Supervisor

Tamara Ukwu

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I have more than 15 years of providing therapy to diverse individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds. I hold Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, and am a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia. I am also a PhD candidate at the Institute for  Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. In addition, I hold a two-year specialization for Primary Prevention of Addiction accredited by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and NARKO-NE Association from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe. I am currently working in the Child and Adolescent Stabilization Unit at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and in Stenberg College (where I am a Clinical Practicum Monitor in Counselling Program).

I help clients to optimize strengths, build resilience and cultivate growth. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment and developing a therapeutic and trusting relationship. I work collaboratively with clients to help facilitate learning and understanding of self, to create positive change despite the circumstances that led to the crisis.

Approach

My practice is eclectic and is drawn from evidence-based approaches including a person center approach, strength-based perspectives, attachment theory, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), mindfulness and Internal Family Systems Therapy. I believe that connection and trust within the therapeutic relationship are essential. I provide education to increase understanding and insight and provide practical skills they can implement and to take control back in your life.

Specialization

I bring international experience, specialization in primary prevention of addiction, trauma-informed training (DBT and CBT trained), a social justice lens and expertise with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds to my practice. I work mostly with adults, youth and their families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, trauma, emotional dysregulation and different forms of depression. I am Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) and ICBC-approved counsellor.
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