I am so glad you are here.

My name is Olga Barrows (she/her). 

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I am a certified counsellor, and I am also an immigrant, a mother, a partner, a feminist, a pacifist, a lifelong learner, and someone who believes deeply in human resilience and connection.

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My education and training includes:

• Complex Trauma training – Justice Institute of BC, Canada

• MA in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University, NB, Canada

• BA in Sociology – University of British Columbia, BC, Canada

• BA in Communications – USU, Yekaterinburg, Russia

   

I have been a counsellor for a little over six years. Before this, in my twenties, I had a career in event management, worked as a journalist and an interpreter. I have also worked and volunteered with at-risk youth in downtown Vancouver supporting teens in recovery through a detox facility, crisis centre and front line work. My passion for supporting others - along with my own journey with mental health and healing - have inspired me to pursue a counselling degree and start my own practice in 2019. Here I also remain grounded in community care and involvement - in addition to my counselling practice in Coquitlam, I also run a pro-bono mental health groups locally. I strongly believe that mental health care is essential. It is not a luxury and should never be out of reach. I work towards reducing and removing barriers in accessing mental health care and support. My belief is that we all can heal and grow in supportive, humane and caring spaces. 

 

I speak three languages: English, Russian and Spanish. Over the course of my life, I have lived in three different countries: Russia, Argentina and Canada. These experiences shaped (and re-shaped) who I am. They also help me see the layers of identity we all carry within ourselves - because we are so much more than where we are born or live. In my practice, I welcome and invite all identities, cultures and lived experiences.

 

I believe that we are all unique and that our experiences shape us in incredible ways. I am fascinated by human journeys and our abilities to heal and grow even through most challenging circumstances.

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Outside of my counselling work, I also love reading, travelling, learning languages (I am learning Japanese right now), and exploring and adventuring with my two young children.

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My work brings me a lot of joy and meaning. It humbles me and inspires me daily. Since counselling is ultimately a human to human connection, I continue to learn from my clients every day.

 

It’s an absolute privilege to walk alongside my clients on their unique healing journeys and to witness incredible human potential to heal, transform and grow.

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Thank you for considering me as a companion for your unique healing journey!

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I am here for you anytime. Let's talk soon!