Awaken Counselling
Areas of Practice
Mental Health and Addictions including:
Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use, Grief, Loss, Emotional Dysregulation, Self-Harm, Identity, Belonging, Mood Disorders, Overwhelmed or High Sensitivity, Relationship Difficulties, Social Isolation, Parenting, Major Life Transitions, Self-Esteem/Self-Compassion.
Awaken Counselling Services
You take the lead in defining the issues and goals you want to focus on. We offer support tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Our primary therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS), which we apply to foster your journey towards healing and personal growth.
We can meet in person, via Zoom or phone
There are a number of extended medical plans that cover counselling provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
As well we can provide counselling services for beneficiaries of Veteran's Affairs Canada, ICBC and B.C. Crime Victim Assistance Program, First Nations Health Authority (Price differential may apply).
$175/hr for individual counselling and clinical supervision
$262.50 for 90 minutes
Relationship Counseling $292.50 for 90 minutes
Payment can be made by etransfer, cash, or cheque.
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About Us
Chris and Bimala Spencer
Chris is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Integrated Body Psychotherapy (IBP). He was a practicing Mental Health and Addictions Therapist for a decade with Fraser Health.
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I collaborate with family members, family physicians, psychiatrists and other health professionals as directed by my clients.
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My practice is constantly evolving as I continuously learn from my clients’ feedback, current research and training.
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I am perpetually researching tools of self regulation, to cultivate a felt sense of safety, and purposeful life. I am applying these tools to my own life, and thoroughly enjoy assisting others to live more the life they choose.
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Bimala has provided counselling support for 25 years.
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For 16 years, I supervised teams who provided family support and mental health services. Not only do we work in the field, we have both engaged as consumers in individual and relationship counselling. As a result we know first hand the difference between effective and ineffective counselling.
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I left home at age 13 due to severe abuse and never finished high school. Chris and I met a few years later and have been married for 40 years, operating businesses and raising a family ever since. With the help of some excellent therapists, I've addressed issues of trauma and the resulting lack of self worth and anxiety about never being good enough.
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In my late 20's, I met a counsellor who helped me regain control of my life and focus on determining my life's mission which was to give back and make a difference in the lives of children and families. I completed my BSW with distinction at the University of Victoria and after a few years returned to complete a Masters in Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia while raising two children and working full-time.
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I am currently completing Internal Family Systems training and constantly absorbed in material related to health and well being.
Although our graduate level backgrounds are different, we share many of the same values about a client-centered approach with unconditional positive regard at the forefront of our interactions.
We recognize that it is a sign of strength to ask for help and welcome your query.
Therapeutic Approach: Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
We use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help you understand and heal the different parts of yourself that influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Imagine your mind is like a family, with different "parts" of you—some that are protective, some that carry old wounds, and others that act out when emotions get overwhelming.
We work together to get to know these parts, understand their roles, and help them heal. The goal is to help you feel more balanced and in control, by connecting with the wise and compassionate part of yourself—the "Self"—which can bring peace to the inner conflicts.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or just feeling disconnected from yourself, IFS can help you create a healthier relationship with your inner world, leading to more emotional freedom, self-acceptance, and growth. At Awaken Counselling Services, we’re here to guide you in this process of self-discovery and healing.
"I just want to make sure you know how much you have helped me and continue to help me even though we don't speak on the phone anymore."
Testimonials
"I just wanted to give you an update on me and my life. First of all I want to thank you very much for everything you have done for me! Without your help to get me kick started in my mental health recovery I wouldn't be where I am today, so for that I THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
"I’m a open book and strongly believe sharing my story and or talking about mental health is the best thing I have ever done for myself! Because it wasn’t until I started talking to you that I started to understand not only my self but my place in this world."
CONTACT US
Still have questions? Email, call or text us to discuss your needs.
We are pleased to offer a 15 minute complimentary call to assess fit.
Email: awakencounselling@gmail.com
Call or Text: 604 561-3669
Chris Spencer MSW, RSW Bimala Spencer MEd, RCC
©2018 by Awaken Counselling.