A Little Bit About Me
Ross Stogryn, M.Ed., R.C.C.
DESIGNATION
- I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.) and owner of Affirmation Wellness.
EDUCATION
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Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) - Counselling Psychology - University of British Columbia
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Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Psychology - Simon Fraser University
LICENSURE:
- British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Since 2012, I’ve spent my career providing care and support to clients from various communities (e.g. youth to elder adults, non-neurotypical, gender non-conforming and more) and walks of life in both higher education and community-based non-profit settings.
As a therapist, the most fundamental part of my work is striving to build strong, affirming therapeutic relationships that bolster dignity and resilience, while also recognizing how sociopolitical factors and social determinants of health impact all areas of mental health and general wellbeing. These relationships are the very foundations that allow clients to safely explore and engage with barriers to their life satisfaction and overall wellness.
My approach is warm, person-centered, strength-based, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed. It integrates cognitive and relational modalities using both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Process Theory (IPT).
What Does Therapy With Me Look Like?
1. We'll build off of your existing strengths and help you harness them to effectively achieve your goals.
2. I'll help you to constructively engage with and question your own thinking. I'll introduce tools that can help you change what you think, feel and do.
3. I'll help you to better understand how you show up in relationships, work with you to improve communication, and help you to explore and understand your emotions to help you find more joy in your relationships.
Here Are Some Ways Clients Have Described Me
- I'm warm, engaged, boundaried and informal.
- I have a patient, calming and grounding presence.
- I highly value autonomy and support their freedom to make their own decisions.
- I help them learn about themselves, new tools and strategies.
- I'll meet them in the discomfort and, when they're ready, help them move through it.
What Does Therapy With Me NOT Look Like?
- Me sitting and nodding in silence.
- Giving advice, quick fixes or oversimplified solutions.
- Ignoring your cultural identities.
- Making everything about your cultural identities.
- Oversimplifying or drawing premature conclusions about what you're going through.
As a type 1 diabetic and queer-identified counsellor who has grown up around medical professionals and the medical system, it's always felt important to both serve and give back to my community. As such, I also work extensively with the 2SLGBTQIA+, healthcare worker & diabetic communities.
Reach Out If You Need Some Help
Let's get to know eachother.
Book a 15 minute consultation and see if we might be a good match. It's free. If you have any questions, visit the Contact page to find out how to reach me.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
I consider joining people along their paths towards growth & healing a tremendous honour. I feel excited at getting the chance to work with you.
If you are having an emergency or are in crisis, please contact:
- Crisis Centre BC at crisiscentre.bc.ca - BC & YT or Call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800 (784-2433)
- 988.ca - Suicide Crisis Helpline - Canadawide or Call 988
- Call 911
Additional Mental Health Resources In Canada
Territory Acknowledgement: I respectfully acknowledge and honour the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations of Turtle Island, on whose unceded and stolen land we live and work.
I encourage any people reading this acknowledgement to learn more about these unceded territories at Native Land.
