Hi there! My name is Kiana and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology (MCP) from Adler University. I also hold a BA in Psychology from UBC. Although I was born and raised in Richmond, BC, I have travelled to various parts of Europe, as well as to Japan where several of my family members live. I also spent some time studying in the UK during my undergraduate studies.
As a young girl, I always found myself drawn to helping others. I struggled to feel confident and accepted by others at school, so I promised myself that when I grew up, I would orient my career towards supporting and comforting others.
Prior to entering the counselling field, I spent a lot of time studying health psychology. I have always been interested in the relationship between mental and physical health, thus, I tend to take a holistic approach to therapy. My studies in health psychology led to my dream of becoming a counsellor, due to difficult experiences I endured through my teenage years. During those times, I had several family members who fell ill. I was constantly yearning for emotional support from outside of my family – someone who could understand and validate my feelings. From this, I realized that during times of stress and trauma, what is oftentimes most needed is connection.
I take an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to counselling, meaning that I see hardships in life as being inevitable. By working together and discovering your core life values, you can live a life that is positive and meaningful despite having to navigate painful experiences. Although ACT is my primary approach, I also draw from Person-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds.
I am experienced in working with concerns regarding:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Health
- Parenting
- Communication
In addition to offering individual counselling, I also provide couples counselling which typically involves techniques from the Gottman Method and the Satir model. Whether I am working with individuals or couples, I believe that all persons are capable of growth no matter how difficult their situations may be or how stuck they may feel.
When I am not working as a therapist, I spend the majority of my time with my partner and my family. My partner and I love to cook together and experiment with new recipes (although if I had it my way, pasta would be for dinner every night!). He and I also enjoy being outdoors and as close as possible to the ocean, making Vancouver a perfect home.
If you are drawn to working with me, please reach out using the form below. Together we will discuss your specific concerns and explore your goals for therapy. I look forward to hearing from you!
Kiana is not accepting new clients at the moment. Please click HERE to return to our Therapists page, or send us a General Consultation Request and we will connect you with someone else.