Rebeka Senanayake
MACP, Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her

Rebeka Senanayake

I’m a Humanistic, client-centered therapist who believes healing works best when it feels safe, supportive, and not overly clinical. I draw from EMDR, CBT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and motivational interviewing, while also integrating strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches. I tailor therapy to fit each persons unique needs.

I specialize in supporting clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image concerns, and addiction—including opioid use and harm reduction. I also work with couples to strengthen communication and connection, and with individuals healing from narcissistic relationships, emotional abuse, and gaslighting.

At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is a collaborative process.

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Words to live by

Strive for continuous improvement, not perfection. – Kim Collins

Q & A With our Staff

A little bit more about me

Education?

  • Forensic Psychology – Douglas College
  • Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP) – Yorkville University
  • Completed trainings in Imago Couples Therapy, EMDR, Sex work and Inclusive Practices
  • Completed training in ADHD with a focus on women, couples, family dynamics, workplace challenges, emotional regulation, medication, neurology, and assessment

Top Three Specializations?

  • Addiction
  • Relationships
  • Trauma

Top Three Modalities of Therapy?

  • Client Centered Humanistic
  • CBT
  • Mindfulness

Professional Clinical Counselling Certification

Certified with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #21959
Certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association: Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) #11246572

What are three words to describe your personality?

The three words that describe my personality would be curious, kind, and open minded.
I am curious about exploring new ideas, learning from different perspectives, and finding creative solutions to challenges. I believe being curious drives me to ask questions and dig deeper into topics with the people around me. Being kind strengthens relationships, improves wellbeing, and most importantly has a ripple effect. I hope that by being kind, it becomes contagious and creates a chain reaction of positivity. Lastly, being open minded allows for learning that can facilitate new perspectives and challenge our understandings of the world.

Amongst your friends, what are you best known for?

Amongst my friends, I am best known for being easy to talk too and having a sense of humour. I find using humor can help people open up and build rapport. My friends would say I empathize with people and what they may be going through. I am known for being nonjudgmental and meeting people where they are at. I think I would be best known for being authentic, transparent, patient and kind.

What do you strive for as a therapist?

As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. The goal is to foster self-awareness, promote healing, and support clients in developing the skills they need to cope with challenges. I utilize a collaborative approach with my clients to help overcome obstacles and encourage self-awareness. In this collaboration we will examine the client's ideas, emotions, and behaviours. My hope is to enable individuals to achieve significant life changes, ultimately, achieving greater emotional well-being and living more fulfilling, happy and authentic lives.

What is your process for turning a bad day into a good one?

My process of turning a bad day into a good one is shifting my focus. I focus on things that bring me joy. These would include mindfulness or physical activities. Some of my favourite things to do are go to the spa and feel my mind and body being rejuvenated. I would reframe the day by turning it around and focusing on the things that went right, no matter how small they may be. When I am in a clearer headspace I reflect and identify the root cause that made me feel I had a "bad" day.

What or where makes you the happiest?

What makes me the happiest is when I am learning and helping others. Helping others feels especially rewarding when it is collaborative. I also enjoy helping others overcome obstacles or challenges as it is such a special, transformative moment. It makes me happy when I can help others foster an in-depth understanding of complex topics or encourage new perspectives about others or themselves. Being a part of the therapeutic process is special because you can witness people's growth firsthand, and it is a privilege to be a part of the experience.

If you were to have one superpower, what would it be?

If I could have one superpower, it would be teleportation because I would be able to travel instantly. I would be able to avoid crowded planes and lines. The ability to teleport would give me the ability to travel to places I have not been and learn about various cultures. A close second would be reading animals' minds or having the ability to communicate with them!

Favourite things to do?

My favourite things to do include travel, being outdoors, being with family and friends, and swimming. I enjoy travel because I get to explore new places, culture, and meet new people. I love warm places, and I enjoy sandy beaches. I also love socializing with friends and family because I enjoy connection. I especially enjoy boating and water activities with my family and friends because being outdoors in open bodies of water is calming and relaxing for me.

If you weren’t a counsellor, what would you be?

If I were not a counsellor I would have loved to be in the field of forensic psychology. I enjoy studying patterns and having a positive influence on justice. Being a forensic psychologist would be fascinating because it blends psychology with law. This would offer a chance to contribute to both fields in meaningful ways. I love being a part of helping with rehabilitation and understanding human behaviour.

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