Marina Vaysman

About Marina

My name is Marina (she/her) and I am very passionate about empowering people to become their most authentic selves. I believe each individual has unique traits and abilities, and through uncovering these, we can each contribute positively to our communities and build meaning into our lives. I recognize that it is in the context of a secure relationship where people feel free to explore and to change. During our time together, you can expect me to be transparent, genuinely compassionate, and respectfully curious about your inner world.

I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, and I continue to be in awe at people’s capacity for growth, recovery, and healing. What I have noticed in working with a variety of diverse populations is that people tend to feel more satisfied when their actions align with their values, their relationships are based on authenticity, and they are able to meaningfully participate in their communities. As you think about making positive changes in your life, you may feel stuck, unclear about your goals, overwhelmed by the journey, or affected by unresolved issues and past traumas. It is my goal to help you feel more hopeful, supported, and capable, as well as to provide you with the skills that can help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

I have an innate thirst for knowledge and a deep desire to grow as a counsellor. I enjoy learning through professional development courses, books, podcasts, and research articles as well as through the wisdom of my clients and via my own counselling journey. In my spare time, I crochet and learn to let go of imperfections. I also spend time with my cats who teach me the value of being (vs doing). My favourite ways to recharge, however, are exploring nature, painting, gardening, and listening to music.

My approach to individual therapy is person-centred, attachment-based, and highly collaborative. I value your lived experience and combine it with applicable research and adaptable therapeutic techniques in order to make the most out of our time together. I tend to borrow techniques and interventions from several modalities: some target unhelpful thinking patterns (i.e. CBT), some increase emotional awareness (i.e. EFT), some direct behaviours toward what is valued most by you (i.e. ACT), and some help folks to feel more present and regulated (i.e. DBT, mindfulness). In addition, my work is rooted in research as well as intersectional feminism, social justice, and harm-reduction values. This helps me to create an environment where you can feel safe, respected, and accepted.

When working with couples/dyads, I operate under the assumption that, in our common humanity, we all want to be accepted, to feel loved, and to know that we matter. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners understand their attachment needs, to increase their connection with each other, and to enhance their communication and intimacy. Whether you are here to improve your relationship with yourself or with your significant other(s), I am here to help you create that secure connection.

I am seeing folks for individual and relationship counselling from anywhere in BC and offer sessions online and in-person in two locations: Downtown New Westminster and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions or to book a free 15-minute phone consultation.

For more information visit www.empowerpsychotherapy.ca