Question 1

Do you offer counselling support for more than one person?

Accepted Answer

I provide counselling for individuals and couples (including two members of a family). Additionally, I facilitate support groups, which launch as interest lists fill.

Question 2

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

It's true that not every therapist will be a fit for you. This is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation (20 minutes for couples).Think of the consultation as a pressure-free chat - a space for us to meet, talk about what brings you to therapy, and answer any questions you have about how I work. Because a strong therapeutic relationship is so vital to your success, this call is mostly about ensuring you feel safe, comfortable, and aligned with me and my approach before you book a full session.

Question 3

Do I need to prepare anything for my first counselling session?

Accepted Answer

There's no requirement to prepare for your first session; however, it would be helpful for you to consider what you’d like to gain from therapy, what specific challenges you’d like to address, and any questions you might have for me.

Question 4

What happens in my first session?

Accepted Answer

In the first session, we will discuss what brings you to counselling, your goals, and any questions you have. We will also begin building rapport and exploring your personal history, including experiences that shaped how you navigate life. Because a full history takes one to two sessions, we move at a safe, manageable pace. We will leave room for whatever naturally comes up and introduce gentle practices to support you between our meetings.

Question 5

What areas do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in supporting individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and PTSD. My approach is trauma-informed and integrates somatic therapies to address the nervous system. For those dealing with phobias (such as emetophobia or claustrophobia), stress,, I offer tailored support. My practice also includes somatic touch work (chair/table techniques) to help release stored trauma and promote healing. I also provide guidance for life transitions, career challenges, and parenting, as well as codependency, confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, I work with clients navigating family conflict (I do not do counselling for more than two people at a time), and marital or premarital concerns.Whether you're seeking help with coping skills, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, or women's issues, I provide a compassionate and personalized approach to meet your unique needs.

Question 6

What counselling approaches do you use?

Accepted Answer

I am a trauma therapist and integrate Somatic Experiencing®, Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems, person-centred therapy, Gestalt, and transpersonal perspectives. Additionally, I draw on principles from Stan Tatkin’s PACT model and the Gottman Method. I have also completed Level 1 training in Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy (RLT). These approaches help me support couples in understanding their relationship patterns, strengthening connection, communicating more effectively and developing greater awareness and responsibility within the relationship.My work is always tailored to each client's needs and goals.

Question 7

What is a somatic therapist?

Accepted Answer

A somatic therapist can support you in healing from stress, trauma, and emotional pain by exploring how these experiences affect your body. Rather than focusing only on thoughts and feelings, somatic therapy considers the mind and body together, with particular emphasis on the body. It helps you notice and work with physical signs of stress, such as a tight chest, clenched jaw, or persistent exhaustion.I use Somatic Experiencing®, a body-oriented approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), I help clients gently track physical sensations and support their nervous systems in processing stress and moving toward greater balance.You don’t need to have experienced trauma to benefit. Somatic therapy can also support people dealing with anxiety, chronic tension, difficult emotions, life changes, or a general sense of feeling stuck.

Question 8

Do you offer online or virtual counselling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I provide accessible, secure, and private online counselling sessions via Zoom. This allows you to receive support from the comfort and safety of your own space, whether you are in the Delta area or elsewhere in British Columbia.

Question 9

How can I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

You can call or text me on my business number 604-359-5565, or by email at wendy@wendyminichiello.com.

Question 10

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

While my office is located in Ladner Village, I am a short drive from Tsawwassen, Richmond, North Delta, South Surrey and White Rock. I have clients from all over the Vancouver area.​You can also see me virtually on Zoom.

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