ABOUT ME
I am a registered clinical counsellor and active member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC #8442). I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and have been practicing as a helping professional since the early 1990's in a diverse range of roles and programs.
As a young student, I was privileged to work at a therapy clinic in Vancouver, BC that provided direct care to clients and embraced and taught narrative therapy to counsellors. I spent a number of years in formal study in psychology in university and in practice-based training available to me through a group of mentors who are experts in narrative therapy practice. As such, my practice has been influenced by narrative, social justice-focused and solution-oriented modalities. The key tenet in narrative practice is that "people are the experts on their own lives" and "the problem is the problem, the person is not the problem". This approach can help create room for people to see problems more clearly (and therefore, possible solutions) and to separate themselves from the issues they are grappling with. This can make space for liberation and alternative possibilities to emerge in a remarkable way.
As a young student, I was privileged to work at a therapy clinic in Vancouver, BC that provided direct care to clients and embraced and taught narrative therapy to counsellors. I spent a number of years in formal study in psychology in university and in practice-based training available to me through a group of mentors who are experts in narrative therapy practice. As such, my practice has been influenced by narrative, social justice-focused and solution-oriented modalities. The key tenet in narrative practice is that "people are the experts on their own lives" and "the problem is the problem, the person is not the problem". This approach can help create room for people to see problems more clearly (and therefore, possible solutions) and to separate themselves from the issues they are grappling with. This can make space for liberation and alternative possibilities to emerge in a remarkable way.
I've had the opportunity to train with narrative therapy founders Michael White, David Epston and other experts such as Stephen Madigan, the team at the Family Centre in New Zealand, Julie Tilsen, David Nylund and Vikki Reynolds whose work continues to inspire and influence me. This early foundational learning has been a great asset to my practice and ongoing learning as a therapist.
While working on my Master's degree, I worked at a live-in, therapeutic, group program called Peak House where young people ages 13-18 and their families accessed intensive support for substance use issues and addiction. It was during this time that my group counselling and family therapy skills were enhanced by the practice of doing daily group therapy under the supervision of Vikki Reynolds, PhD. To ensure my skills are robust, I approach this work as a life long learner and have pursued training in de-colonizing and anti-oppressive practice, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, trauma-informed and trauma-specific practice, along with additional training focussed on advanced practice with LGB, Two-Spirit, queer and trans clients.
In the last decade, my work has moved into a blend of direct practice and teaching along with taking on more leadership within the formal health care sector. Working for a decade now in management roles, both in Vancouver and provincially, with health authorities, I work to ensure health services are developed keeping clients at the centre. I've published some writing along the way, presented at many conferences and workshops but most enjoy working in therapeutic practice and in community work with clients who continually amaze me with their courage to make change and their wealth of experience and wisdom.
In my personal life, I enjoy competing in multisport races, playing music, going to community events and spending time with my family and friends. Living in Vancouver, I try to make the most of the beautiful outdoors and try to get outside to be in nature rain or shine as much as I am able to. Having lived here most of my life, I acknowledge a special appreciation for the territory we live on and the stewardship of this land by the Tseil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish nations.
HoursVariable weekday eves
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change@lorrainegrieves.com
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