Supervisor

Tamara Ukwu

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I have more than 15 years of providing therapy to diverse individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. I hold Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, and am a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia. I am also a PhD candidate at the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. In addition, I hold a two-year specialization for Primary Prevention of Addiction accredited by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and NARKO-NE Association from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe. I am currently working in the Child and Adolescent Stabilization Unit at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and in Stenberg College (where I am a Clinical Practicum Monitor in Counselling Program). I help clients to optimize strengths, build resilience and cultivate growth. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment and developing a therapeutic and trusting relationship. I work collaboratively with clients to help facilitate learning and understanding of self, to create positive change despite the circumstances that led to the crisis.

Approach

My practice is eclectic and is drawn from evidence-based approaches including a person center approach, strength-based perspectives, attachment theory, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), mindfulness and Internal Family Systems Therapy. I believe that connection and trust within the therapeutic relationship are essential. I provide education to increase understanding and insight and provide practical skills they can implement and to take control back in your life.

Specialization

I bring international experience, specialization in primary prevention of addiction, trauma-informed training (DBT and CBT trained), a social justice lens and expertise with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds to my practice. I work mostly with adults, youth and their families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, trauma, emotional dysregulation and different forms of depression. I am Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) and ICBC-approved counsellor.
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https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/how-social-media-affects-your-mental-health
How Social Media Affects Your Mental Health

Have you ever started feeling anxious when you see social media posts about luxurious holidays, fun social events, or major life milestones?

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/is-therapy-worth-it
Is Therapy Worth It?

Do you ever feel too overwhelmed to deal with your problems? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness.

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Phare Counselling
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: Therapeutic Book Club (March 14–May 9)

Join us March 14 to May 9, 2024, to learn simple yet powerful ways to set healthy boundaries in all aspects of your life!

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/what-type-of-therapy-is-best-for-you
What Type of Therapy Is Best for You?

Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or relationship issues, understanding your options is the first step towards finding the right path to healing and personal growth.

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/what-is-sliding-scale-therapy-and-how-does-it-work
What is Sliding Scale Therapy and How Does It Work?

Sliding scale therapy is a flexible payment model used by mental health professionals to make their services more accessible and affordable to individuals who may have financial constraints.

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/adhd-paralysis-and-7-tips-to-overcome-it
ADHD Paralysis and 7 Tips to Overcome It

Discover how to combat ADHD paralysis with seven tailored tips. Learn effective ways to regain focus and productivity today!

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/5-tips-for-managing-adhd-symptoms-in-daily-life
5 Tips for managing ADHD symptoms in daily life

In this video, we'll be sharing 5 practical tips for managing ADHD symptoms in your daily life. Whether you've recently been diagnosed with ADHD or have been living with it for years, these tips can help you improve your focus, organization, and productivity. At Phare Counselling, we specialize in helping clients with ADHD through therapy and counseling sessions. If you're interested in learning more about our services, visit our website or book a session today.

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/coaching-vs-counselling-whats-the-difference
Coaching vs. Counselling: what's the difference?

Coach Emma Goult talks to Ray about the difference between counselling and coaching: how do you know which one's right for you?

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Phare Counselling
https://www.pharecounselling.com/mental-health-blog/adhd-life-hacks-creating-a-daily-routine
ADHD life hacks: Creating a Daily Routine

Are you struggling to manage your ADHD symptoms? In this video series, we'll share practical tips and tricks to help you stay focused, organized, and on track. From creating a daily routine to managing distractions, these ADHD life hacks will help you take control of your life and thrive.

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Phare Counselling
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