Care & Adoption
Counselling for those with experience in care & adoption.
Trauma-informed support for individuals who have been in care, on agreements, or have experienced adoption.
A space to be understood, not explained.
You don’t have to start at the beginning
The experiences you carry from care, agreements, or adoption have shaped your story in ways that not everyone understands. You shouldn’t have to explain them just to be met with compassion.
Here, your history is honoured rather than questioned. We start from understanding, and move forward together, at a pace that feels safe for you.
Our Approach
A trauma-informed approach, at every step.
Our practice includes counsellors with firsthand experience supporting individuals who have been in care, on agreements, or have experienced adoption. That lived experience gives us a unique perspective. Years of working alongside remarkable young people have taught our team invaluable lessons in trust-building, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting empowerment.
At Growing Minds, we employ a trauma-informed approach at every step, recognizing how deeply past experiences shape people’s lives. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your story, strengths, and challenges, while we work collaboratively toward healing and growth.
With a deep commitment to advocacy and understanding, we are dedicated to empowering every client on their journey toward resilience and well-being.
What it looks like here
Grounded in lived experience and real understanding.
This work is collaborative and never rushed. We honour the experiences you carry, focus on your strengths as much as your challenges, and move at a pace that feels safe. You can meet in person at our New Westminster office, one block from the Columbia SkyTrain, or virtually anywhere in BC.
A space to be understood.
A free, no-pressure consultation is a gentle first step. Come as you are, at your own pace.
How It Works
Four steps, at your pace.
Book a free consultation
A short call to see if it is a fit. No pressure.
Meet your counsellor
A first session focused on your story, at your pace.
Build trust and tools
Practical, trauma-informed support, week to week.
Move forward with confidence
Healing and growth that holds up outside the room.
Meet Your Counsellors
You’d be working with Alisa or Darren.
Alisa Farina
Registered Clinical Counsellor · RCC · BCACC
As a former youth worker, I have spent years supporting individuals with experience in care, on agreements, and through adoption. That work taught me how much trust, connection, and being truly understood matter.
I bring a trauma-informed approach to every session. Your history is honoured rather than questioned, and we move forward together at a pace that feels safe for you.
Darren Dyal
Canadian Certified Counsellor · MA Counselling Psychology
English · Hindi · Punjabi
I walk alongside people through anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions, meeting you where you are rather than where you think you should be.
Together we build practical, evidence-based skills, grounded in CBT and DBT, to help you feel steady and in control again.
Your story is welcome here.
Book a free 20-minute consultation. No pressure, no commitment. Just a chance to see how trauma-informed counselling at Growing Minds fits for you.