Unit 490 - 604 Columbia Street,
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1A5
One block from Columbia Skytrain Station
In-person counselling in New Westminster
Secure virtual counselling anywhere in B.C.
Weekday, evening, and Saturday sessions.
Now Accepting New Clients!
About Alisa
Compassionate counselling for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma.
Affirming therapy for ADHD and Autism.
Welcome! I'm Alisa, (RCC, CCC), and I'm here to support you on your journey toward a better life. Through a diverse and rewarding career in clinical counselling, youth work, and special education I've supported hundreds of clients to grow and live their best lives. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, or have ADHD or Autism, I'm experienced and dedicated to helping you thrive.
In our sessions, you'll find a safe, judgment-free space where we can explore your challenges and strengths as we chart a path forward together. From our very first session, we'll work collaboratively to identify practical steps to cope, find relief, and envision a future where these struggles no longer define you.
Ready to take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with me today, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Our Services
Rates & FAQs
Rates & Services
At Growing Minds, our counselling fees are aligned with the BCACC recommended fees. Extended health plans often cover counselling fees for plan members, please reach out to your extended health provider for details.
For more information about choosing a clinical counsellor that feels right for you, recommended fee ranges, extended health, and sliding scales please visit:
EMDR
At Growing Minds Counseling, we have added EMDR therapy, a proven approach based on Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). This therapy allows clients to reevaluate and restructure their relationship with traumatic memories, helping them recognize that those experiences are behind them. In a nurturing and secure setting, I work with you to foster a strong sense of safety in your present life. Take the first step towards healing and reach out for a personalized session.
More Rates & Service Information
Initial Consultation
Free
A chance for you to meet Alisa, ask questions, and see how counselling at Growing Minds fits for you.
Individual
$140
Our in-person or secure virtual 50-minute individual sessions provide a judgement-free, confidential, and secure space to explore what matters most to you.
Couples & Families
$160
Our in-person or secure virtual 50-minute couples or family sessions provide a confidential and secure space for couples and families to connect, understand, and nurture the bond that drives their desire for family wellness.
SAJE Funding
$85
As part of our commitment to youth who have spent time in government care we are proud to offer $85 individual sessions through SAJE.
Mental Health First Aid
At Growing Minds, we are committed to building the mental wellness of our community by offering the Mental Health Commission of Canada's (MHCC) Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Contact us for pricing and availability.
Therapeutic Approach
It begins with you
My therapeutic approach begins with you - you are the expert in your life. Therapy at Growing Minds is much more than a one sided conversation. I bring compassion, deep listening, and a touch of humour. I also bring reflection, impactful questions, and gentle challenges to help you dig a little deeper, process difficult emotions, recognize your strengths, and safely explore what matters most to you.
Therapy is all about you. It is a safe, caring, and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. No matter what you want to talk about, I am here to listen in a caring, empathetic, and judgement-free way. Tailoring therapy for each client, I use a client-centred, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent affirming approach including attachment therapy, motivational interviewing, psycho-education, harm reduction, and mindfulness.
Therapy may also involve:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
How our waitlist works
To ensure we provide each client with the attention they deserve, we operate on a two to eight-week waitlist. We understand this may affect your timeline and appreciate your patience.
We invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with us. This session will help you determine if counselling at Growing Minds is the right fit for you.
Thank you for your understanding and interest in our practice. We look forward to the possibility of working together to support your journey towards growth and well-being.
Is what I say in counselling really kept confidential?
The therapeutic relationship is unique in that we don’t know each other. Together, we build a safe, genuine, and purposeful relationship centering around what matters most to you. With a few exceptions, you can talk about anything knowing what you say will never leave the room.
For more information:
What are the benefits of virtual therapy?
Virtual therapy offers benefits such as accessibility, reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to access counselling from your home, anywhere in BC, on your schedule. Research indicates that there may be little difference in therapeutic outcomes between virtual and in-person therapy.
For more information:
What are your cancellation fees and policies?
At Growing Minds, we understand that life happens. If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide 48-hours' notice. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48-hours before the appointment start time, a no-show fee for the total cost of the session will be charged.
If you cancel with less than 48-hours' notice because of an unforeseen significant life event we ask that you reach out to us. We may be able to waive the no-cancellation or no-show fee, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I use my extended health benefits?
The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover counselling services. However, many extended health benefits provider cover counselling fees to a specific limit. Please check with your provider for details.
ICBC-Approved Counselling with Direct Billing
If you've been in a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for ICBC-covered counselling at no cost to you. Growing Minds offers trauma-informed therapy to support your emotional recovery — and we handle direct billing, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.
