My name is Kali. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. My approach to counselling is collaborative, empowerment-based, and non-judgmental.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
I am also an EMDR trained therapist.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I have worked in the field of substance use and recovery for over a decade, and one of my areas of expertise is supporting people who want to change their relationship with alcohol and other drugs, or who just want to explore whether or not that change is necessary for them. I also support family members of those struggling with substance use.
Many of my clients struggling with addiction have found EMDR to be a powerful tool to help reduce urges and cravings, and to address the issues underlying the addiction.
Other areas I specialize in include:
- working through relationship challenges,
- increasing communication skills (such as boundary setting and expressing needs and wants to others),
- increasing one’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem,
- overcoming/managing anxious and intrusive thoughts,
- depression,
- strengthening coping skills, such as emotional regulation and distress tolerance,
- trauma,
- increasing one’s general sense of well-being,
- goal setting, working towards change, and life transitions.
TYPES OF THERAPIES I USE
I always tailor therapy to the individual, drawing on evidence-based approaches that best fit your needs and goals.
Many clients who reach out to me want to know more about EMDR, a gentle yet powerful therapy that helps the brain heal from traumatic or distressing experiences.
About EMDR
In addition to EMDR, I also utilize:
- Narrative Therapy,
- CBT,
- ACT,
- Motivational Interviewing,
- Non Violent Communication,
- and Mindfulness-based interventions.
I also utilize elements of positive psychology by leveraging what’s already working in your life to increase your well-being and meet your goals, without ever minimizing the challenges that you might be facing.
I always work from a trauma-informed lens. I believe that it is important and helpful to understand how our past experiences have affected us, while working towards creating the life that we want for our present and future selves.
Most of all, I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that you are capable of overcoming whatever challenges have come into your life. I believe that you are so much more than your problems. You are a whole person, deserving of happiness.
Our work together will be focused on your goals, and on creating the life that you want for yourself. Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what those goals are yet, figuring that out is sometimes an important part of the work. Other times, you might know exactly what you want, and we can start there.
LOCATIONS
I offer in-person appointments in Burnaby and Coquitlam.
I am in Burnaby on Mondays and Fridays. My Burnaby office is conveniently located right by the Production-Way University SkyTrain Station.
I am in Coquitlam on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. My Coquitlam office is located on Anson Avenue, near Pinetree Village.
All appointment times are also bookable as virtual sessions.
FREE CONSULTATION
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to new clients, so that you can get to know me a little bit better and decide whether or not my approach and expertise feel like a good match for you.
Book your free FREE 15 minute phone consultation now.
Kali Polychronakos, BSW, MCP, RCC 