CAREENA SHARMA, MA, RCC
Professions: Counsellor, Psychotherapist
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology.
Counselling is a collaborative journey of exploring feelings, emotions and behaviours through systematic interventions. Counselling can be daunting for some. It is why I strive to create a confidential space for my clients’ personal growth. I welcome clients with diverse backgrounds. I have been told that my warm personality, active listening skills and non-judgmental approach allows clients to build trust in me and the process of personal development through talk therapy.
Careena Sharma
Theraputic Approach
Careena Sharma’s therapeutic approach is based on the needs and values of each client. I practice a client-centered approach with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Family Systems Therapy and Mindfulness.
Services Offered by Careena Sharma
COACHING
As a life coach, I offer a comprehensive evaluation to identify barriers to personal and professional growth. As a team, we will work on building confidence and self-awareness to overcome life’s obstacles. Then we establish achievable goals and develop strategies to help you succeed. I am with you every step of the way to help you pursue your passion.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
This is a process where I work one-on-one with my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours. Clients may benefit from therapy with as little as six to eight sessions or as much as several years (depending on individual needs and personal growth).
FAMILY THERAPY
In family therapy sessions, I work with families as a unit. We work collaboratively to identify issues and patterns that contribute to problems in relationships. I provide verbal and non-verbal communication styles to help connect different personalities and create positive change.
MARRIAGE, COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP THERAPY
As a Gottman trained level 1 and 2 therapist, I work with couples to address any immediate concerns they may face in their relationship. I facilitate helpful dialogue amongst couples in a safe and comfortable environment. We work together to identify the strengths and challenges of the relationship. All couple sessions are in-person and range from 50-90 minutes depending on availability.
Please note: The couples counselling format is different from individual counselling. Further details will be explained during a complimentary 15-minute in-person or phone session.
WHAT OUR FIRM IS BEST AT
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
STRESS
stress is your body’s response to any kind of change, threat or adjustment. Negative or positive pressures can cause stress. It’s a feeling of being overloaded and struggling to keep up with constant demands such as work, financial, relationship and much more. Stress can be physical and psychological and it is linked with many health conditions. Some people experience ongoing stress after experiencing a traumatic event. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In my work with clients experiencing stress I incorporate mindful meditation and effective breathing techniques to induce relaxation.
ANXIETY
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. Common signs of anxiety are experiencing extreme fear, worry, restlessness, rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Anxiety not only affects your body but also your thoughts and behaviours. Therefore, I incorporate a cognitive behavioural therapeutic (CBT) approach when working with clients suffering from anxiety. CBT emphasizes the physical symptoms of your body’s response, our thoughts and our behaviour (actions) during a stressful situation. It is known to be the most effective approach in providing clients with the tools to manage anxiety.
DEPRESSION
Depression varies for everyone but more commonly its known as a condition where a person feels sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life for more than two weeks. These feelings interfere with daily activities making it difficult to lead a normal life. Overcoming depression starts by seeking help. As a trained professional, I sit with you in your darkest hour to support you and bring you back your happy self. We work together to create a treatment plan custom to your needs with lifestyle changes and practical techniques to combat depression.
POSTPARTUM
Maternal mental health is a serious concern. In June of 2019, Statistics Canada published a report stating that almost 23% of mothers who recently gave birth experienced either post-partum depression or an anxiety disorder. As a new mom myself, I can relate to the baby blues. Through my own personal journey, I learned ways to manage postpartum depression with talk therapy, asking for help and making self-care a priority. I’m on a mission to help other moms feel supported in this journey with effective tools to manage the baby blues.
ADDICTIONS
Addictions is a brain altering disease where people find themselves unable to break a compulsive habit despite its harmful consequences. My training as a substance use counsellor with Fraser Health prepared me to help clients gain control of their destructive behaviour. Addiction is a multi-faceted condition with risk factors including (but not limited to) biological, psychological and environmental influences. It is important to note that addictions are a treatable condition when addressing prevention and manage recurrence.
RELATIONSHIPS
Sometimes it takes years for couples to accept their unhealthy relationship patterns. Perhaps due to admission of guilt or shame. As a Gottman trained (level 1 and 2) couples therapist, I provide a safe space for my couples to address their concerns while exploring the bigger picture of their relationship. Through counselling, you will gain effective tools to communicate your needs, thoughts and emotions while listening to your partner more carefully. This cultivates positive change for a healthy relationship.
FAMILY
Families can be complicated with a combination of many different personalities trying to mesh together. Family counselling involves the whole family coming together to build a stronger relationship. In family counselling, we work on improving communication and understand the root cause of the problems that people face.
TRAUMA
Trauma is a severe psychological distress following a threatening experience. Trauma can be physical, emotional and/or sexual. After experiencing a traumatic event, a person may undergo several emotional reactions such as, denial, guilt, fear or PTSD. In a collaborative therapeutic setting, we can develop healthy coping mechanisms to help you overcome these negative feelings and diminish its effects.
News Letters
Sept 9, 2019
Private Practice Announcement by Careena Sharma, Spruce Health Wellness.
After taking a break from my private practice, I am back! The last couple of years have been a rollercoaster ride
for me (in a good way). I got married, had a baby and have been busy raising my little guy.
Latest News
Latest From The Careena Sharma Blog
Mental Health Uncovered
Mental health refers to one’s cognitive, behavioural and emotional well-being. It affects how we think, feel and behave. Our mental health determines the way we manage stressors, our thought patterns[…]
Read moreWhat is the cost?
Pricing
Each individual session is 50-minutes. If you wish to book a longer session, you may request that at the time of booking. Each individual session is 50-minutes. If you wish to book a longer session, you may request that at the time of booking.
Careena Sharma also offers a 15-min free introductory session for new clients.
I also accept ICBC cases for anyone injured in a crash. I will help you through the recovery process to regain confidence.
Extended Health
I received my designation of Registered Clinical
Counsellor (RCC) from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
If you have extended health coverage through
your employer you may be eligible for reimbursement after seeing a Registered
Clinical Counsellor. If you are unsure whether you are covered through your
extended health benefits, please contact your employer or insurance provider.
WHERE WE ARE
Qi Integrated Health Building
1764 West 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 5A3
CONNECT
Contact us
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A Designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
