Our Team
Rebecca Bonham
Canadian Certified Counsellor
I believe…
I believe that each of us is on a sacred journey of becoming – to know and understand ourselves and the stories we find ourselves in. In this unfolding journey of mystery and self-discovery, we encounter aspects of our hidden or developing selves and seek to integrate these into the person we are becoming. Sometimes the journey of becoming is filled with uncertainty, loneliness, or trauma. It is in these moments that we seek a place of belonging – a companion to hold space with us as we navigate difficult passages in our lives.
Psychologist Carl Rogers taught, and research has confirmed, that the therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist holds incredible potential for transformation. When there is compassionate listening, authentic connection, and nonjudgmental presence, a powerful space opens up where a person feels safe enough to explore their lives with courage and vulnerability. It is my goal to create this welcoming space with my clients.
I am passionate about companioning with people to explore the hills and valleys of their life experiences and supporting them as they seek new ways to understand and identify themselves within their own stories. If you are looking for a safe and caring person with whom to explore ideas, ask questions, wrestle with the familiar, investigate the unknown, and to get to know yourself better, I would be glad to partner with you!
areas of interest…
My approach…
I enjoy helping people to identify and live according to their values and belief, to make room for deeper self-confidence and self-compassion, and partner with them in the transformative process of becoming the most authentic version of themselves.
My approach is eclectic and varies depending on the needs and personalities of my clients. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) and individuals (EFIT), and I incorporate aspects of person-centred, existential, narrative, psychodynamic, internal family systems, and cognitive behavioural therapies. In addition, I believe our journeys of becoming are also spiritual journeys. For those who desire it, I provide a spiritually-integrated approach to assist clients in exploring their spiritualities as a rich resource for meaning-making, hope, and transformation.
education and qualifications:
Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality
Clinical Pastoral Education, 1st and 2nd Advanced
Master of Theological Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Quote:
"This process of the good life is not, I am convinced, a life for the faint-hearted. It involves the stretching and growing of becoming more and more of one's potentialities. It involves the courage to be. It means launching oneself fully into the stream of life. Yet the deeply exciting thing about human beings is that when the individual is inwardly free, they choose as the good life this process of becoming."
~ Carl Rogers
For more information,
or to schedule a session:
More About My specialties
[ Open All | Close All ]Teens
...This can be a time of uncertainty for parents as well, as they seek new ways to connect and communicate in the midst of these many changes. I will work with you and your teen to explore the landscape of their experience and identity; to build communication skills so they can talk about their feelings and needs; to strengthen their self-confidence and access self-compassion; and to provide healthy coping skills and resources. I will also provide parenting support to help you nurture a secure attachment with your teen so that your relationship can weather tumultuous times ahead.
Couples
... My goal is to help you build a safe and secure attachment so that you can turn to each other in times of vulnerability and pain, and receive understanding and comfort from your partner. While we do the deeper work of exploring emotions, unpacking old stories, and renegotiating unhelpful patterns, I’ll also provide you with practical supports along the way to help you build safety and connection from one session to the next.
Pre-Marriage Counselling
... I will support both of you in increasing self awareness; building healthy communication patterns; identifying needs, values, and potential conflict areas; and supporting you in nurturing a secure attachment from which to face the joys and challenges of your future life together.
Gender and Identity
... learning to live out and proud; or navigating the nuances of living in a binary-breaking way. I provide a queer-affirming, safe, and nonjudgmental space for you to be who you are, so that you and your story may be held with compassion, curiosity, and celebration.
