MEET STEFANIE POLI

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

Hi, my name is Stefanie and I use the pronouns She/Her. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3806) and a Certified EMDR therapist.

I came into my role as a Clinical Counsellor because I love working with people to achieve a greater sense of self-awareness and helping them move towards becoming a version of themselves that they strive to be.  As a mother of two children myself, I am especially passionate about working to empower women and/or mothers to help heal past trauma and work to create a sense of self-compassion.  My approach to counselling comes from a belief that all individuals are deserving of respect and empathy.  I take an accepting and non-judgemental stance to all issues that are brought into a counselling space.  I also practice from the foundation that each individual is truly unique and work to honour the history they bring into the room.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University, focusing on Psychology and Criminology.  I followed up with a Master of Arts degree at Adler University, and later became registered through BCACC as a Clinical Counsellor.  My post-graduate training includes, EMDR, healing after sexual abuse, trauma-informed practice, and working from an anti-racist and decolonized stance.

I have spent the past 14 years working at a non-profit family counselling organization, specializing in working with mothers of young children to help break toxic familial cycles and help regain a sense of empowerment and self-identity.  In that time, I have also worked for many years as a supervisor, helping to support staff in their work with families.

I am grateful to be practicing on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), which lies within the shared territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Squamish, and Sto’:lo Nations.

Authenticity

I believe that the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the ability to be true to one’s self.  To figure out our own personal identity and maintain that authenticity in all circumstances.

For most people, this is a life-long journey to check in with ourselves and examine who we are and what we value on a regular basis. This leads to the greater state of self-acceptance and the ability to find peace within ourselves.

Humour

I believe that finding humour and laughter in everyday situations is essential in order to get through life’s toughest circumstances. 

Humour is a great way to lighten the weight of life and reconnect with what brings you joy.  

Story-Keeping

Our lives are comprised of the stories we tell and the stories we keep. 

One of the things I value most is the honour of holding another’s story and helping them find a way to recreate a new narrative that enables them to see things from a different perspective.    

MY SPECIALIZATIONS

Trauma Recovery Trauma Recovery
Trauma Recovery

EMDR therapy may be helpful for those who have tried traditional talk therapy…

Therapy for Parents Therapy for Parents
Therapy for Parents

Counselling for parents on issues such as perinatal depression & anxiety, difficult birth & delivery…

ONLINE EMDR ONLINE EMDR
ONLINE EMDR

Through a PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant platform, we are excited to be offering all of our services safely and securely online….

Want to speak with Stefanie? Book an appointment online now!