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Calm Lake
“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 

Equal Counselling and Coaching Pet Loss
Equal Counselling and Coaching Pet Loss

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.

  • Member of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists #2201

  • Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Master Therapeutic Counsellor

  • Vancouver College of Counsellor Training - Diploma

  • EMDR - Kase & Co - Certificate

  • Somatic Attachment Therapy - Dr. Scott Lyons & Kai Cheng Thom MSW, MSc - Certificate

  • Healing Wounds of Trauma – Gabor Maté - MD

  • Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health – The University of Sidney - Certificate

  • Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling – Adam Godwin, MA

  • Pet Loss and Grief – Kari-Änn Thor, M.Ed

  • Balancing Acceptance and Change – Nadine Groves, MED, RCC

  • Loss and Grief – Sarah Lipsett, MA, MTC, RCS

  • Safe Talk Suicide Alertness – Living Works

  • Dog Emotion and Cognition – Duke University - Certificate

  • Author of Seriously Happy- Unleash yourself from old habits and traps; creating new opportunities and finding purpose.

Organizations and Affiliation
Seriously Happy

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.

Somatic Attachment Therapy

As part of my integrative therapy style Somatic Attachment Therapy takes a holistic approach to trauma. It defines how our body and mind respond to experiences that disrupts our sense of safety, security, and connection with others. It can stem from early life neglect or heart-wrenching trauma's that have disrupted our vital ties. 

The ways we cope with this trauma become ingrained in our lives. These wounds shape how we live, leaving their mark on our thoughts, actions, and interactions. 
Anxiety, depression, disconnection, and defensiveness - they are all part of this aftermath. 
 
This approach is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in addressing trauma and fostering healthier relationships with oneself and others.

“Reality hurts when you fight it. It makes you strong when you accept it”
Maxime Lagacé
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