Tamara Ukwu

She/her/hers

Counsellor
Supervisor
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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.

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.

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.
About
Tamara

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