Bernadette Amiscaray,
R.C.C., M.C.P.

It takes courage to live life, especially a life that honours all aspects of who we are. Many of us are painfully contorting to meet externally set expectations, like those of family, friends, partnerships, institutions, old belief systems, and a consumerist/individualistic culture. Recognizing our own life’s expectations—those that come from our deepest, most knowing/feeling selves– requires facing parts of our Self that we may have denied or buried.

As a counsellor, I lean into depth psychology (per Carl Jung) and existential-humanistic therapy to help people gently unearth more aspects of themselves and find the courage to integrate these parts into their whole being. Doing so sets the stage for a more meaningful and grounded life and the ability to better weather life’s storms. 

Prior to becoming a counsellor, I spent more than a decade as a communications professional. The significant overlap between communications and counselling skills allows me to meld language, metaphor, and humour with openness, curiosity, and attentive listening. 

 I understand therapy not only as a counsellor, but also as a client. My personal inner work has been my greatest teacher on suffering, individuation, the therapeutic relationship, and the essentialness of joy, connection, and gratitude through it all.​

​I would be honoured to walk with you on your therapy journey of self-reflection and discovery. It can be a scary and vulnerable task, but you needn’t go alone. I will listen without judgment and offer empathy and a safe holding space for whatever needs to be held. I’m here to support you in examining that which you courageously bring into our sessions. 

 Lastly, a bit about me: I’m a proud Filipina-Canadian and was raised in Edmonton, Alberta. I came to Vancouver more than 20 years ago, was stunned by the West Coast, and never looked back (or east, in this case). When I’m not working, I’m reading, dancing, singing, or laughing with family and friends.