Counselling Approach: Andrea has her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University. She believes we are created by a relational God to have meaningful relationships with both Him and others. However, our deepest wounds and strongest defenses are often the result of painful relational experiences. This can affect the way we view ourselves, our family, the world and God. Andrea’s role as therapist is to create a supportive and caring relationship in which she can partner with clients towards healing and growth: relationally, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Andrea uses an attachment-based lens and emotionally focused techniques to help the client understand their journey, along with practical tools and strategies to help the client reach their goals. Andrea deeply believes that that true freedom and healing, even in the midst of significant pain, loss and trauma is possible – and that the Living God desires to meet us in the most tender way in the most painful places. Andrea’s clinical interests include: anxiety; depression; trauma; working with those coming out of, or entering missions work; burn-out and stress; and working with individuals involved in vocational or para-church ministries. She has additional training in Observed Experiential Integration (OEI levels 1 and 2), an eye-movement therapy which helps to facilitate the neurobiological and emotional integration of trauma. Faith and Family: Throughout Andrea’s history of lay and vocational ministry experience, she frequently wished she had a stronger understanding of the way our mind, emotions and physiological responses are connected. This led her to her MA in Counselling Psychology. Yet, throughout her MA studies, Andrea often wondered if psychology can truly heal all that ails us, and how the work of the Holy Spirit, the Word and community can be an active part of our journey of change and growth. This desire to provide sound therapeutic support, based in evidence-based practice, partnered with the transformative work of Christ led Andrea to Mercy Seat Ministry. She has experienced the power of God in her own experience of ministry fatigue and burn-out and has experienced freedom in the invitation of Jesus to live freely and lightly. Andrea has been married to her amazing husband Kyle for 12 years, and together they have three girls. She loves to travel, read, cook and spend time outdoors with her family. Her greatest joy is seeing lives transformed by the kindness of God and the power of the cross.

Counselling Approach: Andrea has her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western Unive... Read More