About Maria - EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

MEET MARIA HAR

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

It takes insight to pause and acknowledge when we need to make changes in our relationships.

Hello, my name is Maria, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#21074) trained in EMDR, Family Systems, and the Flash technique.

Stressors aren’t just the big, unexpected events we face; they can also stem from smaller incidents when things we anticipated or needed didn’t happen. When left unresolved, these moments can create difficult emotions that manifest as anxiety, depression, or a constant feeling of overwhelm.

I work with adults and young adults in a non-blaming, non-pathologizing way to help them through their struggles. Together, we aim to connect the dots and understand how these patterns and behaviours exist within us, between us in our relationships, and around us in the systems and organizations in which we interact.

Using a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety and compassion, I walk this journey with you as a fellow human, a parent, a partner, a sibling, a member of an ethnic minority, and a therapist.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from City University of Seattle and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from McGill University. My counselling experience includes working at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House and supporting women in the Stop the Violence program at Chimo Community Services in Richmond. Additionally, my work at Living Systems helped me gain a deeper understanding of individual behaviours in family system dynamics.

I invite you to reach out and connect with me, as finding a counsellor with whom you feel safe and comfortable is essential to doing your important work.

FLEXIBILITY

Being flexible and forgiving with ourselves creates space to embrace our imperfections without judgment. It allows us to recognize that mistakes are a natural part of growth and not a reflection of our worth. When we approach ourselves with kindness, we cultivate a sense of self-compassion, which makes it easier to acknowledge our emotions and vulnerabilities. This practice encourages resilience because it helps us recover from setbacks with greater ease and grace.

AUTHENTICITY

Being authentic is a foundational ingredient in the relationship with yourself and with others around you. Authenticity invites honesty in communication and transparency in intentions. It also empowers you to honour your needs and boundaries, leading to healthier interactions with mutual respect. Ultimately, being authentic creates a sense of freedom and peace within yourself and encourages others to feel safe and be their authentic selves as well.

LIGHTNESS

Living life with a degree of lightness allows us to release the pressure of perfection and embrace spontaneity. It creates mental and emotional space to notice and appreciate the small, joyful moments that can sometimes get overshadowed by worries or more rigid expectations. When we approach life with a lighter perspective, we open ourselves up to laughter and delight, even in the midst of challenges. This mindset enables us to find beauty in everyday experiences and encourages a sense of gratitude for the present moment.