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We offer counselling for individuals, couples and families…
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling is also known as therapy or psychotherapy. It allows an individual to explore personal issues in a safe and confidential environment. Read More.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling is also called marriage counselling or couples therapy. Couples come to therapy to enhance their relationship in some way. Read More.
Family Counselling
Family counselling also called family therapy is focused more on the family and issues arising from within the family system. This therapy is… Read More.
About Stewart & Associates Counselling
Stewart & Associates Counselling has been providing professional and affordable counselling services to individuals, couples and families in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland since 1998. Our experienced team is committed to providing compassionate, respectful and supportive counselling tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Professional Counselling Services in Vancouver
Our team currently includes three Social Workers and three Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) who bring a range of professional experience and areas of practice to our counselling services.
We understand that finding the right counsellor is an important part of the process. Therefore, we encourage you to explore our website, learn more about our counsellors and discover the services we provide. Our goal is to help you find a counsellor who is a good fit for your needs and circumstances.
To make counselling more accessible to our diverse community, our team can provide counselling services in English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Supporting Individuals, Couples and Families
Whether you are looking for individual counselling, couples counselling or support for your family, the team at Stewart & Associates provides a welcoming and professional environment where you can discuss your concerns and work toward positive change.
Our counsellors support clients with a variety of personal, emotional and relationship concerns. By offering different areas of experience within one practice, we can help connect you with a counsellor whose approach and background align with your needs.
Ready to Get Started?
When you are ready to schedule your first counselling appointment, please complete our Intake Form. Once we receive your information, a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Please note that we typically do not offer pre-appointment consultations.
Book Your Counselling Appointment Today
Take the first step by completing our Intake Form to request an appointment with Stewart & Associates Counselling.
Meet Our Team…
Susan Giles, Co-Owner, MEd, RCC
Susan Giles, Co-Owner, has been a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2001 and has been a senior associate at Stewart & Associates Counselling since 2012… Read More.
Laura Chiarenza, Co-Owner, MA Psych, RCC
Laura Chiarenza, Co-Owner, has been a senior associate clinical counsellor at Stewart & Associates Counselling and Coaching Inc. since 2015. Laura’s practice emphasizes interpersonal relationships and approaches that include… Read More.
Richard Marquez, MPH, MSW, RSW
Richard Marquez, Senior Associate, is a seasoned counselling specialist. Richard has been in the helping profession for over 20 years as a mental health, social work and public health practitioner… Read More.
Karen Tennock, BSW, MA Psych, RSW
Karen Tennock is a senior associate who has worked in the helping profession for 25+ years. Trained as a social worker and a counsellor, she is committed to creating safe and caring spaces for people to heal and grow…Read More.
Anita Barichello, RCC, Reg# 22438
Anita is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who has worked in the helping profession since 2018. Her background is in psychology, human resources, and education. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds and has supported people with various needs including depression, anxiety, and cognitive-emotional issues..….Read More.
Michelle Jermias, Intern Counsellor
Michelle Jermias (Intern Counsellor) has been working in the helping profession since 2023 and is currently completing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Adler University in Vancouver, BC. She has also been volunteering in the Downtown Eastside..….Read More.
Josh Graetz, Intern Counsellor
My name is Josh Graetz (he/him), and I am currently completing my Master of Counselling at City University in Vancouver. My goal is to help clients create lives that feel meaningful and authentic. I would love to hear your story and learn more about you. Together, we can explore the changes and possibilities you hope to create… Read More.
Low Cost Counselling in Vancouver
Are you on a budget? Stewart & Associates strives to have affordable counselling for everyone in need. If you need low cost counselling, book an appointment today with one of our interns. Fees are based on monthly income.
Content warning: this section references colonial violence, cultural genocide, and Canada’s residential schools.
Standing With Indigenous Communities
Stewart & Associates is deeply saddened by the confirmation of the remains of 215 children who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Our sincerest condolences go to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, residential school survivors, their families and Indigenous communities affected by this devastating news. Because Stewart & Associates has a close connection with Indigenous communities, our team remains committed to supporting those who may be experiencing grief, distress or renewed trauma.
Acknowledging the Pain and Trauma
The discovery has brought profound anguish and pain to survivors, families and communities. Moreover, it has brought renewed attention to the lasting trauma caused by residential schools, colonialism, violence and racism.
We acknowledge the experiences of survivors and the pain carried by generations of Indigenous families. At the same time, we recognize the anger and frustration caused when Indigenous voices, experiences and knowledge have not been heard or respected.
For many people, news about residential schools can bring difficult memories and emotions to the surface. Therefore, compassion, understanding and access to appropriate support remain especially important.
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation
Everyone can play a role in learning about Canada’s residential school system, challenging colonial attitudes and supporting reconciliation. In addition, listening to Indigenous voices and learning from survivors can help build greater understanding and respect.
If you would like to learn more or provide support, please consider the following resources:
- Donate to organizations supporting survivors. Consider supporting the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, the KUU-US Crisis Line Society and other Indigenous organizations that provide assistance to survivors, families and communities.
- Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Read the Commission’s final report and learn more about the 94 Calls to Action. Most importantly, consider how individuals, organizations and governments can contribute to meaningful action.
- Learn from Indigenous educators and authors. Watch the lecture by Tamara Starblanket, Dean of Academics at the Native Education College and author of Suffer the Little Children: Genocide, Indigenous Nations and the Canadian State.
- Consider what you can do personally. Read and learn about practical steps non-Indigenous people can take to support Indigenous communities and contribute to reconciliation.
Continuing to Listen and Learn
Reconciliation requires more than words. Instead, it involves continued learning, listening, acknowledgement and meaningful action.
As we move forward, Stewart & Associates remains committed to listening to Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous communities and recognizing the ongoing effects of residential schools and colonialism.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please refer to the resources below:
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC: 604-872-3311
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
First Nations Hope for Wellness Help Line for Crisis: 1-855-242-3310
First Nations Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Metis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722