Brandon James
Individual Counsellor
Registered Social Worker
BSW, MSW, RSW*
As an individual, couples, and family counsellor/therapist, I work collaboratively with adults and young adults to explore and support neurodivergence, well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, developmental and complex trauma, life transitions, core values, chronic stress, insomnia, existential concerns, and relationship dynamics.
With a therapeutic approach rooted in kindness and curiosity, we will gain deeper insight into your experiences and how you navigate the world, considering the role of your core values, prior experiences, current life and cultural context. A key aspect of our work will be cultivating self-compassion as we discover ways to strengthen your well-being, agency, and personal identity on your path towards a meaningful life.
Many of the clients who work with me are confirmed or self-identified Autistic and/or ADHD. Many are part of a couple or family navigating interpersonal difficulties, including parenting and communication challenges, where one or more persons is neurodivergent, or are themselves a parent of neurodivergent children looking for ways to help support themselves and their children. I also support many clients going through difficult life challenges and stressors, including neurodivergent individuals looking to understand how their experiences growing up and their relationships have shaped who they are today.
My heritage as a second-generation immigrant and white settler shapes my awareness of the diverse systemic impacts of colonization, migration, and other social factors on well-being. I strive to provide a safe and inclusive therapeutic space that acknowledges the impacts of systemic inequalities for all cultural backgrounds.
I am passionate about applying compassionate, culturally safe, inclusive care, and draw upon an integrative, strengths-based, person-centered counselling framework. I primarily incorporate counselling modalities from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and am also informed by Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems perspectives, and Non-Violent Communication principles.
I have both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia, along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia.
I have current availability to take on new clients and look forward to connecting with you soon!
*Registered Social Worker (British Columbia College of Social Workers #15020)
Fees
Individual/Couple/Family Counselling:
$150 per 50 minute session, covered by some private insurance plans. Direct billing to Autism Funding is available.
Credentials
Additional Training
Certificate in Compassion Focused Therapy Essentials (18 hours). The Association for Psychological Therapies.
Certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Essentials (18 hours). The Association for Psychological Therapies.
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (19 hours). PESI Canada, Inc.
Trauma-Informed Practice Training: Level 1 and 2 (11.5 hours). Trauma Informed Practice Institute.