“Empowering Change, Restoring Hope!”
Welcome!
Hi, I’m Meike (pronounced My-cah), and I’m so excited to connect with you!
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #25341) with a Master’s in Counselling from Athabasca University, my passion for helping others is at the heart of my work. My journey began during my undergraduate years in Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I honed my helping skills as a Residence Advisor and as a volunteer at the Vancouver Crisis Centre 1-800-Suicide help line. I have also worked as an Employment Counsellor for WorkBC, assisting individuals with career development and job search strategies, and as an International Student Advisor at UBC, where I provided essential support to international students, especially those from war-torn and conflict-affected regions. After years of gaining valuable experience in the helping field, I completed my counselling internship at SHARE Family and Community Services within the Fraser Health Primary Care Network, further enriching my skills and knowledge in the therapeutic process.
A Bit About My Background
I was born and raised in Germany by Romanian immigrant parents, and moved to Canada to pursue my undergraduate degree. Over time, I decided to stay, drawn to the diverse and welcoming environment. My first name is German, and my last name is Punjabi, reflecting my marriage into a wonderful Punjabi family. Growing up with such a rich mix of cultures has made me adaptable, open-minded, and deeply appreciative of diversity. I’ve learned how to embrace multiple values, languages, and traditions while staying true to myself, and I bring this open-mindedness into my therapeutic practice.
Who Am I Outside of Therapy?
I’m not just a therapist – I’m a mother, daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, aunt and friend. In my personal life, I love spending time in nature, exploring new places, and enjoying family moments, whether that’s playing with my child at the park or watching movies with loved ones. These experiences keep me grounded and help me relate to the diverse range of clients I work with.
Why I Support Parents and Those Navigating Fertility Challenges
I share this part of my story because I know how grounding it can feel to work with someone who truly understands the emotional terrain you are walking through. Becoming a parent was one of the most profound transitions of my life. It was equal parts joy, exhaustion, identity shifts, and learning how to care for a tiny human while still caring for myself. And when I later faced the unexpected grief and uncertainty of secondary infertility, I discovered a new kind of vulnerability, one that can be deeply isolating and often misunderstood by others.
This is why I specialize in parent counselling, postpartum emotional support, and infertility counselling for individuals navigating the emotional complexities of parenthood and fertility challenges. These experiences have shaped how I show up as a therapist, bringing gentleness, attunement, and deep empathy into my work. Whether you’re adjusting to new parenthood, feeling overwhelmed while raising a young child, or coping with the emotional impact of infertility, I provide a supportive therapeutic space where your fears, grief, and hopes can be safely explored.
Why I Support Individuals Living With Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness
Living with chronic pain or chronic illness impacts both physical and mental health, often affecting identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. Through firsthand experience supporting a close family member, I have seen how ongoing pain and illness can lead to anxiety, grief, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. This experience deeply informs my work as a counsellor.
I offer chronic pain counselling and therapy for chronic illness using a trauma-informed, mind–body approach. Because the body and mind are deeply connected, I often incorporate EMDR therapy for chronic pain and chronic illness to support nervous system regulation, reduce emotional distress linked to pain and medical experiences, and build resilience. My goal is to provide compassionate counselling that helps individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered as they navigate life with chronic illness or persistent pain.
My therapeutic approach
I take an integrative approach to therapy, using a blend of evidence-based techniques tailored to each client’s unique needs. My style is strength-based, focusing on your inherent resilience and ability to overcome life’s challenges. I work from a trauma-informed lens, creating a safe space where you can heal from past experiences without judgment. I prioritize a client-centered approach, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and empowering you to take charge of your healing process. I also incorporate Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you understand and regulate your emotions, a mindfulness-based approach to cultivate presence and awareness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for effective trauma healing. These combined approaches ensure that you receive a holistic, compassionate, and practical experience, moving forward at your own pace.
If You’re Struggling
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain or illness, life transitions, trauma, or simply need guidance in any other area, I’m here to offer you a warm, compassionate, and safe space. Together, we can explore your concerns, uncover practical tools, and make meaningful changes in your life. My goal is to support you in rediscovering your best self and guide you through the transformation process.
Ongoing Professional Development
I believe in continuous growth and learning. In addition to my Master’s degree and registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), I actively pursue professional development opportunities to better serve my clients. Some of my recent training topics include:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT)
- Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Reporting
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
Thank you for considering me as your therapist. If you’re ready to take the first step in your healing journey, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s work together to navigate your challenges and create a path forward that feels empowering and transformative.
Meike Parhar Counselling 