Maha Elias
RCC, CCC, FMC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC), and sexual health and trauma-informed practitioner specializing in couples counselling. I am passionate about helping couples, and also individuals identify and achieve their personal and relational goals.
I became aware of my desire to help others early in life due to my own struggles with my inner and outer worlds. I’m no stranger to personal trauma, devastation, heartache, and pain. I immigrated to Canada in 2001 from Iraq, a war-torn country, and experienced many obstacles that molded me into who I am today.
I intuitively developed strong skills and ingenuity for conflict resolution, and from a young age have been drawn to facilitating a deeper understanding that brings people together.
My desire to help others learn how to bring their best self forward in life and in all their relationships has motivated me to work hard and passionately towards my goals. My formal education in the fields of psychology, justice, communication, and conflict management began in 2001. I continually work on upgrading my knowledge and skills and take great pride in the progress and success of my clients.
My goal is to help you tap into your inner strength and gain the skills you need to turn obstacles in your life into opportunities for growth and change. I have passionately worked on myself and have personally experienced a difficult but beautiful journey of healing and growth, and I am excited to be part of your growth and self-discovery process.
I look forward to working with you.
Qualifications
- Registered Clinical Counsellor with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Comprehensive Family Mediator with Family Mediation Canada
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
- Certificate of Family Mediation from the Justice Institute of BC
- Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies from Royal Roads University
- Advanced Training in the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy at the Couples Institute
- Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy 2022 from the Institute for Relational Intimacy
- Advance Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma from NICABM
- Treating Trauma Master Series from NICABM
- Internal Family System for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and More: An intensive online course with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson
- The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy Level 1
Philosophy & Approach
“When you hit a wall in life, take a deep breath and don’t panic; there is always a door nearby.”
When working together, you can expect me to be very invested in your journey of growth and development. As your counsellor, expect me to keep my knowledge and tools current and evidence-based continuously. Expect me to challenge you to leave your comfort zone and to actively disrupt the current dynamics, habits, and patterns that no longer work in your favour. Expect me to expect you to be equally invested and engaged in your self-discovery, recovery, and growth. Our work together is very collaborative, and, as a team, we each need to do our part to help you achieve your goals successfully.
I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from different theoretical models and therapeutic tools to suit your needs. Although my training in the Bader-Pearson Developmental Model for Couples Therapy provides the foundation for my practice, I continuously draw upon my training and knowledge in the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems Theory, Kauppi’s Sex and Sexual Health Education, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Transactional Analysis and more. This allows me to apply a variety of life-changing interventions to my clients based on their needs and what works best for them.
My mediation training plays a significant role in helping me assess where my clients struggle in their interactions. I will work with you to identify old patterns and habits that hold you back from being an effective and empowering communicator. I will provide you with the skills and tools needed to clearly articulate your needs and desires and resolve conflict effectively.
Why Choose Us
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Naimul Ahsan
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