Photo by Gene Lin
Meet Joy
As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, specializing in Trauma Therapy, I facilitate personal growth and healing for all ages, from children to adults. With a background in Arts Education, Relational Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Yoga, Meditation, Movement, and Music, I offer private one-on-one and group sessions to support people from all walks of life dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, multicultural issues, transitions, and other life challenges. I have worked with First Nations people dealing with intergenerational trauma, including survivors of residential schools and their children. Having witnessed profound transformation in clients, I am dedicated to supporting this process of individual--and collective--healing. Empowering each individual to make positive change is my passion!
Testimonials
Navjit Gill, Graphic Designer
"Joy got me into a relaxed state, both physically and mentally, helped drop blocks and insecurities. She created a fun and safe space and from there opened up the possibilities of Expressive Arts. I was blown away by what flowed through me and it's left me inspired and excited to open the channels of expression. It was a lasting therapeutic experience."
Marie Krueger, MD
"I had a chance to do an Expressive Arts Therapy session with Joy and it was amazing. I had never done anything like that before and had no expectations whatsoever. Joy managed to have me look inside myself, enabling me to express feelings and thoughts that I couldn't get a hold of rationally by applying different forms of art, from dance, to music, and painting. I highly recommend trying a session. If there is anything you want to overcome, it is a great way to get in touch with your emotions. But also if there is nothing specific that you need to work on, it is just a wonderful and interesting experience!"
Tania Carter, Salish Nation,
Anti-Violence Worker
"In our eight sessions of Expressive Arts Therapy, I came to an epiphany about myself that mainly had to do with the connection between my physical and emotional self. It was the combination of artistic expression, movement and stretching that seemed to ignite or spark a fluidity between the physical and emotional. It was the energy Joy brought, her soft words, her encouragement and refined skill in yoga, meditation and stretching that brought these two parts together and unblocked the barriers in between. I am so grateful for these sessions and to have met Joy."
FAQs
How do you handle confidentiality?
What happens in sessions is kept confidential. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, I abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice laid out by the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT).
How long is a typical session?
A typical session is 50 minutes, but can be longer or shorter depending on your needs. My fee is $120 per 50 minute session, and I can offer a sliding scale if you are in financial distress.
How do I get started?
The first session is a one-hour consultation to discuss your needs. We will also go over consent and intake forms. I also offer a free 15 minute call on Zoom or by phone to see if we are the right fit!
Are your services covered by extended health insurance benefits?
Yes, my services as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor are covered by Pacific Blue Cross, Alberta Blue Cross, Equitable Life of Canada, Green Shield (for policies that cover "clinical counsellors"), ClaimSecure (for policies that cover "counsellors"), and Sunlife (for policies that cover "Counselling" or "Psychotherapy"). ManuLife claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. I can provide letters to advocate for coverage with other insurance companies or benefits providers.
Are sessions online or in-person?
I am now offering mainly online sessions.
Muse-ical Offerings
I Believe (Coco Love Alcorn)
Part 1:
Times will come around
Like they always do
I know this in my heart
We will make it through
Part 2:
Take my hand and walk with me
Take my hand I'll walk with you
Part 3:
I believe in me
I believe in you
Part 4:
I believe
I believe
Om Tara
Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha
"This Mantra helps us to develop an understanding that our lives, the world and all it contains are nothing other than the manifestation of Divine power. Chanting Om Tara puts us in touch with the ever present reality of Divine manifestation and can lead us beyond it."
This quote is from Mantras: Words of Power, by Swami Sivananda Radha, who founded Yasodhara Ashram in the Kootenays. I was touched by this beautiful Mantra while doing the Yoga Development Course there in 2007. May it touch your heart as well!
On Zoom: Sunday Song Circle with Joy, 7-8 pm PT!
Join us for sweet, healing, heart-opening songs! All are welcome, no experience with singing required. Everyone will be muted, so you can sing your heart out, hum, listen . . . or even dance! Throughout many years of singing with community choirs, I have gathered heart-opening musical gems that spark inspiration, and it is an honour to share them with you!
Sunday Song Circles are drop-in and by donation, to make the joy of singing accessible!
Please email me to find out about the next Sunday Song Circle and for the Zoom link!
We have also had special guest song leaders such as Kaitie Ty Warren, from the Living Room Choir, Dick Jackson and Cathy Baker from Gettin' Higher Choir, and the amazing Devon More!
Thank you to every one who has attended since we began in March 2021!
Testimonials:
"I have been attending the Song Circle Joy offers every week. To my surprise, this experience has offered so many gifts. It is creating community, a safe space to share and be heard, songs that are lifelines, and the pure & simple joy to sing. They say singing and fear cannot exist together simultaneously. This is an antidote for the times we are in. I highly recommend joining in! Joy holds a welcoming, playful, and healing space for us to find our authentic voice in the circle which then ripples out into our lives. I am deeply grateful for this medicine offering."
Kalibri Wood, Regenerative Farmer and Artist, Crawford Bay, BC
This circle was a 'joy' to attend! Joy brings such a kind and gentle energy. I had such a deep feeling of calm after some of the songs, and Joy contributes to nurturing that feeling and holding the space with love and eloquence. Deep thanks."
Kristina Jessen, Community Songleader, Vernon, BC
Contact Me
Please contact me with any questions. I look forward to connecting with you!
+1 604 700 7933