Celeste Borja
Individual and Family Counsellor
Registered Social Worker*
BSW, MSW, RSW
As an individual and family counsellor/therapist, I am passionate about supporting adults and their families as they navigate neurodivergence, life transitions, immigration experience, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.
Together, we will find ways to learn and understand your needs, values, and goals; explore what works and what does not work and use an approach that fits your needs; rediscover the innate gifts that you have; and go at your own pace while allowing opportunities to foster insights and growth.
In sessions with me, exploring the ‘isms’ of life (ableism, colonialism, capitalism, and individualism to name a few) may help bring deeper insights into how you navigate and view the world and find new ways on how you can co-exist with things that once felt unbearable.
Many of the clients who work with with me are confirmed or self-identified Autistic and/or ADHD, first- and second-generation immigrants, adult children of immigrants, and visible minorities. I also work with couples where one or more partners is neurodivergent.
I have a particular interest in supporting folks who seek to gain a deeper understanding of their bicultural/biracial and neurodivergent identities. I am keen on supporting folks rediscover their true selves while finding ways to strengthen the roles they play in their families (or chosen families) and communities.
I am also passionate about lessening the barriers that many Filipinx-Canadians and Asian immigrants face when accessing mental health supports by providing a safe space free of judgment, acknowledging the fears, apprehensions, and unwritten rules that many of us have deeply internalized, and providing sessions in Tagalog.
I am a first-generation immigrant settler, and my lived experience navigating bicultural/immigrant expectations and identities have led me to do this work. I am one of the very few counsellors in British Columbia and Nova Scotia who provide sessions in Tagalog.
My method is integrative and incorporates elements of structural family therapy, dignity therapy, intersectionality, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused therapy; specifically tailored to meet each individual clients’ values, needs, and strengths. I also offer support with service navigation and completion of forms.
I have a Master of Social Work from University of British Columbia Okanagan, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of British Columbia.
My waitlist is currently closed, and is expected to re-open in Autumn 2024.
*Registered Social Worker (British Columbia College of Social Workers #14537; Nova Scotia College of Social Workers #9578)
Fees
Individual/Family Counselling:
$140 per 50 minute session, covered by some private insurance plans. Direct billing to Autism Funding is available.
Service Navigation/Forms Completion:
Contact to inquire
Credentials
Professional Presentations
Articles in Academic Journals
Morris, R., Stainton, T., Borja, C., & Hole, R. (2024). The impacts of Microboards on social and community inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: “To not just exist, but to truly live”. Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.1080/23297018.2024.2312134
Morris, R., & Borja, C. (2022). Navigating the clinician-researcher role in health social work: Reflections from practice. International Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728211065706
Speaking Presentations at Academic Conferences
Morris, R., Stainton, T., Borja, C. (2019, Oct). “This model has really turned her life around”: Social capital and quality of life outcomes among persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities involved in Microboards. Oral presentation at University of Alberta International Institute for Qualitative Methodology 24th Qualitative Health Research Conference, Vancouver, BC.
Poster Presentations at Academic Conferences
Morris, R., Stainton, T., & Borja, C. (2020, Nov). Microboards and Quality of Life among Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Lessons from a University-Community Research Collaborative. Poster presented at University of British Columbia (UBC) 7th Health and Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Conference, Virtual Conference.