Finding someone to work with, at a time in life that can perhaps already feel stressful and overwhelming, can be a difficult thing to do. However it is also important. A large body of research indicates that the most important factor for success in therapy is the relationship or ‘alliance’ that exists between the the client and their therapist and so finding the right connection is an essential part of this decision. So to make the process a little easier, here’s a little bio to give you a sense of whether I might be someone you would feel comfortable working with.
About Andrea Jones (she / hers)
I grew up in the UK and despite my love of fried breakfasts, rainy days, and stunningly endless footpaths through boundless countryside, I set off to explore the world. I have lived in Australia, China, Spain, Russia and now Canada and I have had the good fortune to explore and visit many other countries and cultures. I hope to see many more.
I have found throughout my life, that the truly joyful ‘peak’ moments often arrive through being open to experiencing and learning, free from judgement or preconceived notions of how I think something (including myself) should be. In this way I have embraced all kinds of opportunities to try something new whether that might involve music, sports, cooking or crafting. While I have made some terrible meals, murdered a few cello performances, and I know I should definitely avoid trying to throw a frisbee, I have found that I can hold a note, I can be artsy and crafty when the mood takes me, and I can also swim like my life depends on it when necessary. I love to read and write creatively. I am a big fan of sci-fiction and so am currently simultaneously fascinated, horrified and thrilled by the times we are living through. My favourite activities usually involve playing in, on, or under the sea in one form or another. I have been lucky enough to dive, swim and surf (although again my performance could be more accurately described as ‘falling and splashing’ than surfing) in some of the most stunning waters and so I feel incredibly fortunate to live here in BC, surrounded by so much breath-taking coastline to explore. Through all these adventures, I have had the good fortune to meet and share my life with the most phenomenal people and so often, it is these relationships, that have amplified some of the most meaningful moments of my life. I would wish this for all my clients.
Despite, having a playful side, I take my work seriously and feel very privileged to be trusted with others’ hearts and minds. I choose to do this work as I am constantly humbled by my clients’ abilities to survive and thrive in often the most challenging of circumstances. I also greatly value and feel privileged to have the unique opportunity to be invited to see the world through so many different peoples’ eyes. It is my goal to truly understand the unique perspective of each of my clients and support them in understanding their own needs, strengths, resources and ability to take steps forward.
I am also very much aware of the social and cultural climate that is impacting and hurting many folks right now, alongside the daily trauma of witnessing and being affected by the events of climate change. I would like everyone who visits this page to know that, while I can not possibly begin to understand all that you are holding, I am is committed to working from an inclusive, anti-oppressive and trauma informed lens that views my clients’ sense of safety, autonomy and self determination as the keystones of our work together.
I completed my MA in Counselling Psychology in 2018, and since then I have gone on to specialize in relationship counselling, trauma-informed counselling, as well as particular modalities such as Internal Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, Gestalt therapy and somatic based therapies.
Think Andrea might be someone you’d like to work with? Tap the Contact tab to find out how to connect.
AJ Relationship Counselling 