Stephanie Pugsley, MA

Stephanie Pugsley, MA
604-989-8765
Steph AT pacificcounselling DOT ca

I am a registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC.I have over 25 years of experience working as a Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist in private practice, Social Services and several voluntary organizations. I have worked with a wide range of client issues in individual, couples’ and family therapy.

For 10 years I was an associate lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy on Masters programmes at Birmingham and Derby universities in England. I was also a visiting lecturer for Masters programmes in Norway and Malta where I specialized in teaching research. I also hold a diploma in clinical supervision and have taught on courses in clinical supervision for qualified practitioners. I am committed to my ongoing personal and professional development. This includes regularly attending seminars and workshops and keeping informed about recent developments in my profession. My style is gently challenging but always respectful and attuned to each individual’s unique experience. I understand that establishing an effective therapeutic relationship is of primary importance and central to the successful outcome of therapy.

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It’s surprising how much memory is built
around things that go unnoticed at the time.
(Barbara Kingslover)

My Humanistic and Integrative approach is underpinned by attachment theory and neuroscience. My original training, a 4 year diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy provided a sound base from which I have been able to integrate other theories, models and approaches that extend my knowledge and enhance my work. My Masters, which was research based, gave me the opportunity to explore in depth early attachment failures. I am strongly influenced by Interpersonal Neurobiology and evidence- based trauma treatments and interventions. My couples’ work is informed by Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) and research from the Gottman Institute. I am a certified Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator which informs my work with families.

I have a particular interest in working with childhood trauma and abuse. I have run groups and workshops in family centres in the UK for women who were abused as children and victims of domestic violence. I have also worked extensively with male victims of childhood abuse. I am interested in the inter-generational passing down of trauma and how the legacy often affects us without us knowing and perpetuates the cycle of abuse and trauma.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy sessions are for 60 minutes and usually take place weekly. The frequency and duration of therapy however, will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some issues may be resolved with short term therapy but chronic or more complex issues will require a longer term commitment.

My fee for individual therapy is $145. I have some concessions available for people on low income.

Couples’ Therapy

At one time or another every couple has difficulties with their relationship. Couples’ therapy gives you the opportunity to explore, understand and resolve difficulties that you have not been able to manage effectively on your own. The aim is for you to gain a better understanding of yourself and your partner, decide if you need and want to make changes and if so, how you might put these into action.

At the first session you will both be given an opportunity to share your experiences and how you view the relationship. We will identify your main areas of concern. We can then decide together on duration and frequency of sessions. Couples therapy sessions can be for 60 or 90 minutes depending on your needs.

My fee for couples’ therapy is $150. I do have some concessions available for couples on low income.

Supervision

I offer supervision to practising Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Clinical supervision gives you the opportunity to explore in depth some of the complex issues which may arise between you and your clients and to ensure that you are working to appropriate levels of ethical and professional practice. My Integrative Relational approach of supervision views the working alliance between supervisor and therapist as being of primary importance in providing effective supervision.

My fee for a 1 hour supervision session is $150.