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HEATHER TOEWS

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker and have had the pleasure of working with children and families for most of my adult life. I began my work supporting children and youth in the community and in the classroom, before gaining my Bachelor of Social Work degree and starting my career in child protection.

I found my passion working with adoptive families for 10 years and currently work in the area of mental health with children, youth and families. I directed this passion to developing a trauma informed attachment-based parenting program for parents and caregivers who have experienced trauma and attachment disruption. The Trauma Attuned Parent e-course is available for purchase - check out my website at www.heathertoewscounselling.com for details. I truly believe that parents and caregivers have a significant role in helping their children heal by creating a therapeutic home environment. When one person is impacted, the whole family is impacted.

As a counsellor I look forward to supporting families, whether it be through work with individuals, couples or family work. I consider myself as an adoption competent counsellor, and am excited to support individuals and couples considering adoption, transitioning a child into adoption, in adoption placement, or impacted by adoption (i.e. foster parent, sibling of an adopted child, adult adoptee).

Providing a safe and non-judgmental space to make sense of your experiences is my primary goal. My strength-based, client-centred approach, aims to support you to:
  • Strengthen connections
  • Enhance skills
  • Build resilience
  • Heal from your own experiences
  • and Ultimately to enjoy healthy relationships

I rely on evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT & EFFT - couples and families), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF I AM A GOOD FIT FOR YOU, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL ME. I OFFER A FREE 2O MIN INTRODUCTORY PHONE CONSULTATION.

On a Personal Note— I have been married for 29 years and have a 25 year old daughter. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, kayaking, being in nature, being in community with my colleagues, and travelling.

“The only antidote to shame is the word and touch of someone who delights in us. We need an alliance of love, one that knows our shame and suffering and refuses to look away." —Dr. Dan Allender

CREDENTIALS AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) - BCACC (17620)
  • Registered Social Worker (RSW) - BCCSW (17014)
  • MA Counselling Psychology - Trinity Western University
  • BA Social Work - University of the Fraser Valley
  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Caregiver Workshop Facilitator
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Complex Care and Intervention Coach 
  • Specialized courses in: Trauma and Sexual Abuse, Bereavement, Attachment, Marriage and Family Therapy