Registered Clinical Counsellor
Irene Yakovleva
Adults · Older Adults ·
I’m Irene Yakovleva, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) at Safe Haven Counselling in South Surrey. I hold a Master of Counselling from City University and am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). With a rich international background and fluency in both English and Russian, I bring a culturally sensitive and empathetic lens to my work.
When you have spent a lifetime trying to meet the demands of others—especially an emotionally manipulative or abusive parent—it can feel impossible to know who you really are. You might find yourself struggling with a persistent sense of shame, self-loathing, or the exhaustion of emotional burnout. Whether you are navigating the heavy fog of depression or trying to untangle the impact of your early relationships, you deserve a space where you can finally stop performing and start healing.
I believe that many of our deepest struggles are rooted in the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to hide just to survive. My role is to offer a calm, compassionate presence where we can explore those hidden parts with curiosity rather than judgment, helping you move toward a life of greater clarity and self-worth.
Therapeutic Modalities
My Approach to Therapy
Healing is a collaborative process that often requires more than just talk. I integrate structured evidence-based practices with creative and symbolic tools to help you access deeper layers of meaning and settle your nervous system.
EFT
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Focusing on the emotional core of your experiences to rebuild secure connections with yourself and others.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
To help you identify and shift the negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety and depression.
art
Art & Symbolic Therapy
Using metaphor cards, dreamwork, and sand tray techniques to explore what words sometimes cannot reach.
Narrative
Narrative Therapy
Helping you rewrite the stories of your life that have been shaped by shame or trauma.
Existential
Existential & Client-Centered Therapy
Prioritizing your unique perspective and autonomy as we explore life’s big questions.
“My initial consultation with Irene from Safe Haven was wonderful. She listened well and asked good questions which forced me to think about what I really wanted to achieve out of the sessions. I will definitely be booking a follow up appointment. I like her direct yet gentle approach.”
Client of Irene Yakovela
Specializations
Who I Work With
I specialize in supporting individuals navigating deep-seated emotional and relational challenges.
Complex Mother-Child Dynamics
Helping adults untangle the impact of being raised by mothers who were abusive, demanding, or emotionally manipulative.
Anxiety, Depression & Burnout
Providing tools to manage the overwhelming weight of stress and emotional exhaustion.
Trauma & PTSD
A sensorimotor-informed approach to working with shame and the physical impact of trauma.
Grief & Loss
Supporting you through the many layers of mourning, whether it’s a person, a role, or a life you once envisioned.
Anger Management & Self-Harm
Exploring the roots of intense emotional pain and building safer ways to cope.
Life Transitions & Parenting
Navigating the identity shifts that come with changing family roles and stages of life.
SUPPORT IS HERE
Ready to start moving toward meaningful change?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Irene to see if working together feels like the right fit.
Our counselling services are available to residents of British Columbia.