M.Ed., Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her

Lorraine Schembri

With an eclectic approach to therapy that adapts to each person, I have worked as a counsellor for health authorities in Northern BC and Nova Scotia. My background includes individual counselling, group counselling, and crisis counselling in an emergency department setting. I’ve also completed a practicum as a student counsellor at a university wellness centre. Prior to counselling, I have done community support work with adults and youth with developmental disabilities, and Behaviour Interventionist work with children on the Autism spectrum. I am grateful to work in a field that allows me to meaningfully connect with people.

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Words to live by

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

– Antoine de Saint-Expuéry, The Little Prince
Q & A With our Staff

A little bit more about me

Education?

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree at Simon Fraser University, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. I later returned to SFU to complete a Post Baccalaureate Degree in Counselling and Human Development. I completed my Masters of Education in Counselling at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Top three Specializations:

  • Trauma (Traumatic events and attachment trauma)
  • Depression, Anxiety, Panic
  • Borderline Personality

Top Three Modalities of Therapy:

  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Professional Clinical Counselling Certification

Certified with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)#: 20353

Certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Certificate #10005328

What do people say your biggest strength is?

I don’t shy away from doing things on my own. People have commented that it’s brave to attend events, go camping and do road trips by myself. I’m thankful that I enjoy my solo company.

Something you’re proud of (challenge you’ve overcome, etc.)?

I’ve relocated four times for reasons including exploration, education and love. Some moves were easy and the unknowns were exciting. Some moves were difficult and the unknowns were scary. I’m proud that I’ve met the challenges of uprooting in order follow my inner compass.

What led you to counseling?

Early life experiences gave me a strong drive for relating with others on how we navigate the complexities of being human. Working in this field allows me to continuously learn about how our circumstances and social systems have impacted our mental health and sense of self. It is an honour to collaborate with people on their paths towards understanding, healing, and thriving.

Favorite book and why?

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. It’s a children’s fantasy book that I’m not ashamed to say I read during grad school. It’s a magical tale on classic themes of facing what feels unbearable, and accepting what you have to about yourself and your path.

What/who inspires you?

Seeing social concepts get redefined in ways that better serve our health. It’s inspiring to see people prioritize rest and recharge over constant productivity, or measure success based on how they feel rather than what they’ve accomplished. I love that we can learn how to pause in a world that demands efficiency.

Favorite things to do?

I always have music on and am happy spending time with my cat, stand-up paddle boarding, and cooking new or favorite recipes; I love making varieties of pesto! I’m also into a few sci-fi and video game fandoms.

What would you tell a client who is meeting you for the first time?

I’m glad to get to know the path you’re on. You can be yourself here as much as you’re comfortable with. Within our work together, you are welcome to let me know if anything feels off and needs adjusting. It’s important that this feels like the right fit for you.

One thing you’ve learned from working with people?

We have more in common than we know. Our struggles, vulnerabilities, inner thoughts, and needs are wonderfully diverse while having common underlying trends that connect us.

Additional therapies used:

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Feminist Therapy
  • Emotion Focused Family Therapy
  • Somatic techniques