Meet Monica
Hi, I'm Monica — and I'm glad you're here.
I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
I come to this work with my own understanding of what it feels like to carry high expectations. I grew up in a first-generation Canadian household with Eastern European roots, where achievement mattered a lot, and I spent years as a competitive downhill ski racer learning to push through rather than pause and ask what I actually needed. That experience shapes how I show up with clients now. I know what it's like to feel like you're always supposed to be doing more, and I believe there's real relief in finally having space to slow down and be honest about what's underneath that.
My work is grounded in a relational, depth-oriented approach that centres curiosity, emotional honesty, and genuine human connection. I support adults, teens, and couples navigating a wide range of life experiences, from anxiety and relationship patterns to identity shifts and the weight of high expectations.
My training and experience spans private practice, community mental health, crisis response, and multidisciplinary settings. I bring a trauma-informed, client-centred lens to every session, and I'm committed to ongoing supervision and professional development to ensure the care I offer is grounded, ethical, and thoughtful.
Outside the Therapy Room
When I'm not in session, you'll usually find me somewhere on a trail, on a mountain, or somewhere near the water. I grew up in Ontario, made Vancouver Island home for a while, and eventually settled in Vancouver. Wherever I've lived, I still find something grounding and alive about being up in the mountains, and there's something about chasing light through the trees or finding a view that stops you in your tracks that never gets old.
When I'm not outside, I'm usually exploring a new café, getting lost in a good playlist, or curled up with a book. These are the things that keep me grounded, curious, and genuinely present in the work I do.
And then there's Odie. He's my dog, my hiking partner, and my most enthusiastic cheerleader. He never misses a trail, rarely misses a swim, and always charges ahead while I'm still questioning whether the climb was worth it. Of course he's right, it always is.
