Welcome to Growing Minds Counselling in New Westminster
At Growing Minds Counselling, everyone deserves support, compassion, and a safe space to grow, regardless of background or challenges. Whether you're stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for change, our team is here to walk alongside you. We offer in-person and secure virtual sessions in New Westminster and British Columbia.
Unit 490 - 604 Columbia Street,
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1A5
One block from Columbia Skytrain Station
In-person counselling in New Westminster
Secure virtual counselling anywhere in B.C.
Weekday, evening, and Saturday sessions.
Short waitlist for new clients.
About Alisa
Counselling for anxiety, depression,
life transitions & trauma
Affirming therapy for ADHD & Autism
EMDR & Talk Therapy
Welcome to a turning point in your life. I’m Alisa—RCC, CCC, EMDR-Trained Therapist—and I’m here for one person:
You.
Yes, you. The one who’s been carrying more than anyone realizes. The one who knows life can feel better than this… and is finally ready to reach for it.
Because here’s the truth. You don’t need to keep fighting alone. You don’t need to keep guessing what’s wrong. You don’t need to pretend you're “fine.”
There is a next step. A clear step. A step you can take today.
Imagine this for a moment. You set the weight down. You stop apologizing for your struggles. You stop pushing your feelings aside just to get through the day. And for the first time in a long time, you feel safe enough to breathe.
Inner peace isn’t a myth. Self-acceptance isn’t out of reach. And the strengths you forgot you had? They’re still there—waiting to be uncovered.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve supported youth and adults through the very challenges you might be facing:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Overwhelming transitions
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Trauma
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Late-identified ADHD, Autism/ASD, AuDHD
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Or the quiet, painful feeling of being misunderstood your whole life
Here, you get to show up exactly as you are. No masks. No judgment. Just a deeply safe space where you can explore, heal, and finally grow into the version of yourself you’ve always sensed beneath the surface.
And it all starts with one simple action. One small moment of courage. Your future self will look back and say this was the moment everything began to change.
So don’t wait. Book A Free Consultation now. Let’s take this step—together.
Our Services
Now offering direct billing
Making life a little easier, we offer direct billing to many Employee Assistance Program (EAP) extended health providers. Contact us to find out if this will work for you.
EMDR
The choice is yours. We offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and talk therapy.
More Rates & Service Information
Initial Consultation
Free
A chance for you to meet Alisa, ask questions, and see how counselling at Growing Minds fits for you.
Individual
$155
Our in-person or secure virtual 50-minute individual sessions provide a judgement-free, confidential, and secure space to explore what matters most to you. Direct EAP billing available.
SAJE Funding
$85
As part of our commitment to youth who have spent time in government care we are proud to offer $85 individual sessions through SAJE.
Mental Health First Aid
At Growing Minds, we are committed to building the mental wellness of our community by offering the Mental Health Commission of Canada's (MHCC) Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Contact us for pricing and availability.
Therapeutic Approach
It begins with you
My therapeutic approach begins with you - you are the expert in your life. Therapy at Growing Minds is much more than a one sided conversation. I bring compassion, deep listening, and a touch of humour. I also bring reflection, impactful questions, and gentle challenges to help you dig a little deeper, process difficult emotions, recognize your strengths, and safely explore what matters most to you.
Therapy is all about you. It is a safe, caring, and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. No matter what you want to talk about, I am here to listen in a caring, empathetic, and judgement-free way. Tailoring therapy for each client, I use a client-centred, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent affirming approach including attachment therapy, motivational interviewing, psycho-education, harm reduction, and mindfulness.
Therapy may also involve:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
How our waitlist works
To ensure we provide each client with the attention they deserve, we operate on a two to eight-week waitlist. We understand this may affect your timeline and appreciate your patience.
We invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with us. This session will help you determine if counselling at Growing Minds is the right fit for you.
Thank you for your understanding and interest in our practice. We look forward to the possibility of working together to support your journey towards growth and well-being.
Is what I say in counselling really kept confidential?
The therapeutic relationship is unique in that we don’t know each other. Together, we build a safe, genuine, and purposeful relationship centering around what matters most to you. With a few exceptions, you can talk about anything knowing what you say will never leave the room.
For more information:
What are the benefits of virtual therapy?
Virtual therapy offers benefits such as accessibility, reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to access counselling from your home, anywhere in BC, on your schedule. Research indicates that there may be little difference in therapeutic outcomes between virtual and in-person therapy.
For more information:
What are your cancellation fees and policies?
At Growing Minds, we understand that life happens. If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide 48-hours' notice. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48-hours before the appointment start time, a no-show fee for the total cost of the session will be charged.
If you cancel with less than 48-hours' notice because of an unforeseen significant life event we ask that you reach out to us. We may be able to waive the no-cancellation or no-show fee, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I use my extended health benefits?
The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover counselling services. However, many extended health benefits provider cover counselling fees to a specific limit. Please check with your provider for details. We offer direct billing for many extended health providers.
ICBC-Approved Counselling with Direct Billing
If you've been in a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for ICBC-covered counselling at no cost to you. Growing Minds offers trauma-informed therapy to support your emotional recovery — and we handle direct billing, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.
