About Elana

Elana Angus MSW RSW RCC

My professional history includes family counselling, adult and geriatric mental health, youth crisis work, supporting adults with disabilities, and crisis counselling.

I have been working in the helping profession for over 10 years. I have a Master's of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor's of Social Work from the University of Victoria, I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers, and a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

I have additional training in:

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

Psychedelic Psychotherapy

Emotions-Focused Family Therapy

Somatic trauma treatment

Attachment-based therapies

Narrative Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Indigenous Cultural Competency for Mental Health Care Providers

My Approach

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My approach draws out the brain's natural healing tendencies. Together we will co-create a safe environment for problems to come to light, be seen, and worked through. I use research-based techniques and I frequently check in to make sure whatever tool I'm using feels right and is working for you.

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My approach integrates a caring presence with emotions-focused therapies, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic (body-based) therapies, mindfulness, radical acceptance, transpersonal psychotherapy, and narrative therapy.

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I provide psychedelic integration therapy for those who find themselves in need of integrating an experience. I cannot provide information on where to obtain or how to use psychedelics. Please make safe and well-informed decisions given the risks and legality of psychedelics.

My Approach

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I believe the therapeutic relationship provides the foundation for client change to take place. Through a safe and supportive relationship, individuals can process and heal from emotional experiences that are too overwhelming to deal with on one’s own. I believe human-beings are biologically wired for healing and self-repair; however, negative emotions can get stuck when we create defensive strategies to protect ourselves from painful experiences. I maintain the perspective that individuals are the experts of their own lives who possess incredible strength and resiliency, and my aim is to help each client uncover and draw on these inner resources. I support individuals and families in the healing transformation of painful emotional experiences. 

I use an integrative approach that draws on Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, person-centered therapy, emotionally-focused family therapy, and mindfulness.