Therapist Anna MacGillivray walking along water

Compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for folks seeking emotional support, greater understanding of self, and increased health and well-being.

My belief is that through holding space for clients to explore patterns, beliefs, and choices without judgement, healing and growth can be supported. The shifts in perspective clients experience in therapy often come with discomfort and I hope to create an environment of safety and trust to ease the growth work. Whatever you may be struggling with or wanting to explore, I hope to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for your self-discovery. I aim to meet you where you’re at, to understand where you want you to go, and to come alongside you as you seek change.

The journey inward may be lonely at times, and I aspire for you to feel seen, heard, and empowered in your pursuit of greater health.

Floral bouquet in clinical counsellor Anna MacGillivray's office

My approach to counselling integrates and blends strategies from Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy, The Gottman Method, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Focusing Oriented Therapy, and bodywork techniques. As I work to understand and support your health and wellbeing, I have become keenly aware of the value of connection to and integration of mind, body, and soul. When learning is embodied, life can begin to shift and change. My studies have led me to be interested in yoga, nutrition, Ayurveda, and the like, in order to gain a greater understanding of health and the human experience, and allowing me to support you through a holistic lens.

Portrait of Counsellor Anna MacGillivray sitting on tree

Hi! I’m Anna,

Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in downtown Vancouver.

My approach to clinical counselling is rooted in the idea that the body holds knowledge that cannot always be expressed through words. I firmly believe that change is possible through connection and awareness of self. I aim to work alongside clients to help them gain safety and comfort in their lives, their relationships, and their bodies. Incorporating emotion processing techniques, psycho-education, somatic techniques, and exploring emotional and behavioural patterning, I offer a holistic approach to therapy. As we connect to our own worth and value in the world, we can develop the capacity to move through difficult emotions with confidence. My hope is that clients leave our interactions feeling seen, heard, and supported in their growth.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and have additional training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Clinical Hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and yoga. I work with youth and adults looking to gain more understanding of self and worldview, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and other emotional and mental health concerns.

Education & Training

I am dedicated to lifelong learning and development. I continue to seek training and education to best support my clients as our understanding of psychology and trauma continues to develop.

REGISTRATION & DEGREES

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor #16820 – BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

  • Master of Counselling Psychology – Adler University

  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology – Redeemer University

counselling credentials

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS COMPLETED 

  • Emotion Focused Therapy Level 1- Dr. Leslie Greenberg

  • Somatic Experiencing

    • Beginner I-III

    • Intermediate I-III

  • Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration - Numinus

  • How the Body Keeps the Score:  Intensive Trauma Treatment

  • Treating Complex Trauma: Beyond Competency

  • Enneagram Intensive – Renee Rosario, The Narrative Enneagram

  • Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy: Certified Level One – Dr. Dorie McCubbrey

  • Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapy - Karen Day, Daybreak Therapy and Training

  • Indigenous Awareness Certificate

  • Neuroscience and Satir in the Sand Tray Level 1 – Satir Institute

  • Demystifying Dreamwork – Dr. Leslie Ellis

  • Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training- Yoga Outreach

  • Using the Enneagram in Psychological Assessment - Dr Marlene Cresci-Cohen and Helen Palmer (MA)

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1 – Dr. John and Julie Gottman

  • The Transformational Enneagram – Russ Hudson

  • Introduction to Focusing-Oriented Therapy – Dr. Leslie Ellis

  • 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training – De La Sol Yoga

Ready to work with Anna?