About Amanda Watson

Hi, I’m Amanda—a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a background in Psychology & Neuroscience, Clinical Addictions Studies, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. I help individuals, couples, and families move through the tough stuff—grief and loss, trauma, relationship strain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating-related concerns, and major life transitions—with steadiness, clarity, and practical tools.

After a decade working in mental health, I’ve supported people at their most overwhelmed: facilitating recovery groups, advocating for accessible care, and providing crisis support. In therapy, you can expect a warm, down-to-earth space where we move at your pace, make sense of what’s underneath, and build skills that actually fit your life.

My Approach

I work with a range of therapeutic modalities in my approach: Emotion-Focused Therapy, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Existential Therapy.

Many of my clients are action-oriented and wonder how talking might help them. Early on, we’ll redefine what “doing” really is in therapy, focusing on slowing down to make room to understand our struggle and offering clear education and practical tools along the way. I’m direct, curious, and practical—offering clear insight and tools while we shift patterns that aren’t working. Starting therapy can feel so vulnerable, and it’s common to not know where to start; together, we’ll create safety, go at your pace, and move past surface-level talk. My style is authentic, curious, and direct, helping you spot patterns and choose more workable paths forward.

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Who I Work With

My clients often value personal growth and connection. They are introspective and motivated to understand themselves, and are committed to creating change once they feel supported and seen. They might be navigating difficult relationships in their lives, feel burned out by carrying too much for too long, and have a downright mean inner critic. I often work with:

  • Couples in various stages of their journey (premarital, infidelity, separation, life transitions)

  • Grief and loss, death and dying

  • Complex trauma (from childhood experiences, life challenges, addiction)

  • Anxiety and perfectionism, low self-esteem, hyper-independence

  • ADHD and the neurodivergent experience

  • Men’s mental health issues

We often get stuck in repetitive patterns in our lives. We might be over-functioning, overcompensation, withdrawing, or struggling to communicate our needs. Working together, we can help learn to show up differently and shift the pattern.

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Q&A

  • EFT: Attachment Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis

    Gottman Method: Level 1

    ACT for Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety

    DBT for Balancing Acceptance and Change, and Distress Tolerance

    Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems

    Communicating in Conflict: Strategies & Skills | Justice Institute of BC | 2023

    Conflict Resolution/Navigating Challenging Conversations | Justice Institute of BC | 2023

    De-Escalating Hostility | Justice Institute of BC | 2023

    Workplace Psychological Health & Safety Certificate | Canadian Mental Health Association | 2022

    Crisis Intervention Skills Certificate | Canadian Suicide Prevention Services | 2020

    Mental Health First Aid | Canadian Mental Health Association | 2020

    safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) | Canadian Mental Health Association | 2017

    ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) | Canadian Mental Health Association | 2017

  • checking out the latest local coffee shop

    listening to true crime podcasts

    watching baseball/football/hockey

    games nights with friends

    singing along to Taylor Swift way too loud