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 experiences, 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; rediscover your innate gifts; and go at your own pace while allowing opportunities to foster insights and growth.
Our sessions may also involve exploring the ‘isms’ of life (ableism, colonialism, capitalism, and individualism), which may help bring deeper insights into how you navigate and view the world and find new ways to co-exist with things that once felt overwhelming.
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 to rediscover their true selves while finding ways to strengthen the roles they play in their families (or chosen families) and communities.
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 passionate about lessening the barriers that many Filipinx-Canadians and Asian immigrants face when accessing mental health supports by providing a space free of judgment and acknowledging the fears, apprehensions, and unwritten rules that many of us have deeply internalized.
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 every clients’ values, needs, and strengths. I also provide sessions in Tagalog and 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.
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 #14537)
Fees
Individual/Family Counselling:
$150 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.