unworthiness during life changes. My approach is collaborative, focusing on compassion and vulnerability. I incorporate the mind/body connection, mindfulness, EMDR (Eye Motion Desensitizing and Reprocessing) and psycho-education.
EMDR
I am excited to share that I am now EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained through EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association) approved trainers and supervisors. It has enhanced my skills to provide the best possible care for my clients. EMDR is a therapeutic approach aimed at helping you process and heal from distressing memories and experiences.
Why EMDR?
EMDR has shown remarkable effectiveness in assisting individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, and various mental health challenges. It is a structured and evidence-based approach designed to help your mind process difficult memories.