Alison Esau

About Alison

I feel honoured to work with people during challenging moments in their lives. My approach is collaborative, empathetic and non-judgemental. I value the therapeutic relationship and support people in finding their own solutions.

Do any of these statements sound familiar:

I can’t stop worrying about things
I just need to talk with someone who won’t judge me
My drinking/ substance use is getting out of hand
I can’t shake this feeling of not being good enough
I have no idea what to do about this next transition. What is next for me?
It’s hard to talk about things that have happened to me in my life
My areas of focus are:

Anxiety
Trauma
Substance use and other addictions
Life transitions
Body image related to pregnancy and postpartum

My goal is to support folks to achieve their goals by drawing on their own strength and resilience. I use skills of empathy, compassion and humour to create an environment that is safe and allows us to really understand people’s needs and how we can be effective in finding solutions. I use several different counselling modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and other humanistic and person-centred approaches. I have a certificate in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy and have completed my EMDR training.

I have over 10 years of experience in the field of helping people. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in good standing. I have worked in non-profit and family service organizations providing substance use and mental health counselling. I completed my Bachelors of Social Work with a specialization in child welfare, and hold a Masters Degree in Counselling. Let’s work together.

When I’m not at work I can often be found on the many trails Chilliwack has to offer, seeing loved ones and chasing after my three young children. It’s a joy to live and work in this community!

Advanced Training & Certifications:

Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (Member # 17204).
Masters in Counselling, BSW specializing in Child Welfare
Certificate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Advanced Training in Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Certificate in Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
Certificate in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Certificate in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Certificate in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)