What is it like to work with you?

Working with me is like having a grounded, curious companion on your journey back to yourself. Together we slow things down, look at your patterns with compassion (not judgment), and create enough safety for all the parts of you—especially the ones you’ve pushed away—to finally have space to be seen and healed.

What kinds of issues do you help with?

I work with folks navigating anxiety, depression, overwhelm, burnout, trauma (including developmental and relational trauma), attachment wounds, spiritual disconnection, life transitions, and that deep feeling of “I don’t feel like myself.” If you feel disconnected from your body, your voice, or your sense of self, you’re in the right place.

What does “trauma-informed” mean in your work?

Trauma-informed means we go at your nervous system’s pace, not some rigid timeline. We don’t force you into stories or sensations you’re not ready for. Instead, we build safety and capacity first, so you can actually process your experiences without feeling flooded or shut down.

What is somatic therapy and why do you use it?

Somatic therapy is body-based therapy. Instead of just talking about your feelings, we pay attention to how they live in your body—tightness, heaviness, numbness, urges to run or freeze. Your body holds your history, and when we include it in the work, change goes deeper and becomes more lasting.

What do you mean by “attachment work”?

Attachment work looks at how your early relationships shaped the way you show up with people now—how you seek closeness, protect yourself, or pull away. We gently unpack these patterns so you can build relationships that feel safer, more honest, and more aligned with who you really are.

What is developmental trauma?

Developmental trauma isn’t always about “big” events. It’s often the ongoing, subtle moments of not feeling seen, held, or attuned to as a child. In our work, we get curious about how those early experiences still show up today, and we offer those younger parts of you the care they didn’t get back then.

Why do you use psychodynamic therapy and parts work?

Psychodynamic and parts work help us understand why you’re wired the way you are. We get to know the different parts of you—like the inner critic, the achiever, the avoider, the scared child—and learn how each one formed to protect you. As they feel understood, they can soften, and you feel more spacious and whole.

How do CBT and DBT fit into your approach?

CBT and DBT give us very practical tools. We use them to notice and shift unhelpful thoughts, regulate big emotions, and set healthier boundaries. They support your day-to-day life while we’re doing deeper work with your body, trauma, and inner world.

What happens in the first few sessions?

We start with a meet-and-greet to see if we’re a good fit, then a longer intake session to really get a sense of your story and what you’re wanting from therapy. From there, we begin exploring your patterns, building safety, and slowly bringing in body-based and deeper work as it feels right.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people feel a shift within a handful of sessions; others stay longer as they untangle deeper layers. We’ll check in regularly about how you’re feeling, what’s shifting, and whether the rhythm of our work still feels aligned.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. You never have to share details you’re not ready to share. We can work with sensations, emotions, and patterns without going into every memory. Your system leads; my job is to follow with care and help you stay grounded.

What if I feel too much or shut down in session?

That’s part of the work, not a problem. If you feel overwhelmed or numb, we slow down, ground, and bring you back to a sense of safety. Your reactions make sense, and we’re always working with them—not against them.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

For many people, yes. Online sessions can feel surprisingly intimate and grounding—you’re often in your own safe space, with your own comforts around you. We treat it as a real, intentional container for your healing, not “less than.”

How will I know if therapy is working?

You might notice you’re less reactive, more grounded, a little kinder to yourself. Your relationships may start to shift. You might feel more in your body, more honest with yourself, more able to hold both the hard and the beautiful parts of being human. Change is often subtle at first, then starts to ripple out

How much does a session cost?

60 min sessions are $150

90 min sessions are $190

Does extended health insurance cover my sessions?

I know navigating insurance can feel overwhelming amid everything else—most extended health plans do cover counselling with professionals like me (RPC-P, Registered Professional Counsellor-Provisional). Please check your policy beforehand and submit invoices for reimbursement; I don't offer direct billing, but I'm here to guide you through it.

Note that BC's MSP doesn't cover counselling, and we'll ensure this side stays smooth so you can focus fully on your healing journey home.

Do you offer online or in-person session?

Right now, I offer online sessions only through a secure, encrypted video platform—keeping things safe and accessible for your journey from wherever you are.

In-person sessions in Vancouver, BC are coming soon, and I'd love to have you on the waitlist if that calls to you—just email me to join.

nikki@thehumanpathcounselling.com

What is your cancellation policy?

Please allow 24 hours to cancel or reschedule your appointment time. If you cancel within 24 hours you will be charged the full amount of your session.

What if I can’t make any of your scheduled times?

I understand life gets unpredictable—please allow 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule so we can honour each other's time on this journey.

Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged the full session fee, keeping space open for those who need it most.

What if I’m in an emergency?

If you’re in an emergency, please seek medical attention at your local Emergency Department, call 9-1-1, or the Vancouver 24-hour crisis line at 604.872.3311.