Deborah English, MACP
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #3300
About Deborah
I received a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, Vancouver campus. Since that time, I have worked extensively with high risk youth and families while providing individual, group and family counselling in addition to parenting support. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I work with people from a holistic perspective and I believe that everyone has the inner wisdom and strength to change and find their most authentic self. Self-acceptance is an ongoing journey.
I believe that our behaviours serve a purpose though, at times, those behaviours only provide short-term relief from whatever may be going on in life. I look at the whole person – the ways in which life affects our behaviour, thoughts and emotions and the ways in which we can learn to control these aspects of our daily life. There is no “one size fits all” solution to our perceived problems since each person is unique and diverse. I am here to witness the journey and work alongside you toward your version of wellness.
Since graduating with my Masters degree, I have worked at a series of non-profit and government-funded agencies. I worked at PLEA as a youth and family outreach counsellor as well as a counsellor for an alternative school program. I then worked at Richmond Addiction Services where I again worked with youth and families on an outreach basis while also facilitating teaching a school-based program to work with teens who have been suspended for drug and alcohol use. I formatted a curriculum for a school-based recovery program and I also provided supervision to Masters-level counselling students. From there, I worked at Covenant House Vancouver and provided counselling support to homeless youth and provided training workshops to front-line staff to support their work with youth in the shelters or on the street. All of these experiences, provided me with the gratification of seeing the resilience of youth and families in their desire for a healthy life. I am consistently humbled by the bravery and vulnerability of the people that have walked through my door in the first step to healing.
I have had the privilege of supporting people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+, First Nations/indigenous, immigrant/refugee as well as a variety of age ranges.
I enjoy the opportunity to meet and engage with people and provide a safe, welcoming environment to facilitate the trust needed to support the counselling process. Engaging in deep and meaningful conversations provides room for growth and learning in order to live your best life.