Rita Girn

The first thing you should know about me is that I lead with my heart. I acknowledge the privilege of this work and the courage required to engage in therapy. I truly believe we are all looking for connection, belonging, and compassion, whether that is from the outside world or from within ourselves. I am honoured to walk alongside you and hold space for your most vulnerable and true self. My purpose as a therapist is to provide specialized services that make sense for you and your goals as you grow and learn. I find great delight in seeing people heal the wounds of the past, live more wholeheartedly in the present, and have a clear vision and tools for their future.

Areas of Specialization:
Trauma
Pregnancy,Postpartum and Parenting
Reproductive Health, Infertility and Third Party Reproduction
Grief and Loss (including tragic loss)
Life Transitions

You can read more about my specialization at https://www.ritagirn.com/specialties

As a counsellor, I will work with you to increase your awareness to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and develop skills to improve your relationship with yourself and others. Philosophically, I truly value the Adlerian approach which focuses on the individual, their sense of belonging, and how their perspective about themselves, their relationships and the world impact their daily lives. We all have a story to share and I look forward to hearing yours while supporting you to create the change you desire.

I specialize in working with those who have experienced trauma, loss and perinatal mental health. Perinatal mental health includes: those trying to conceive, those that are pregnant and those in the postpartum period. A variety of thoughts, feelings and behaviours come up at each stage and are different for each person. Those thoughts and feelings associated with this decision and process of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum period can be all over the spectrum (positive, negative, scary, overwhelming, etc.). Society portrays and expects this period to evolve in a certain way and for parents to react in a very specific manner. There is so much internal and external pressure on those wanting to be parents and those who are parents. On top of these expectations there is such stigma when individuals, couples and caregivers do not fit the mold of what is expected. This period can be very overwhelming and isolating and may not follow the route you wanted or expected and that’s where I can help. The perinatal population also includes related concerns of: infertility, grief and loss, traumatic birth, relational and couples counselling, postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and rediscovering your identity and relationship after childbirth.

I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the Adler University and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. I am a Registered Social Worker (#10026) with the BC College of Social Workers and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#12511) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician and EMDR Therapist. I have over 16 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families.

I value Integrity, Accountability, Competence, Self-Awareness and Social Interest. I integrate various evidence-based therapies to suit your specific needs, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Attachment Therapy, Gottman Method, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) all with a mindfulness-based approach.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am also available for coaching, speaking engagements, clinical consultation and supervision, workshop facilitation and group counselling in the areas of perinatal mental health, conflict resolution, communication skills, interpersonal relationships, depression and anxiety.

Insurance Policy:
My fees are often covered by extended health plans. However, I do not bill insurance companies directly. If you are using insurance, my receipts have the necessary information so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company. Please ensure that your provider covers Registered Social Workers or Certified Clinical Counsellors.

48 Hour Cancellation Policy:
A minimum of 48 business hours (Monday-Friday between 8am -5pm) is required to cancel or reschedule. If you do not show for your scheduled therapy appointment, and you have not notified me at least 48 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.

I offer virtual counselling services including live chat, asynchronous (encrypted email), telephone and video sessions only. I have obtained additional training through the University of Toronto and Postpartum Support International for Teletherapy for the Perinatal population to ensure I provide ethical and competent services while adhering to my governing body and privacy laws.

I want to ensure that I am the right fit for you. Please email me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right fit for you and that virtual therapy meets your needs.