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Elana Sures, MEd, RCC

About Elana

I have always been drawn to people's stories: fascinated by the histories that shape us, curious about what motivates us to act in the ways that we do, and compelled to understand and overcome my own suffering. I've always been well attuned to the vulnerable feelings beneath grumpiness and standoffishness. As soon as I needed to start thinking about my vocational path, I found myself drawn to the field of psychology. In 2005 I earned a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and have been working as a psychotherapist ever since.

I started my Vancouver-based private practice in 2006, and it has grown from a weekend project into a thriving full-time enterprise. I have also worked as an outpatient mental health therapist at Vancouver General Hospital, treating clinically complex cases of trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. I feel privileged to have the confidence of my clients, and I am dedicated to working with compassion, skill and transparency.

I am experienced in addressing  a wide range of issues that bring people to therapy. This often comes down to difficult emotional states, such as anxiety, inadequacy, sadness and anger. I also frequently address issues of connection (and disconnection), intimacy and tension in relationships. Below is a list of some of the areas in which I specialise (click on each item to learn more about how I work).

Prenatal/Postpartum
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Relationships, dating and intimacy
Infertility

 

About Elana

I have always been drawn to people: fascinated by the relational histories that shape us, curious about what motivates us to act in the ways that we do, and compelled to understand and overcome my own suffering. I am well attuned to the vulnerable emotional states beneath grumpy or standoffish behaviour. As soon as I needed to choose my vocational path, I was drawn to the field of psychology. In 2005 I earned a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and have been working as a therapist ever since.

I started my Vancouver-based private practice in 2006, and it has grown from a weekend project into a thriving full-time practice. I have also worked for Vancouver Coastal Health as an outpatient mental health therapist at Vancouver General Hospital, treating clinically complex cases of trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. I feel privileged to have the confidence of my clients, and I am dedicated to working with compassion, skill and transparency.

I am experienced in addressing  a wide range of issues that bring people to therapy. This often comes down to difficult emotional states, such as anxiety, inadequacy, loneliness and anger. I also frequently address issues of connection, intimacy and tension in relationships. Below is a list of some of the areas in which I specialize (click on each item to learn more about how I work with this issue).

Prenatal/Postpartum
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Relationships, dating and intimacy
Infertility

Who am I? My Story.

Like you, I am a person of contradictions. I'm an extroverted introvert, and an adventurer with a cautious streak. I am a lazy relaxed academic and an artist who is constantly stalled by perfectionism. I am healthy and active, but have struggled with lifelong insomnia. The principles of Mindfulness deeply resonate with me, but I am really bad at meditating.

My epic journey to become a parent gave me a lifetime in lessons on coping with uncertainty, anxiety and letting go. And parenting my two incredible (and strong-willed) daughters has been a humbling, joyful, and complex experience. I work on my relationships with my husband and children every single day - and some days are easier than others. Knowing how intense and fraught our closest relationships are informs my work when I help others who are seeking greater connection and harmony in their relationships.

Outside of the office, I am happiest when running,  reading a novel,  and listening to music (from Chopin to Radiohead, and 70s disco dance parties with my daughters). I love to write, and I hope you'll check out my blog, where I muse on various aspects of the human condition.

 

Therapeutic Methods

The act of providing therapy is a combination of intuitive direction and skilled craft, and I am dedicated to improving my skills and competency through ongoing clinical consultation and professional development training. In addition to receiving a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC, I have completed intensive training in the following modalities:

Over the course of my career as a therapist, I have worked with people from all walks of life, and with a wide range of issues. When I sit and talk to you, I incorporate years of clinical (and life) experience, while still understanding that you have walked your own distinct path. This enables me to effectively assess your patterns and dynamics and provide therapy that is tailored specifically to you. I am a member in good standing of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

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Resources

I have compiled a list of additional reading resources curated for thoughtful people seeking a more connected and balanced life.

If you're interested in further reading or additional support services click here to view my resources.

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself;
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
- Walt Whitman