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Counselling Approach

Finding a balance between our own needs and the expectations of others can be a difficult task. Factors like trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can make it even more challenging to stay true to ourselves. 
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I integrate experiential modalities to support you through any challenges you may be facing. Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to me, and I use inner dialogue, emotional enactment, embodied thinking, and symbolizing of experience. These techniques help to develop flexibility and build confidence, allowing you to navigate life in a grounded and holistic way.

Areas of practice

  • shame and guilt

  • low self-esteem

  • anxiety

  • depression

  • personal growth

  • emotional abuse

  • life transitions

  • interpersonal issues

  • family conflict

  • ​trauma and PTSD

Frequently reported outcomes:

  • Ability to reconcile with the past

  • Enhanced self-confidence

  • Improved capacity to manage and handle stressful situations

  • Reduced feelings of guilt and shame

  • Emotional regulation and stress reduction

  • Understanding relational dynamics and boundary setting

  • Improved relationships with both self and others

  • Enhanced ability to communicate effectively

  • Clarity of values, feelings and desires

  • Greater sense of direction

Counselling Modalities

Process Experiential

Process experiential therapy focuses on exploring and processing emotions in the present moment to develop new ways of relating to them. This approach can be particularly helpful when struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues. It helps us better regulate our emotions and develop more authentic and fulfilling relationships.

Attachment-Based

This lens emphasizes the importance of understanding how early life experiences shape our sense of self and our relationships with others. It helps identify and address patterns of disconnection that may have developed as a result of early trauma. 

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, mindfulness, and the present moment. It helps us become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in order to gain insight into what is needed in our lives. This holistic approach is useful in promoting self-expression and facilitating integration of experience. 

Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Person-centred (Rogerian) therapy emphasizes the importance of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. It's a relational approach, where the focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment to explore thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism, which supports growth. 

Existential

An existential approach to therapy focuses on exploring big questions that arise in times of suffering or uncertainty. The goal of existential therapy is to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world and to help them find meaning and purpose in life.

Focusing-Oriented Therapy

Focusing-oriented therapy emphasizes the importance of accessing and exploring the bodily felt sense in order to gain insight into our meaning-making process. It is based on the idea that the body holds wisdom and knowledge about our experiences that can be accessed through a process of inward attention and symbolizing of experience. 

Marina Bergen, counsellor

Reach out for a free introductory session.

About

Marina Bergen,

BA Psych, RPC, RTC, FOT

 

I've always been intrigued by what creates real connections with people. It's fascinating how, despite vast differences, some interactions make us feel understood and valued, while others with familiar faces can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

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I was born in Argentina and lived in various countries before settling in Vancouver seven years ago. My experiences as an immigrant, my involvement in theatre, and my fascination with the philosophy of intersubjectivity have inspired me to adopt an experiential approach to counselling that aims to support and expand our capacity for connection. 

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During my six years of working therapeutically with marginalized communities, I've encountered a recurring desire for acceptance and acknowledgment in relationships. I've come to understand better that this recognition from the other, just as we are, enables us to reveal an authentic part of ourselves that knows the next step to take.

Qualifications and Relevant Training

  • Professional Registration with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) #3040

  • Professional Registration with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) #4261

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Trinity Western University

  • Diploma in Professional Counselling - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training

  • Focusing-Oriented Therapy Certification Program with Donna Steadman

  • The Contact Cycle in Gestalt Therapy with Jacqueline Beraldo

  • Working with Trauma and Emotional Abuse - Tyne Buchy

  • Inner Relationship Focusing - Katarina Halm

  • Foundations for Treating Religious Trauma - The Religious Trauma Institute

  • Mental Health First Aid with the Mental Health Commission of Canada

  • Non-violent Crisis Intervention with Crisis Prevention Institute

  • Compassionate Communication with Malcolm McKinlay

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