Sometimes what changes isn't the struggle itself—
it's the way we come to understand and relate to it
Monique Salmon, MA, RCC
Counselling offers a space to slow down, better understand your experiences, and discover new ways of responding to life's challenges with greater curiosity, compassion, and choice.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a life transition, living with anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic pain, relationship challenges, or simply finding that life has become more difficult than it once was, you'll be met with warmth, respect, and genuine curiosity. Together, we'll take the time to better understand your experiences and discover new ways of responding that feel more aligned with the life you want to live.
My Approach
Counselling is, above all, a relationship. Feeling genuinely heard, understood, and respected creates the foundation for meaningful exploration and change. My role isn't to provide quick answers or a one-size-fits-all approach, but to create a counselling relationship where we can slow things down, become curious about your experiences, and discover new ways of responding to life's challenges.
Alongside developing greater understanding, counselling also includes practical support. Together, we'll explore approaches, build on your strengths, and develop skills that can help you navigate challenges with greater confidence and flexibility in everyday life.
Every person's story is unique. Whether you're an adolescent navigating the challenges of growing up or an adult at any stage of life, I tailor the counselling process to your individual experiences, strengths, values, and goals.
I welcome people from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and neurodiverse experiences. My hope is to create a counselling relationship where each person feels respected, understood, and accepted for who they are.
Drawing thoughtfully from person-centred, somatic, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-informed approaches, I adapt the counselling process to what will be most helpful and relevant for you. While the approaches I use may vary, the heart of my work remains the same: creating a collaborative, compassionate relationship where you feel safe to explore your experiences and move toward the life you want to live.
While counselling often involves exploring difficult experiences, there is also room for hope, authenticity, and even moments of humour along the way. Being human is complicated, and sometimes it helps to sit with someone who is genuinely interested in understanding your experience.
About Monique
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia.
For more than two decades, I've had the privilege of supporting adolescents, adults, and families through periods of growth, uncertainty, challenge, and change. Those experiences continue to shape the way I practise today, reinforcing my belief in the importance of relationship, curiosity, and meeting each person with respect for their unique experiences.
What continues to draw me to counselling is the opportunity to build genuine relationships. I believe people grow when they feel safe enough to be themselves—without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that they should have everything figured out. My hope is that you'll experience our conversations as thoughtful, collaborative, and comfortable—a place where you can simply arrive as you are.
Outside the counselling room, I value creating space for the people, places, and practices that help me reconnect with what matters most. Time in nature, movement, writing, and meaningful relationships each offer something different—perspective, reflection, restoration, and joy. I believe there is room for both depth and laughter in life, and time spent with family and friends reminds me that moments of humour and joy can exist alongside life's challenges.
I believe caring for ourselves isn't something we perfect; it's something we return to, again and again. Those experiences continue to remind me of the importance of slowing down, staying curious, nurturing meaningful connections, and finding moments of joy—even during life's more difficult seasons. They're values I strive to bring into my work with every client.
Who I Support
Adults
Supporting adults through life's transitions, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship challenges, chronic pain, stress, and the many changes that shape our lives. Counselling is tailored to your experiences, strengths, and goals.
Teens & Adolescents
Supporting teens and adolescents as they navigate anxiety, friendships, family relationships, identity, school pressures, self-esteem, belonging, and the many changes that come with growing up. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels safe, collaborative, and meaningful.
What Brings You Here
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing:
Anxiety & Worry
Trauma
School, Work & Major Life Changes
Grief & Loss
Chronic Pain
Stress & Burnout
Relationships & Belonging
Identity, Self-Understanding & Self Esteem
I welcome clients accessing counselling through ICBC. Counselling is available in person at Sparsh Wellness Retreat in Vancouver and virtually throughout British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a complimentary consultation?
Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-minute exploratory consultation by phone or video. It's an opportunity for us to briefly connect, discuss what has brought you to counselling, and determine whether working together feels like a good fit. If you'd prefer, you're also welcome to book a full counselling session as your first appointment.
What can I expect during the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what has brought you to counselling. We'll explore your current concerns, relevant background, and what you're hoping to gain from our work together. If you're accessing counselling through ICBC, the first session also includes the initial assessment required to guide your treatment plan. There is no expectation to share everything at once—we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn't one answer to this question. Some people are looking for support around a specific concern, while others value counselling as a longer-term process of self-understanding and growth. We'll regularly check in together to ensure counselling continues to meet your needs and goals.
Do you work with adolescents?
Yes. I work with both adolescents and adults. I strive to create a space where young people feel genuinely heard and respected while also collaborating with parents or caregivers when appropriate and helpful. My approach is always guided by the needs of the individual and the therapeutic relationship.
Do you accept ICBC clients?
Yes. I welcome clients accessing counselling through ICBC. If you have questions about the process or coverage, I'm happy to help you understand the next steps.
Do you offer virtual counselling?
Yes. I offer in-person counselling at Sparsh Wellness Retreat in Vancouver, as well as virtual sessions throughout British Columbia.
Whenever possible, I generally recommend beginning our work together in person, as I find it helps us establish a strong therapeutic relationship. If distance, scheduling, health, or personal preference make virtual sessions a better fit, I'm equally happy to meet with you online.
What approaches do you use?
My work is grounded in a collaborative, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach. I thoughtfully draw from several evidence-informed therapies, including somatic approaches, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Rather than following one model for everyone, I tailor counselling to each person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
How long are counselling sessions?
Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes.
What if I don't know where to start?
That's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Many people begin counselling with only a sense that something isn't quite right, that life feels more difficult than it used to, or that they'd simply like things to feel different. We can begin wherever feels most important to you and move forward together at a pace that feels comfortable.
I've been to counselling before. How might this be different?
Every counselling relationship is unique because every person is unique. If you've had counselling before, we'll take time to explore what was helpful, what wasn't, and what you're hoping for this time. Together, we'll shape a counselling process that feels collaborative, meaningful, and responsive to your unique needs and goals.
Still have a question?
If you don't see your question here, please feel free to get in touch. I'd be happy to help.