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About

Rachel Friederichsen

My work as a therapist is meaningful and rich; I consider it a privilege to be in this helping role. At the foundation of my approach is genuine care, respect, and appreciation for you. I have a passion for helping people get to the bottom of what's happening, and supporting them to shift things in ways that serve them.

 

I also know the power of holding space for problems that don't have simple solutions: the power of resting, of considering, of waiting. I collaborate with you to make sure our sessions focus on what is important to you and to make sure that we work at a pace that feels right. I work to be consistent and measured in my interactions so that you know what to expect from me.

 

I bring experience, yes, but you will have the most information and lived experience when it comes to your personal situation. My job is to understand this as much as possible, and offer a process to inspire the changes you desire.

 

Sometimes this looks like deep listening and concentrated work. Sometimes this looks like laughter and lightness. We need it all to get down to the marrow.

 

I recognize that much of our psychological distress is a normal response to oppressive systems and traumatic experiences. I will work to name these with you and appreciate all the ways you have learned to cope and survive under these circumstances. Deep in survival mode, it is easy to lose touch with ourselves and with our loved ones. My aim is to help you rebuild these connections and find a new way forward.

 

In the spirit of breaking cycles of harm, I work hard to recognize my embedded biases and accept feedback about my own blind spots. We all share a responsibility for seeing our patterns clearly and for making the necessary changes for a better life, for better relationships, and for a better world.

 

Just like you, I navigate the normal pains and difficulties of life. To offset these forces, I have worked to build a life rich in love, creativity, and fun. I’m blessed to have good friends, partners, and family members in my inner circles. I love to play and perform music, to attend live performances, to dance, to socialize, and to have dinner parties. I also delight in gardening, time with animals, time outside, and travelling.

Picture of Rachel Friederichsen
Experience

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I also hold the Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) designation, recognizing my skill and experience providing clinical supervision. I completed a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at UBC, and I have pursued post-graduate training in several niche areas of practice.

 

I have worked with people aged 4 to 74. I have helped people with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship and family concerns, and existential concerns. I have worked with children, teens, families, adults, couples, and groups. I have developed particular competencies in trauma recovery and relationship therapy. I have worked with numerous clients who identify with the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum of identity and experience, and also with many people who engage in non-monogamous relationship structures (different forms of polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, etc.). I identify as queer and non-binary and I practice ethical non-monogamy.

 

I got my start in non-profit organizations where I learned the fundamentals of anti-oppressive approaches to therapy. I have worked as a family preservation and reunification counsellor, and I have worked as a trauma therapist in long-term therapy programs. In these settings, I learned how to provide supervision to counselling students completing their masters-level practicums.

 

In 2018 I opened my private practice. It began as a small-scale endeavour in addition to my full-time non-profit work. In the wake of the pandemic, I transitioned to provide remote counselling, which, while imperfect, has improved accessibility and convenience for many clients.

 

I have sought out and received many hours of clinical supervision and consultation with esteemed therapists in the Vancouver community. I continue to seek this to enhance my clinical sensibilities and to uncover additional areas requiring attention and growth. I also regularly consult with peers in order to improve my style, approach, and to uphold my ethical responsibilities.

Work experience

2024 - Present

Fulltime Faculty & Clinic Coordinator (City University)

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2018 - Present

Clinician in Private Practice 

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2018 - Present

Clinical Supervisor to Student Interns

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2024 - Present

Research Assistant (UBC)

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2024

College Instructor 

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2015 - 2024

Clinical Counsellor in non-profit settings

Training & Research 
  • EFT/EFCT Couples Therapy

  • Therapy for ethically non-monogamous relationships

  • Triphasic trauma therapy

  • EMDR

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

  • Parts-based therapies (Janina Fisher, IFS)

  • Clinical supervision

  • Anti-oppressive practices

  • Discernment Counselling

  • EFFT Family Therapy

RCC logo

A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

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