'25 years of mental health experience'
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In 2000, I left the film industry to pursue my passion of helping people help themselves. Now, 25 years later, I bring a wealth of experience and education to my private practice based in the Cowichan Valley, BC. My experience spans working in both the public and private sectors, including forensics. I graduated with a masters of science in clinical psychology specializing in behavioural medicine and clinical neuropsychology.
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Lydia sees people with a wide array of challenges including:
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Intense emotions and a high level of sensitivity (often known as "empaths")
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Depression
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Recovery from trauma
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Bipolar affective disorder
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Phobias
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Grief/loss
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Borderline personality disorder
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Family members affected by the mental health and/or substance use of a loved one
Family Members/Affected Others
One of my areas of specialization is working alongside family members of individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Supporting a loved one on their recovery journey can be daunting. I address important and common hurdles, such as learning the difference between supporting and enabling. Guiding family members toward safeguards and away from becoming all-consumed, I provide knowledgeable support. Taking a collaborative approach, I deliver expert care that is both compassionate and non-judgemental. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are utilized along with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Principles of SMART recovery are also incorporated into a client driven (yet therapist guided) approach to re-discovering hope. I offer a safe environment to explore the crucial role that family and friends play in their loved one's recovery. Particular attention is paid to the sustained wellbeing of the client -as well as that of their loved one. Often, concern for a loved one can overtake all other aspects of life, sometimes to the point of complete burnout.
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I offer counselling in-person in a beautiful location in downtown Duncan, as well as virtual services across all of B.C.
15 minute phone or virtual meet-and-greets are complimentary and can be arranged by contacting me by phone/text or email.
Prior to the initial session, I will provide an Intake Form for you to complete. At this time, you will also have the opportunity to review and sign an Information Page by which you consent to services.
Sessions can be booked online through this website, in person at the end of the session, or by contacting me by phone/text or email.
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PAYMENT POLICIES​
A credit card is required on-file for online bookings. Initial appoinment is charged up front. For follow-up sesssions, payment is due directly after the session. A Stripe terminal is used to process payments in-person and a secure payment link is provided for virtual sessions. Please contact Lydia if you prefer to pay be etransfer or other methods.
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EXTENDED MEDICAL BENEFITS
If you have an extended medical plan, please check to see if counselling by a "registered counsellor" is covered. Direct billing is not available at this time. However, after your payment is received, you will receive an electronic receipt that you can submit to your plan provider. ​
CANCELLATION/NO SHOWS
24 hours notice is needed to cancel your appointment without being charged the full fee for your session. No shows are also charged the full session fee.
RATES*
Individual 50min $155
Couples/2+ 50min $175
*Please inquire about options and rates for longer sessions
Address
#200 394 Duncan St
Duncan, BC, V9L 3W4
Contact
250 732 6445
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
