Meet the counsellor
Hello, I'm Sanela
Thanks to my ADHD (I knew it would pay off someday), I’ve had the opportunity to live in several countries and acquire a few degrees along the way.
My educational journey includes a degree in Business and Finance, a BSc in Psychology, a BA in English Literature, Montessori certification, and VCC certificates in Addictions and Community Counselling. One could say that I have a passion for learning!
My Master’s degree in Counseling from City University in Vancouver has allowed me to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and maintain good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
I’m currently living in Richmond, BC, and plan to stick around for the foreseeable future.
My Commitment to
Growth and Healing
Passionate about my chosen profession, I continually develop my skills in various modalities and interventions for trauma and PTSD survivors.
My personal experience with the Bosnian war has taught me the value of gratitude, the fragility of life, and inspired me to help ease the pain of others. Working with refugees and former combatants has shown me the profound impact unresolved trauma can have on one’s life. Being an immigrant four times over has given me insight into embracing new experiences while staying true to oneself.
My dedication to clinical counselling stems from my personal experience with chronic pain. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1994, I became committed to understanding the mind-body connection and the importance of acceptance in the healing process. I believe life itself serves as an antidote to chronic pain, which can often rob us of our joy.
Over the past decade, I’ve been grateful to witness the growing awareness and understanding of chronic pain. This movement has provided me with the language and support I once lacked, allowing me to develop a unique approach to counselling by combining my personal journey with the latest research.
As a clinician working in a pain clinic, I’m privileged to continue learning and helping others navigate their pain journeys. I practice from the foundation of the Pain Reprocessing Theory, a neuroscience-based system that focuses on rewiring the brain to break the cycle of chronic pain. It’s an immense honor to be part of the healing process, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with others facing similar challenges.
My Journey with
Chronic Pain
Counselling
Personal story:
The Joy of Presence
and Growth
Raising my two children on my own has taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of being present, gifting dependence through staying regulated, and the power of accepting life’s ever-changing moments. In my free time, if such a concept exists, I make mean sourdough bread, attend raves, and contemplate going on a hike since everyone is raving about how beautiful BC is.
My Therapy Approach
I have a holistic and humanistic approach to counselling, and encourage healing and wholehearted living. I believe in the human drive to connect in meaningful ways and I am honoured to work on removing obstacles that prevent this connection. I bring my authentic curiosity, warmth and openness into the virtual counselling room, working towards helping clients achieve creative, realistic solutions.
I strongly believe that I do not heal, or treat but merely have the privilege of offering support and help. I innately know that everyone is capable of healing themselves.
It is my privilege to share the power of vulnerability, while supporting personal exploration and the growth that blooms from it.
