This page contains a list of resources I’ve come across throughout my career that some of my clients may find useful. Some are specific to the Greater Vancouver area as that is where I practice. Please note that I will not respond to unsolicited requests to add resources to this page.
If you would like to chat about treatment options including counselling, neurofeedback, arts in health, and massage therapy, please contact my clinic’s office team here for further information: https://www.alongsideyou.ca/contact/
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 from anywhere in Canada, for services in English and French. If you are at risk of harm, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
ADHD
- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada – helpful apps for people with ADHD. The entire website is also worth exploring.
Anxiety
- The 5-4-3-2-1 technique: one of the simplest and most effective grounding techniques I teach nearly all of my clients.
- Body Scan Meditation
Autism
- Autcraft – a dedicated Minecraft server designed to be a safe haven for neurodiverse children.
- Championing Neurodiversity in the Non-Profit Workplace – informative blog article on ally-ship with neurodiverse colleagues.
- Sources Access PBS – a family-centred, self-referred fee-for-service positive behaviour support program for families with children aged 0-19.
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver – Providing Resources and Independence for Youth Development (PRIYD) program – one-on-one and group support for youth with special needs aged 7 – 19. Referral from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), typically via a social worker, is required.
Bipolar Disorder
- PolarUS – an app for quality of life with bipolar disorder, built by a research team at UBC in conjunction with clients and clinicians.
Divorce and Separation
- Whenever possible and appropriate, I strongly encourage families to pursue the Collaborative Process of dispute resolution rather than proceed with expensive litigation. More information can be found here:
- There are many resources for children, and parents, on the Families Change website by the Justice Education Society of BC.
- For cases of parental alienation, Alyson Jones & Associates (based in West Vancouver) have a commendable family reunification program.
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver offer a Family Preservation program. Referral from an MCFD social worker is required.
Grief and Loss
- BC Bereavement Helpline
- Healing Hearts groups by Moms Stop the Harm (support for those who have lost a loved one to substance use related harms).
- Hyacinth Fellowship – resources and support for people who have accidentally/unintentionally harmed others.
- Sesame Street has resources including cards, storybooks, caregiver guides and journals for supporting children through grief.
Indigenous Concerns
- The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia has a Mental Health Benefit to help with the cost of counselling: https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/mental-health
- DUDES Club – indigenous-centred wellness groups for self-identifying men.
- Jordan’s Principle Hub: Find a Service Coordinator or submit a request for funding for services for BC First Nations children.
Mental Health (General)
- BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed).
- BounceBack BC – free cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) resources for adults and youth age 13+. Some eligibility criteria.
- CBTskills.ca offers virtual CBT groups for people with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, people with ADHD, and parents of children age 0-6.
- Feelings and Needs Inventory – free (or by-donation) workbook from the Center for Nonviolent Communication.
- Kelty Mental Health has a website with a variety of resources for all sorts of challenges. Worth looking around!
- Reduced-Cost Counselling Options in Metro Vancouver – regularly updated list by Willow Tree Counselling
- The Emotion Wheel – tool for understanding the root emotion underneath tension.
- The Gathering Place – Vancouver community centre that serves vulnerable populations including people on lower income, people with disabilities, seniors, people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTQ community, youth, and people who are homeless.
Mindfulness
- Mindfulness for Teens
- Helpful apps:
- Calm (my personal favourite!)
- Headspace
- Waking Up
- 10% Happier
- Breathr (free and offers a variety of mindfulness practices)
OCD
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC – offers free drop-in support groups and lots of helpful information.
- Emotions BC – support group for families of people with emotional difficulties.
- Sashbear Foundation Family Connections Program – free online 12-week support group for friends and families of a loved one who has emotion regulation difficulties.
Self-Care
Apps
- Finch – you are responsible for a virtual pet that grows when you accomplish goals, small or large.
- Habitica – productivity and task management; a to-do list role-playing game (RPG).
Substance Use
- Moms Stop the Harm
- Support group for those with a loved one who uses or is in any stage of recovery: Holding Hope
- Last Door – recovery centre for youth and adult men; also offers support for their families.
- Peak House – 10-week live-in program in Vancouver for youth experiencing problems with drugs including alcohol. Referral from an alcohol/drug community counsellor required.
Teens/Youth
- The BC Helpline for Children is available 24/7 at 310-1234 (no area code needed). You are not required to give your name if you do not wish to.
- Foundry BC – free virtual and in-person mental health support for youth age 12-24 (and, optionally or alternatively, also for their caregivers).
- Mindfulness for Teens
- Urban Resilience Opportunities for Kids (UROK) – weekend outings around Vancouver for building skills and connections while having fun.
Workplace Conflict
- Managing Emotions in Workplace Conflict – informative webinar.