Pam Athwal, BA, RPN

Hi! I am Pam Athwal. The landscape of mental health in British Columbia allows client's to have so many options when picking a counsellor to assist them through their healing journey. Here is a little introduction to my practice to help you make the important decision of who you want to help you along with that journey. 

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My academic background began in 1993 when I started a double major for a bachelor of psychology and history from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. During this time, I had the opportunity to continue my education through a diploma in psychiatric nursing. It has always been a passion of mine to learn and develop my education and skills, which inspired me to get a diverse education through my undergraduate degree. 

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Becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) (licensing # 770750) inspired me because I have always been solution focused and enjoyed the process of helping others in a tangible way. Nursing allows me to take that role. Through my RPN background, I have worked a cumulative 20 plus years in agency jobs, including Child & Youth Mental Health as well as government positions in hospitals and clinics through Interior Health and internationally. To further expand on my passions for learning, equity in mental health care, access to services, and to increase my impact for my clients, I decided to complete my Masters of Counseling Psychology through City University. I currently hold a student membership with BCACC (licensing # 21932) and will be pursuing full membership with them upon completion of my Master's Degree in December 2024. 

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My approach to therapy has been informed by the experiences I have had in different collaborative positions during my career. I have learned of the significant impact collaborative approaches make for the clients and I strive to continue bringing that into my private practice. I also value integrity, professionalism and education as a clinician and feel it is important to continue to lessen barriers to mental health services.   

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About my Private Practice 

My private practice is eclectic, meaning that I practice from different theoretical orientations to ensure the best care for my clients. The main theoretical orientations that I practice within or incorporate aspects into my practice include; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. 

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I work with adults, youth and children (5 years and older) who are struggling with mental health issues including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, psychiatric diagnoses (i.e. personality disorders, bipolar disorder, etc.), gender identity, sexuality and related issues, suicide risk, domestic violence support and recovery, and culturally sensitive counselling and healing from cultural discrimination.

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As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse I am a big advocate for removing barriers like cost and stigma that are associated with accessing mental health services. These issues are central to mental health services today, to help lessen barriers to support, lower fee spots are available.

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My approach when working with children is a collaborative process that includes the primary care-givers and/or other family members. I believe this is integral in the success for child counselling and it is a corner-stone to my practice. 

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I see individuals and families for virtual services only at this time. 

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Training I Have Completed:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma

• Motivational Interviewing

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma Informed Practice

• Suicide Risk Assessment Training

• Emotional Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) (in progress)

• Collaborative and Proactive Solutions for Behaviour Regulation (in progress)

• Eating Disorder