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Shala Symonds

Shala Symonds (she/ her/ hers) is a Registered Social Worker with the B.C.College of Social Workers who holds a Master's degree from the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Shala has worked in the health and social service sectors for over 10 years. During the last four years Shala focused her practice on supporting patients, families, and caregivers through destabilizing times of change within hospitals and primary care clinical settings.

SPECIALTIES IN COUNSELLING

  • Anxiety

  • Chronic Pain/Illness

  • Cultural Identity

  • Depression

  • Grief & Loss

  • Healthcare Workers

  • Life Transitions

  •  Trauma/PTSD

  • Racial Identity

  • Self-esteem

  • Stress

  • Teen/Adolescents

  • Workplace Stress

  • Instagram

ABOUT SHALA 

Hi there — I’m Shala, and I’m glad you’re here. I believe therapy works best when people feel supported, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone. I approach counselling with a commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and holistic wellness, recognizing the many ways our experiences—both internal and external—impact our mental and emotional health. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, and intersectional feminism, and I view wellness holistically, recognizing the transformative potential of therapy that integrates social justice principles. I am passionate about creating a therapeutic space where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) are truly seen, heard, and centered.

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In our work together, I walk alongside you on your healing journey, helping you overcome challenges and navigate life’s ups and downs. I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation to help break unhelpful patterns, build coping skills, and develop practical tools for lasting change.

My approach is gentle, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I aim to empower clients to feel more confident, resilient, and in control of their lives, whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, life transitions, or simply looking to grow and thrive.

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I am committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where all clients feel valued, supported, and equipped to pursue their personal growth and emotional well-being. If you are seeking BIPOC-centered therapy, trauma-informed counselling, or support in developing strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or life transitions, I would be honoured to support you on your journey toward healing and well-being.

AVAILABILITY

   In Person Appointments

  • Wednesday & Friday

   Virtual Appointments

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

CREDENTIALS & TRAINING

  • Bachelors of Social Work (BSW)

  • Masters of Social Work (MSW)

  • Registered Social Worker (RSW) with BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW)

  • Registered member of the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASAW)

  • Essentials of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training, Beck Institute

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) Training 

  • Acute and Primary Care Social Work

  • Adult Guardianship Training 

  • Brief Solutions Focused Therapy 

  • Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Training

  • Policy Analyst Support, Ontario Human Rights Commission Practicum (2015 - 2016) 

  • Research and Policy Analyst Assistant, Anti-Racism Directorate, Ontario Cabinet (2016 - 2017)

  • Support Worker, Aboriginal Mothers’ Centre Society (Transitional Housing)

  • Student Researcher, First Nations Health Authority

  • San’Yas Indigenous Culturally Safety Training 

  • Youth Worker, For Youth Initiative​

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