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Therapy in White Rock and South Surrey, BC
 

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Dedicated to helping you be well.
 

PROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE
 

LIFE

EXPERIENCE

About Leanne Fessler
Registered Clinical Counsellor
South Surrey, BC

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Hey, I'm glad you're here.

I recognize just how much it can take to reach out for help.  Usually when people reach out, things have reached a "tipping point."  That's a pretty vulnerable place and I respect that. 

Working with me, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC, we will look at what's happening through a lens of curiosity and hope, leaving judgement at the door.​​

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"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.  Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
- Rumi -​​​​​​​​​

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Leanne Fessler (she/her, hers)

Registered Clinical Counsellor #3000
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

It might seem odd to share about the personal details of your life with a perceived stranger, so it's fair to be curious about the person sitting with you "in the room!"​ I too, have sat in your chair and experienced how the power of human connection and skill can open up possibilities and growth in difficult times.

 

I began my journey in this field as a late teen - volunteering, working, and learning more about psychology just about anywhere they would let a novice in. Graduating from UBC's Master of Counselling Psychology program, I've been a counsellor for 20 years, and a Registered Clinical BC Counsellor since 2008.

 

In the early part of my career, I worked extensively as a Child & Family Therapist, training in play therapy and family techniques. As my work broadened across the life span and a diverse variety of concerns, I've found this knowledge to continue to serve me well.

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My work has become more focused and specialized over the years to achieve the quality of care I desire.  I've chosen to work and specialize in areas close to my heart - and I can understand how close they are to yours.  And I'm delighted to watch change and growth in action - with you.

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See more about my Training and Experience below.

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More About Me

Moving outside in nature takes me to my happy place and I have a song in my back pocket for every given moment (sometimes literally, as I love to write songs).  Building a family did not come without hardship ... and growth from these experiences continues to motivate the work I do.

What You Can Expect Working With Me
IN SOUTH SURREY OR ONLINE​​​​​​​​​

​1. I practice from an integrated approach.  ​

I balance information, evidence, and practicality with art, expression, and the body.  My training and practice, as a BC Counsellor, reflects this balance.  I've been trained in the use of strong evidence-based treatments, along with the use of creative and expressive arts therapies (body-based methods, art, music, nature). This is important because it allows me to draw from a wide-range of possibilities in our work, as per your comfort and needs. 

 

2. Above all else, my approach is collaborative.​​​​​​​

Relationship is the heart of this work- and its efficacy! I take the time to get to know you to better understand how I can be helpful to you.  Sometimes, support looks like helping you find comfort and other times, looks like helping you move out of your comfort zone.  

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3. While I may be in solo practice, I don't fly solo in this work.

I bring to our work together, a wide-range of professional relationships with amazing people who provide added support and collaboration when needed.  Whether that's improving my practice through supervision, calling on community partners to learn more or help get you connected, or leaning into collegial relationships for support - know there is a strong backbone.

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4. I aim for quality, not quantity.

I keep my practice simple and manageable, so I can focus on my work with you.​​​

Areas of COUNSELLING FOCUS / SPECIALTY​​​​​​​​​​

 

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As a BC Counsellor, I draw from the following THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES​​​​​​​​​

 

  • ​​Interpersonal Psychology (IPT)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Expressive Arts methods (music, arts) 

  • Gottman - Bringing Baby Home

  • Somatic Psychotherapy

  • Family of origin work

  • Relational Life Therapy and EFT (couples)

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Ready To Work Together in South Surrey and White Rock or Online?

01. Book Consult

Book a free 15 min consult to ask questions, learn about my approach, and determine if we are a good fit.

02. Intake Session

Attend an in-person or virtual appointment where we learn more about each other and work together on a course of action.

03. Book Your Sessions

You will be given an online link to book further appointments at your convenience.

Education & Clinical Training

EDUCATION:

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honors), Psychology, University of Lethbridge

MEMBERSHIP:

  • BC Association of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)

  • Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provider

SELECT TRAINING:

     Fertility/Perinatal-Specific

  • Enjoy Your Baby Group Facilitator Certification - Canadian Mental Health Association

  • Birth and Reproductive Trauma - Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Individuals; Perinatal Focus - IPT Institute

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Groups - IPT Institute

  • Bringing Baby Home for Couples - Gottman Institute

  • Maternal Mental Health Professional Certificate Training - Post-partum Support International

  • Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Certificate - Post-partum Support International

  • Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Certificate - UBC

  • Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death Certificate - Maternal Mental Health Now

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    Trauma-Specific

  • EMDR Comprehensive - EMDR Center of Canada

  • Somatic Transformation 2- year program - Dr Sharon Stanley

  • TF-CBT for Children and Adolescents

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    Additional Trainings, Certifications, Workshops in 

  • Walk and Talk Therapy

  • Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for couples - Level 1 

  • Externship in Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy

  • Music Integrated Therapy (MIT)

  • Satir Transformational Therapy 

  • Expressive Arts, Play-based, Therapies (Marie-Jose Dhaese, Lynn Lyons, Lianna Lowenstein, Lisa Dion etc)

  • Changeways Depression Treatment Program 

  • DBT / ACT / CBT

COUNSELLING WORK EXPERIENCE:

​Current:

  • Private Practice Owner - South Surrey

  • Founder South Rock Perinatal Wellness Collective

Previous:

  • Private Practice Associate - Bonnie Mason & Associates

  • Private Practice Owner - Vancouver

  • UBC Counselling Services

  • Family Services of Greater Vancouver VISAC/SAIP program, KITES kids bereavement group, RSVP school-based group program for at-risk kids

  • CHIMO Community Services (CWWA program) and Nova Transition House

  • ​Internships: Alderwood Family Development Center; Practice of Ruth-Ann Stewart; Play Therapy Practice of Dr. Joanne Crandall, New West Community Counselling Clinic

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I'm excited to meet you.

If you'd like to learn more about how we might work together, in South Surrey / White Rock area or online, simply fill out the contact form below or book your complimentary 15 minute consultation.

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