It's Complicated

Carola de Souza

Clinical Counsellor

Available for new clients
Experienced clinical counsellor and social worker with over twenty years of experience working with individuals and families struggling with mental ill-health and problematic alcohol or substance use.

I specialize in:

At a glance
Vancouver, CanadaAvailable online only
Experienced on It's Complicated4 years on It's Complicated
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Note from CarolaPlease reach out if you would like to book a 20 minute free initial 'meet & greet' consultation.
Your story is important.Feel free to contact me here if you feel that we could be a good fit.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours

About me

I am a clinical counsellor and social worker trained in Adlerian Psychotherapy and anti-oppressive social work. I have been working with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds for over twenty years, and predominantly with individuals and families affected by mental ill-health, suicidality, emotion regulation difficulties and problematic alcohol and substance use. I firmly believe that there is no 'one fits all' approach to health, healing, and well-being. In contrast, in my experience, therapy is most helpful when tools, strategies, and interventions are tailored to the unique situation and needs of my clients.

I speak:

English

Location:

Vancouver, Canada

Approach

Treatment Approaches
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
CounsellingRecommended for those who want to talk through their emotional challenges with a professional in a safe, supportive environment.
DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Recommended for those who want to learn skills to manage intense emotions and improve their relationships, especially if they feel easily overwhelmed.
As Virginia Satir pointed out, “growth comes from what fits, not from what should be”. As an experienced helping professional, I have learned therapeutic techniques and approaches helpful to clients in relation to the specific issues that bring them into therapy. However, I believe that individuals, no matter how distressed or overwhelmed at the moment, remain the experts on their own lives. As such, they are the only ones who can discern what techniques or approaches ‘fit’ for them, given their individual personality, life experiences, and specific current situation. Therapy to me, then, is a joint venture between therapist and client; a guided exploration into a perhaps unknown territory of change, personal growth, and transformation. Reconnecting with your unique strengths, wisdom and resources is part of this journey towards increased health and well-being in mind, body, and spirit, and I feel honored and privileged to be your ally in this experience.

Experience

4 years at It's Complicated
2023-2024: Medical Social Worker, Providence Healthcare, Vancouver, Canada 2018-current: Employee Assistance Counsellor & Coach, Uprise, Australia 2016-2017: HOPE Rehab Thailand; residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center 2008-2016 & 2018-2020: Concurrent Disorders Counsellor, Vancouver Coastal Health 2010-2013: Part-time private practice, Stewart & Associates 1999-2008: Child Protection and Family Services Social Worker, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Vancouver, BC

Education

2007 MA in Counselling Psychology, Adler University, Chicago, USA 2002 Bachelor of Social Work, University of Victoria, Canada Additional certification and/or training in: Concurrent Disorders Yoga Teacher Training Interpersonal Psychotherapy Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Mindfulness (MBCT) Attachment Emotion Freedom Technique (tapping) Cognitive Processing Therapy Motivational Interviewing Trauma

Cost

Free 30 minute introductory callSliding scale starting at €0

Individual Session

€65 (50 minutes)

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Vancouver, CanadaAvailable online only
Experienced on It's Complicated4 years on It's Complicated
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Note from CarolaPlease reach out if you would like to book a 20 minute free initial 'meet & greet' consultation.
Your story is important.Feel free to contact me here if you feel that we could be a good fit.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours
Usually responds within 2 hours