Andrea Sentesy (MA, RCC) Counselling in Squamish, BC
A warm welcome to you!
I hope this space offers you a sense of who I am not only as a professional therapist, but also as a fellow human being. I encourage you to reach out if you are struggling. If I am not the right fit for you, I will support you to find someone that is. No one needs to suffer alone.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #21371) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) in good standing. I offer in-person counselling sessions to individuals in Squamish, BC and virtually across the province to residents of BC. My practice is deeply rooted in Rogerian Person Centred Therapy.
I believe that counselling is not what we do together rather, it is how we are with each other. Healing happens through connection. I look forward to building that with you.
In a session together you can expect to
be deeply listened to
become more aware of your present moment experience, including slowing down to be with emotions in your body
explore the meaning you make of your life
dive deeply into the source of your suffering, and understand it within the context of your lived experience
orient towards what matters
be challenged to see yourself in a new way
feel understood
inquire into the big existential questions of life
collaborate to work towards your goals in a way that feels effective and meaningful to you
regain hope
and most importantly - be held in a space of unconditional positive regard
Many of the folks I work with are experiencing loss.
This loss can be a result of past trauma, changing identity, life transitions (i.e. teenager to young adult, becoming a parent, empty-nesting, relationship changes such as separation/divorce, shifting sexual or gender identity), spiritual crisis, religious trauma, ecological grief, loss of career or loved one, or in general a loss of sense of self.
Often this loss shows up as not feeling like yourself, negative self-regard, or a deep sense of emptiness or hopelessness. Stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances can often be experienced during these times.
I am here to support all parts of you as you weave yourself back towards wholeness, purpose, and vitality.
within the Acorn is the Blueprint for an oak tree
In order for an acorn to grow into an oak tree, it needs fertile soil, sunlight, and water. Given these conditions, the acorn will grow into it’s full expression - if it lands on pavement, it will not grow!
Humans exist with this same natural intelligence. We are born with an imprint of how to thrive and come into the fullest fruition of our being. We also require conditions for growth.
As a counsellor my role is to cultivate and hold conditions for growth for my clients. These conditions are unconditional positive regard, empathy, authenticity, and embodied listening. Let’s explore together what is possible when you land in fertile soil.
I am available for in-person appointments in Squamish on Thursdays and Fridays.
Acknowledging the land.
Like many of you, I am a guest here. My ancestors are from Hungary, Germany and Britain. I would like to honour the existence of the First Peoples of the land I currently call home. I humbly acknowledge that I operate my private counselling practice on the unceded traditional land of the Squamish (Skwxwu7mesh) Peoples, in the place that is now known as Squamish. I was born on the unceded traditional land of the Algonquin and Iroquois Peoples, in the place now known as Perth, Ontario.
As an uninvited guest here, I want to say thank you, and bow deeply to the Indigenous Peoples for their guardianship and care taking of this land. For giving our first Mother a voice and for standing up for her since the beginning of time. And, I promise that I will raise children that know the horrific truth of our collective past. I honour the land that I live, learn, and prosper on. My heart gives thanks for Siam Smanit (St’a7mes Chief), Slhanay, St’a7mes River, grandmother Cedar, the eagles and the orcas. I make this acknowledgment with the prayer of living in right relationship with the Earth and all people.
May all beings in all worlds be happy and free from suffering. May this acknowledgement, and our work together, serve towards the end of collective suffering and oppression.
Hiyaya - victory of the heart.
