Satina Rai
MC, Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her/They/Them

Satina Rai

My therapeutic approach is relational, trauma-informed, and deeply person-centred. I believe healing happens in connection, and I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. Our work together will be tailored to you, your story, your identities, and your goals, while grounded in anti-oppressive and narrative practices that honour both your lived experience and the impact of larger systems. I also invite space for somatic exploration, recognizing the wisdom the body carries. I have experience supporting youth and adults navigating intimate partner violence, grief and loss, addictions and substance use, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and life transitions. You are the expert of your life, and my role is to walk alongside you as you untangle, heal, and reconnect with your strength and resilience. I thoughtfully integrate Response-Based Practice, CBT, DBT, and IFS to support meaningful, sustainable change. In our sessions, all parts of you are welcome and we will move at your pace, guided by consent, curiosity, and compassion. 

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Words to live by

You are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think,” -A.A. Milne

Q & A With our Staff

A little bit more about me

Education?

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia
  • Master’s of Counselling from City University of Seattle (Victoria Program)

Top Three Specializations?

  • Grief & Loss
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety and Depression

Top Three Modalities of Therapy?

  • Narrative Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Professional Clinical Counselling Certification

Certified with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor RCC #22284

What led you to counselling?

I have always been interested in stories; the stories we hold and tell about ourselves and the world around us. Counselling is a space in which I have the privilege to hear and hold people’s stories and support them in writing new ones. I have seen the impact that counselling can have on people’s lives, and I wanted to be a part of that!

Favourite book and why?

See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur. This book has changed my outlook on interacting with the world around me, approaching others with an open heart and understanding that strangers are just, “…. a part of me I do not yet know.

What/who inspires you?

I am continuously inspired by my mom. I am in awe of her strength and the love that she radiates despite the hardships she has faced. My favourite compliment is that I remind people of my mom. I am who I am because of her.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a human rights lawyer growing up! I was told I was very good at arguing and debating and wanted to use that talent for good. I am happy that this field of mental health aligns with my initial dreams of helping others through advocacy and empathy.

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

I focus on my breathing and allow any emotions that need to come up to move through me. Getting outside and moving my body in some way always helps me feel better. Journaling or talking about it with a friend is particularly helpful on heavy days.

What do people say your biggest strength is?

I don’t judge people and am open about who I am and that allows people to feel safe to share parts of themselves with me.

Something you’re proud of?

I am proud of myself for learning and practicing self-compassion. In the face of a lot of loss in my personal life, I am proud that I have continued to be gentle with myself and created space for myself to heal and process the things happening in my life.

One thing you’ve learned from working with people?

I have learned that people are looking for connection and safety. People really value openness and authenticity and when approached in this way tend to respond in kind.

Favourite things to do?

I love reading, exercising and enjoying good food with friends and family. I love being by the water and exploring the city. I love listening to music and want to attend more live music events.

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

I would tell a client that I am here to co-create a space with them that facilitates healing and growth. While there will be moments of discomfort and pain, there will also be moments of clarity and progress. Creating a therapeutic relationship that has foundations rooted in consent, safety and curiosity builds a container in which the work of healing can occur.

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