Registered Clinical Counsellor
Irene Yakovleva
Adults · Seniors ·
I believe healing is a process of discovering who you are beneath the roles, expectations, and stories that have shaped you. It is not about erasing your past, but understanding it deeply enough that it no longer has to define your future.
At its core, my work is about helping people recognize the connections between their earlier experiences and the struggles they face today. Patterns that now create shame, disconnection, or emotional exhaustion often developed for understandable reasons.
My international background and fluency in English and Russian inform the culturally sensitive perspective I bring to therapy. I also believe healing sometimes requires more than talking, which is why I incorporate creative and symbolic practices alongside evidence-based approaches.
I am especially drawn to working with adults and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, or significant life transitions. I also support people untangling the impact of a difficult relationship with a parent. Together, we create space to understand what has shaped you and move toward greater clarity, meaning, and self-worth.
How We’ll Work Together
I offer a calm, compassionate presence while also being direct when it supports your growth. We will work collaboratively, using both conversation and creative exploration to reach experiences that may be difficult to express in words.
In our sessions, we will:
– Understand where your patterns began: We explore how earlier relationships and experiences continue to influence your emotions, beliefs, and sense of self.
– Listen beyond words: We may use imagery, metaphor, dreamwork, or other symbolic practices to access deeper layers of meaning.
– Create a new relationship with yourself: We work toward replacing shame and self-criticism with greater compassion, clarity, and choice.
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 support adults and older adults navigating deep emotional, relational, and identity-related 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.