VANESSA HITChcOCK (she/her)
*Incorporated Professional
After living abroad for many years, I am excited to be back in the Comox Valley, where I was born and raised. When I am not chasing after one of our young dogs to retrieve a contraband sock, I can be found enjoying the outdoors or immersed in a creative activity.
As a former international teacher in Egypt, China and Korea, I bring cultural humility and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity into my counselling practice. Additionally, my learning from Indigenous peoples has contributed to my understanding of a holistic model of health - the interconnectedness, and necessary balance, between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of one’s self.
With previous counselling experience in both private practice and non-profit agencies, my approach is collaborative between client(s) and myself. Following the lead of the client(s), I am keen to understand the story and perspective held; working towards addressing goals, transformation, and healing.
My Approach (the Technical Stuff)
As a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, some of the primary underpinnings to my counselling approach include: Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy (Level 1 and 2), the integration of art and play therapy techniques, and The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). The NMT is a clinical approach to supporting those who have been impacted by trauma or adversity which integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology.
Additionally, I am a Pet Loss Grief Specialist and a Certified Professional Practitioner of Animal Assisted Play Therapy®.
Other clinical offerings include professional training in:
The Gottman Method
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Brazelton Touchpoints
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
In addition to providing a safe and inclusive office space, I offer counselling by phone, or secure video counselling. If you prefer being outdoors, I’ll happily meet you there too.
My current specialized interests include:
supporting children and youth to make sense of what’s going on in their worlds, minds and bodies; including those with diverse abilities (specialized training in Autism)
bereavement care, including pet loss
perinatal and maternal mental health, with a focus on building early healthy attachment
trauma and its long-term impact on global functioning
emotional awareness, expression, and regulation
anxiety/social skills
creating and maintaining a culturally competent and inclusive practice
V. Hitchcock Counselling & Consulting Inc.