About Shala

Hello & Welcome

I'm Shala (shay-la), I’m a Black-Canadian cis-femme of West African, Indigenous, and Western European descent. I'm currently fortunate to live and provide counselling service on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), B.C.

Some of my roles include being an aunty, sister, daughter, close friend, social worker, and counsellor. As a counsellor I hold space for my clients to show up authentically: whether they're feeling down and demoralized, determined and energized, or somewhere in between, I connect with folks where they're at. I view wellness as a daily practice that often involves care for the mind, body, spirit, and broader community. In session I practice my values of kindness, compassion, curiosity, and positive-regard in supporting folks who may be struggling with:

- workplace burnout
- social isolation/ loneliness
- anxiety or depressive symptoms
- stressful life transitions
- body image issues
- race-based trauma/ grief
- microaggressions/ racism
- identity
- intergenerational trauma
- internalized-oppression

I view my clients as the experts of their own lives who, with a supportive ear and tangible actions, can find balance and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Modalities Used:
- Cognitive - Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Strengths-based apporaches
- Anti-oppressive practice
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
- Trauma-informed
- Family Systems
- Solutions Focused Brief Therapy
- System-Navigation & Resource Linkage

If you'd like to learn more I'd be happy to connect with you for a free intake call; see the Open Mind Counselling website below for further details.
Warmly,
Shala

More About Me:
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/british-columbia/coquitlam/shala-symonds
https://www.blackhealingfund.com/healers/shala-symonds
https://www.openmindcounselling.com/

Issues

Specializes In