I am so glad you are here.

My name is Olga Barrows (she/her). 

I am a certified counsellor, 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 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 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 eventually led me to pursue a counselling degree and start my own practice. Here I remain grounded in community care as well. In addition to my counselling practice in Coquitlam, I also run pro-bono mental health groups locally. I strongly believe that mental health care is essential and I work towards reducing and removing barriers in accessing 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 Russia, Argentina and Canada. These experiences not only shaped who I am but also help me connect with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I believe 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. I am always curious to learn more. In my practice, I welcome and invite all identities, cultures and lived experiences.

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Outside of my counselling work, I 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. As 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 that we all carry within.

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

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Let's talk soon!