Registered Clinical Counsellor
Pooja Ladwa
Adults · Couples
Fluency in Gujarati, Kiswahili, and Hindi
I believe that healing happens through connection – with ourselves, with others, and with the parts of us that have carried pain, fear, expectations, responsibilities and experiences that were never fully understood. Many of us learn early in life how to adapt, stay strong, and protect ourselves through difficult experiences. Our childhood, relationships, and cultural backgrounds shape the ways we see ourselves, connect with others, and move through the world. Many of us also carry stories that were never witnessed, understood, or given space to be expressed.
Growing up, I came to understand how deeply our experiences, family systems, and cultural values can influence the way we carry emotions, navigate relationships, and define who we are. Through my own journey of understanding and healing, as well as my work with clients, I have come to appreciate the importance of creating space to explore the stories we carry with compassion and curiosity.
I believe healing is not a one-size-fits-all process; each person carries a unique story, and we work together to honour that journey at a pace that feels safe and meaningful. It’s also not about becoming someone different, but rather reconnecting with yourself, understanding the parts of you that have worked so hard to protect you, and creating space for growth, connection, and a deeper sense of self.
How We’ll Work Together
I offer a calm, grounding presence and bring gentle curiosity to our work together. We will move at a pace that feels safe while making space for the emotions, experiences, and parts of you that may have been overlooked or difficult to express.
In our sessions, we will:
– Understand your patterns with compassion: We explore how past experiences, relationships, and cultural expectations continue to shape your present life.
– Make room for your whole story: We create space for the parts of your identity and experience that may not have felt understood or accepted elsewhere.
– Reconnect with your inner wisdom: We build on the insight, resilience, and strengths you already carry so you can move forward with greater trust in yourself.
Therapeutic Modalities
My Approach to Therapy
I view therapy as a collaborative and restorative process – one that helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, understand long-standing patterns, and move toward greater emotional ease and self-trust. My approaches and specific trainings include:
IFS
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Exploring the different parts of you that have been shaped by trauma or cultural expectations to find internal harmony.
Gottman
Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2)
Providing practical, research-based tools to couples navigating relationship and attachment challenges.
Narrative
Narrative Therapy
Helping you untangle your identity from the stories of failure or “expectation” that others have placed on you.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifying how your beliefs about yourself influence your emotional patterns and choices.
Art
Art Therapy & Mindfulness
Using creative and reflective tools to access deeper insights when words feel insufficient.
Specializations
Who I Work With
I specialize in supporting those navigating high-stakes emotional, physical, and cultural challenges.
Chronic Pain & Rare Diseases
Helping you manage the psychological and emotional toll of living in a body that feels like a battleground.
Intimate Partner Violence Recovery
Providing an informed, safe space to process the impact of unsafe dynamics and rebuild your sense of self.
Cultural & Intergenerational Stress
Navigating the conflict between personal desires and family or cultural expectations.
Relationship & Attachment Challenges
Addressing the deep-seated patterns that keep you stuck in cycles of disconnection or reactivity.
Grief & Loss
Supporting you through the many layers of mourning, including the “unseen” losses of health or identity.
Mental Health Support
Specialized care for those managing diagnoses such as Bipolar, Eating Disorders, or Neurodivergence.
SUPPORT IS HERE
Ready to start moving toward meaningful change?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Pooja to see if working together feels like the right fit.
Our counselling services are available to residents of British Columbia.