I’ve always been the person friends turn to for a listening ear or to ask for advice. Growing up, I was the kid who loved solving puzzles and figuring out what made people tick.

As a mom, I had to navigate a complex medical landscape, especially in the younger years of my child’s life. Deciding the best course of action was sometimes overwhelming. Due to this emotional journey as a parent, I believe I have a personal understanding of parenting challenges. This sensitivity informs my non-judgmental and supportive approach to therapy with other parents.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll likely find me outdoors, soaking up nature’s vibes with my family. I’m a firm believer in the power of fresh air and sunshine to rejuvenate the soul. I thrive on helping clients navigate life’s twists and turns, whether it’s untangling relationship woes, tackling anxiety monsters, or simply finding more joy in everyday moments. My approach is all about creating a safe space where you can be yourself, laugh (yes, therapy can include laughter!), and discover your own strengths.

Let’s embark on this journey together, because life’s challenges are always easier to face with someone by your side.

I’ve always been the person friends turn to for a listening ear or to ask for advice. Growing up,... Read More

I have a natural affinity for connecting with people and enjoy drawing out the important parts of their stories – that may explain why I spent a good part of my life working as a journalist. My capacity to care about others motivated me to become a counsellor, where I get to explore people’s stories and lives more deeply and collaboratively.

Life can take us on some pretty complicated twists and turns, and during those times, I believe in the power of having a guide who can help us move forward with clarity and confidence. I know that pain is inevitable in life, but with a balance of curiosity, compassion and challenge, we can help make meaning of our obstacles, enabling us to build satisfying and productive lives and relationships.

I have a natural affinity for connecting with people and enjoy drawing out the important parts of... Read More

I received an MA in Counselling Psychology in 1998, and have since then engaged in extensive post-graduate education and training in ISTDP and AEDP, which are both experiential and emotion-focused therapies. I have also worked as a psychotherapist with Vancouver Coastal Health since 2010, and have a wide range of clinical experience treating anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.

My clients tell me that they value my ability to identify – and work through – the unique emotional and relational patterns that keep them stuck. I frequently work with people who find it hard to open up to others, and who might even have some ambivalence about seeking counselling! My warm demeanour helps create connection and security, so that we can together engage in the sometimes challenging work of meaningful personal growth. My style is highly engaged and productive – I want to help you get what you need out of counselling, and to attain change that lasts.

I received an MA in Counselling Psychology in 1998, and have since then engaged in extensive post... Read More

Our problems and fears feel more threatening and overwhelming when we’re alone with them, inside our heads. That’s why my aim in counselling is to create a space for you where you don’t have to fake it, fear judgement, or filter your thoughts. We’ll talk about real stuff—the thoughts, feelings, and situations that brought you here. Feeling listened to and understood can often pave the way to increased self-awareness, greater clarity, and improved confidence.

My curious and caring nature, combined with my professional experience, naturally led me to pursue a Masters in Counselling Psychology. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people – from Indigenous and immigrant communities to people struggling with relationships, stress, and family problems. I’m a passionate ally of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Our problems and fears feel more threatening and overwhelming when we’re alone with them, inside ... Read More

Adriann will be concluding her practicum at Open Space in December, and is no longer taking new clients.

I offer a space grounded in warmth, trust, and ease, focusing on your needs with a strength-based, person-centred approach. Feedback from those I’ve worked with often highlight that I’m an easy person to open up to, and that my non-judgmental curiosity helps my clients to explore their most vulnerable thoughts and feelings freely, often leading to significant insights and growth.

In therapy, we’ll focus on the here and now, gently identifying patterns or behaviours that may not serve you well, all while tapping into your inherent strengths and capacities. My style blends serious exploration with the healing power of laughter, balancing depth and light-hearted moments. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, promoting self-awareness and positive change in a supportive partnership.

Adriann will be concluding her practicum at Open Space in December, and is no longer taking new c... Read More

Meaningful conversations and connections are the substance of life! I have always felt an aliveness in connecting with people on a deep level, whether sharing in grief and laughter or musing on the absurdity of existence. I believe we are all adaptive and skillful beings, and sometimes we need some outside help to access our inner resources. The right help at the right time can support us in reaching what we strive for, and accessing the healthy self within.

Through my lived experience with loss, unmaterialized dreams, and illness, I know what it is like to struggle with loneliness, despair, grief, fear and anger.

I also know that as we begin to explore our inner worlds from a place of curiosity and compassion, as opposed to judgement, we can start to see ourselves from a new perspective, and one where a preferred narrative and identity can take hold.

I feel so grateful that I am able to hold space for my clients, help them make sense of their lives and support them in their movement towards greater ease.

Meaningful conversations and connections are the substance of life! I have always felt an aliven... Read More

I graduated in 2012 with my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from UBC. Since then, I have worked extensively with children, youth and adults. I have counselled families through divorces, losses of loved ones, depression, and anxiety. I have supported people who are exploring gender identity and sexual orientation. I have extensive experience personally and professionally supporting people through infertility challenges and the unique loss that comes with it.

Connecting with people is what drew me to the counselling profession. I truly value helping my clients explore their lives and expand their capacities for growth, resilience and strength. Your personal story and the meaning you attach to that is key to understanding the direction you’d like to take next in life. In counselling, I endeavour to genuinely see and know my clients, and to share this understanding with them. I believe that this deep recognition and acceptance of oneself, coupled with non-judgment inside of the therapeutic relationship, can be the foundation upon which we begin to change self-limiting patterns.

I graduated in 2012 with my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from UBC. Since then, I have ... Read More

Elana Sures, M.Ed, RCC-ACS, is the founder and clinical director of Open Space Counselling, and the creator of Mom Rage Reset: A 10-Week Program for Overwhelmed Moms.

Through Elana’s group practice, over 4,000 Vancouverites have found counselling that’s tailored to their needs, while receiving the warm, natural, candid care that Open Space is known for.

Elana Sures, M.Ed, RCC-ACS, is the founder and clinical director of Open Space Counselling, and t... Read More

I love seeing clients have an “a-ha!” moment in-session when something clicks and there’s a glimmer of excitement in their eyes. A problem - maybe it was a person, an event, or a memory - no longer feels overwhelming and the client leaves with an idea as to how they can respond the next time it surfaces.

To me, therapy is more than the time spent in the room (or screen) with another person. It’s about feeling valued and carrying that sense between sessions, and applying what they learned in other contexts.

And that applies to me as well! Everything I do in my own life contributes to how I show up in sessions, encouraging me to always keep learning.

My clients are often surprised by how quickly they feel comfortable speaking with me, even if it’s their first time seeing a therapist. Although counselling often covers the difficult areas in life, I believe it is important to retain our ability to find joy as well. This may show up in moments of levity, laughter or celebration when the situation calls for it!

Conceptually, I work with a mixture of CBT, ACT, narrative, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to understand where the challenges may stem from and how to overcome them. An additional area of interest is somatic therapy, which helps us connect with (often unconscious) signals and felt senses in our physical body to understand internal difficulties and feeling states.

I love seeing clients have an “a-ha!” moment in-session when something clicks and there’s a glimm... Read More

During periods of transition and stress, we often struggle and feel overwhelmed. I take the stance of a guide and compassionate witness for those wanting to cultivate new perspectives, develop coping skills and overcome internal barriers to wellbeing. I believe that we all have deep inner wisdom and a storehouse of strengths that can be uncovered and built upon. By facilitating a slowing down and internal attunement, I help my clients to stay open to their experience and connect with new insights, skills and possibilities. Beyond working with individuals, I also offer workshops and grief support groups online.

I know that it takes courage to reach out for help – therefore, creating a trusting and safe working alliance with my clients is of utmost importance. I value the unique life experiences and personal perspectives my clients bring to therapy, and it is an honour to create a space where my clients feel seen, heard and understood. Helping clients develop resilience skills, increase clarity and establish meaningful goals is incredibly rewarding. I bring a broad range of modalities to my work, ranging from traditional counselling to expressive and somatic processing, but always strive to meet each individual in a flexible way.

During periods of transition and stress, we often struggle and feel overwhelmed. I take the stanc... Read More

Being truly seen and attended to can be elusive in our daily lives, especially in this era of perpetual distraction and personal branding. As a therapist, I thrive on genuine connection and, together with my clients, getting to the root of their struggles. Through this exploration, I often get to witness significant transformation – whether that is improved relationships with loved ones, being less anxious, or choosing a more meaningful path in life. I know how hard it is to change old patterns and show up differently, and my favourite part of being a therapist is being able to celebrate my clients’ wins, big and small.

When I hear from clients that “I can finally let other people in, after years of pushing them away” and “I’m more present and less reactive with my kids,” this validates to me the power of good therapy.

I use a range of proven therapeutic interventions that can be adjusted to your needs and situation. Sometimes, we will tailor specific strategies to help you move through challenging situations with more confidence and ease. Other times, it is beneficial to directly respond to your inner critic, and move you from a place of doubting yourself to trusting yourself. As a trauma informed therapist, I can also help guide you to feel more grounded in your body, and less activated by daily triggers. Above all, my aim is that you feel supported, understood, and that you leave each session with more clarity, insight, and strategies than you arrived with.

I work extensively with couples, and I love helping people improve their relationships! Couples who see me can expect to explore beyond their arguments and conflict, creating a relationship in which each partner can safely lower their defences and build more empathy, trust and respect. When I see couples reconnect on a deeper level than ever before, it truly lights me up inside!

Being truly seen and attended to can be elusive in our daily lives, especially in this era of per... Read More

As of January 2025, Nicola will only be fielding telehealth appointments.

I see being a counsellor as a great privilege. I get to bear witness to the lives of my clients, and hopefully collaborate in insight building and meaning making with them. Counselling is my second career – I worked as a fashion stylist in retail, film, and print advertising for many years before. I changed my course as I was exhausted and feeling like my life had lost purpose and connection. Since then, the daily practice of building safe and strong relationships with clients is very gratifying for me and it has brought joy and renewal into my life in many surprising ways.

We all come to therapy for different reasons and with different goals, but I think we all harbour a desire to be truly seen, known and accepted by another. I hope to provide the space, authenticity and openness for each of my clients to experience this.

As of January 2025, Nicola will only be fielding telehealth appointments. I see being a counsell... Read More

Clients have told me that they find me down to earth, warm and attentive. And that they appreciate my clarity, kindness and sense of humour.

I pride myself on being a great listener – to me, this means listening deeply to what you’re telling me in the moment, while also remembering details from what you’ve previously shared, so that we can make connections, see patterns and gain new perspectives in your life.

My counselling approach is an integrated one, which means that I draw from a variety of counselling theories & techniques that I adapt to meet your specific needs and situation. Regardless of the style I always ground my work in curiosity, collaboration and the creation of relational safety.

Generally, I find sessions weave between talk therapy and more somatic (body-based) practices. We’ll use language as a way to help make sense of your thoughts, emotions and experiences. This gives us a framework to develop understanding, create meaning and ultimately make new choices. I also incorporate somatic practices to help you gain awareness of your feelings and body sensations, build emotional regulation and develop skills to better manage stress and other challenging symptoms.

Clients have told me that they find me down to earth, warm and attentive. And that they appreciat... Read More

NOTE: Julie is a Graduate Intern, and therefore her sessions are offered at a discount, but are not covered by extended health benefits. Please book with one of our fully licensed therapists if you would like to use your employment benefits.

As of November 2024, Julie is only taking telehealth appointments.

My favourite part of this work is when I see a spark in my client’s eyes during the session –. when we reach a new insight, or when they feel truly seen and understood. In a supportive environment created by the therapeutic process, my clients get to create new experiences and engage differently with their lives.

The best part of this work is when clients can better understand their feelings and needs, and see that these are not only valid, but a part of the human experience. Understanding and connecting with people is my passion, and this continuously motivates me to explore different therapeutic approaches to help my clients thrive.

NOTE: Julie is a Graduate Intern, and therefore her sessions are offered at a discount, but are n... Read More

I completed my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2007. I am experienced in providing psychotherapy to treat highly complex cases, as well as treating high functioning people who have been thrown a curveball in life.

I am highly skilled in attuning to my client’s emotional state and inner life, and in forming deep and healing connections. Therapy may include psychoeducation and skill building, depending on the client’s stated goals and priorities. Where suffering is so great that it prevents functioning, symptom reduction and stabilization can be paramount.

I support my clients in accessing their emotions in an authentic and productive way. Together, we experience moving with the emotion, using it to give direction and meaning to life. I am adept at working with clients to challenge beliefs, patterns, and coping strategies that may no longer be serving them. In their place, new ways of being can be explored and applied. It is through this process that clients are able to attain a more connected life, both to self and other, and establish a more genuine sense of purpose.

I completed my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psyc... Read More

I adapt my counselling approach to the situation, the goals of each client, and emotions present in therapy. Clients have shared that they appreciate my calm, curious, and compassionate way.

I came to the counselling profession in my forties—after years in stressful executive roles, after years of waiting to adopt two wonderful children, and after a health crisis that landed me in hospital for nearly a month. I feel my life experiences and struggles help me connect with people experiencing anxiety, depression, frustration, isolation, day-to-day boredom, relationship stress and (perhaps especially) existential angst.

I am open to many therapeutic models including ACT and CBT, and I use somatic approaches too – but most sessions are grounded in whatever is coming up and then focused on talking through and leaning into related observations and emotions. This open approach is driven by my personal belief that therapy is just as much about being there for people as it is about “doing the work” with them. I find I am often able to perceive subtle themes and patterns running through their lives—from coping strategies that don’t seem to work anymore, to self-defeating views that hold them back from healthy connections and a constructive path forward.

I adapt my counselling approach to the situation, the goals of each client, and emotions present ... Read More

I often hear from my clients that I help them to understand themselves better, and that they leave our sessions finally ‘getting’ their struggles in a different way. Most of my clients comment on how natural it feels to talk to me, and feel safe opening up in the non-judgmental and accepting space I create. Together, we will identify what has held you back from experiencing life and relationships the way you wish you could. We’ll set realistic and meaningful goals for our treatment, and look to remove the internal barriers that keep you stuck.

I tailor each counselling relationship to the unique needs of my clients. Drawing from evidence based modalities, I apply powerful strategies and interventions to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

AREAS OF FOCUS/SPECIALTY

Anxiety & Stress Depression Self Esteem/ Self Worth/Confidence Grief & Loss Relationships Ending/Breakups Healing from Coercive Relationships

THERAPY MODALITIES

Person Centred Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy Narrative Therapy

POPULATIONS

Adults Teens

Accepting New Clients

I often hear from my clients that I help them to understand themselves better, and that they leav... Read More