About • Homa Papaei Counselling | Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver

I am Homa Papaei

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). I strive to be a wholehearted, centered, and compassionate counsellor, drawing from over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals to connect with themselves. I firmly believe that each person has the capacity to navigate through their negative thoughts or experiences and find meaning in their lives. My role as a counsellor is to collaboratively explore with my clients the various aspects of their lives and understand how these pieces interconnect.

I actively pursue knowledge of the latest research and techniques to enhance my practice, focusing on empirically proven strategies to facilitate change. This includes staying informed about developments in neurological sciences and the growing understanding of the mind-body connection in current research.

My areas of expertise include eating disorders, relationships, trauma, and anxiety. Depending on the client's needs, I utilize a combination of Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness techniques, Emotional Family Focus Therapy (EFFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Psychotherapy, and principles of Attachment Theory to support their journey towards healing and growth.

What’s on your mind?

Do I really need therapy, or can I handle this on my own?

It is natural to want to manage problems on your own, but seeking therapy can provide you with new perspectives and tools to handle challenges more effectively. Here is a few things to consider if you need to talk with a counselor:

First, the severity and duration of the problem: If the problem that causing you distress or any kind of emotional difficulties has lasted for several weeks or is worsening over time,
Second, the impact on daily life: if your issues are significantly interfere with some part of your life like work, maintaining relationships, studying or enjoying life.
Third, Complexity of issues: sometimes the problems we face are complex and intertwine with deep personal histories or trauma, which might make it more effective to work with a counselor.
And the last, confidentiality and comfort. Knowing that your discussions are private can make you feel safe enough to open up and share sensitive or deeply personal issues without fear of judgment or exposure.

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What if therapy makes me feel worse instead of better?

Therapy can occasionally make you feel worse before you feel better, especially in the early stages. This can happen as you begin to address painful memories. However, if this feeling persists, it is important to address it with your therapist. Together with your therapist, you can review your goals, or your counselor might consider a different therapeutic approach.

Isn’t therapy just for people with serious mental health issues?

Not at all! Therapy can benefit everyone. Counseling is a tool that can help you to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, and manage stress.

Therapy can provide a space to discuss anything in your mind, like personal growth, and developing strategies for everyday problems.

What if I don’t know what to talk about in therapy?

Many people might feel unsure about what to discuss when they first start counseling. Your therapist can guide the conversation and ask quotations to uncover what’s important for you to talk about.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

This is a hard question to answer. The duration of therapy can vary widely. Depending on individual needs, goals, and circumstances. If it is a short-term therapy lasting between 5 to 8 weeks, it focuses on specific issues or skills, such as managing anxiety in social situations. Long-term therapy might delve deeper into personal growth, past trauma, or ongoing mental health challenges.

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Also, different approaches change the length of therapy, For example, brief therapies like solution-focused therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are designed to be shorter, while psychodynamic therapy may take longer.

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How do I know if a therapist is right for me?

Finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is important. There are some factors to consider. First, make sure your therapist is licensed and has experience dealing with the issues you wish to address. Also, therapeutically, what is her therapeutic approach? Therapists use different methods. It’s important to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you or feels right.

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Additionally, you should feel comfortable and safe talking openly with her. Consider practical aspects such as location, availability, and whether they accept your insurance. And most importantly, schedule an initial consultation, which can be a good opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their style and personality.

It’s perfectly normal to try out a few therapists before finding the right one. Effective therapy often hinges on the strength of the therapist-client relationship, so take your time to find someone who feels like the right fit for you.

Where should I start therapy?

Let's start with a 15-minute complimentary consultation which will give you a better idea about the upcoming journey.