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From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free!

On Saturday, members of our Breathing Space Counselling team attended a child-led March in Vancouver, held in support of a free Palestine.

Hundreds of people stood together: waving flags, holding signs, and cuddling their children who came to march with them. People held hands, listened deeply to the speakers, cried tears of heartbreak mixed with hope, and chanted loud calls for peace into the crisp afternoon air.

As we stood alongside everyone there, we heard a number of powerful speakers…

…a Jewish mother who spoke in solidarity with Palestinians – calling for an end to this genocide by the state of Israel and saying emphatically, “not in my name!”

…a Palestinian mother who spoke about her complicated grief and gratitude as she moves throughout each day. She talked about how each time she places dinner on the table for her children – knowing that thousands of children just like hers are dying from bombings, dehydration and starvation in Gaza right now – she feels a sharp pang of grief. How when she holds her children close, she feels deep gratitude for her children’s safety mixed with sadness for those thousands of parents who have lost their children, and don’t even have the chance to bury them.

…an Indigenous trauma counsellor (wu’Was’ulwat from the Snuneymuxw and Saanich nations) who spoke about the impacts of colonialism here on Turtle Island* and in Palestine, and how to stand in solidarity with all Indigenous people around the world.

… a Palestinian Imam (the leader of a Muslim Mosque) talk about how families in Gaza are writing their names on all of their limbs, so if they are bombed (and only an arm or leg is found) families will be able to identify their loved ones body parts 💔

We listened to beautiful children, some as young as five, lead chants like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” with hope for the future in their voices.

We watched as an endlessly long banner was unfurled and carried down the street, showing the names of the Palestinians (most of them children) who have been killed so far by the state of Israel. The banner was so long we could barely see where it ended. 💔💔💔

It felt incredibly powerful to take our grief and channel it collectively in this call for freedom for Palestine. Throughout the afternoon, we shed many many tears, held hands, moved our bodies and marched together through the streets of Downtown. As a collective, we raised our voices to call for an end to this horrific genocide.

As an organization of counsellors whose work it is to help people heal from trauma, it is vital that we are critical of the systems that create that trauma — including colonialism, racism, and imperialism. Our work is incomplete if we only help people recover from trauma, without doing the work to stop that trauma from occurring in the first place.

This is not about taking sides. This is about upholding and standing for the right to safety, dignity and freedom for all people, everywhere. None of us are free until all of us are free. 🇵🇸🙏🏼❤️

#ceasefirenow #freepalestine

 

*Turtle Island is the name some Indigenous people use to refer to the lands now known as North and Central America.

We Are Hiring Associate Counsellors! Apply by Oct 15, 2023

 

Shahaa Kakar & Nasreen Gulamhusein
Co-Owners of Breathing Space Counselling

Breathing Space Counselling is a thriving private counselling practice in Port Moody, BC. It was founded in 2016 by two Master Therapeutic Counsellors, Nasreen Gulamhusein & Shahaa Kakar. We offer in-person and online counselling for individuals and couples. We also offer support groups and workshops for the community.


We have built a trusted reputation in our community and due to overwhelming demand, we have expanded and brought on three Associate Counsellors over the last 18 months. We are now seeking 2 – 3 more Associate Counsellors to work alongside us in our private practice. This is a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by two established counsellors and join an inclusive and heart-centred work culture.

What We Are Looking For:

We welcome all applicants who have:

  • graduated from a counselling program and have completed your practicum requirements
  • have professional liability insurance
  • are in good standing with a counselling association, such as the ACCT, CPCA or BCACC
  • are willing to work with adult individuals and couples. (If you have not worked with couples before, but are open to being mentored in this area, please feel free to apply.)

This opportunity is primarily for Counsellors who are willing to work in-person in our beautiful office space in Port Moody, BC. We are open to hiring an online Counsellor if the fit is right.

The successful applicant is ideally available for 15 hours per week, including some evenings and/or weekends. The exact schedule will be negotiated with the successful candidate(s).

You Are Someone Who Will:

  • Be Transparent – be authentic, honest, and real… even when it’s difficult
  • Be Kind – speak and act with thoughtfulness and consideration
  • Be Human – drop perfection, allow for mistakes, fall down and get back up
  • Honour Your Commitments – say what you mean and do what you promise
  • Bring Your Magic – get creative, share your ideas, inspire and be inspired

You Have the Following:

  • A recognised counselling qualification (diploma or masters degree).
  • Completed all practicum requirements.
  • Are a current BC/Canadian Registered Counsellor in good standing (all designations will be considered, e.g. RTC, MTC, RCC, CCC, RSW, RPC, MPCC, etc.).
  • Hold current Professional Liability Insurance.
  • Have a Registered Supervisor and are receiving regular supervision at the time of applying.
  • Are committed to undertaking continuous professional development.
  • Uphold the highest professional, ethical and professional standards in your practice and consistently adhere to your counselling association’s code of ethics.
  • Are able to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week for clients to consistently book in with you. This could include a mix of daytime, evening and weekend hours (specific days and times are negotiable). Some evening and/or weekend availability is required as these are high demand times for clients.
  • An awareness of (or, a willingness to learn about) privilege and marginalization and how these might impact your lens/bias while you are counselling.
  • A willingness to engage in continual learning and dialogue towards creating a safe, inclusive and diverse culture within our practice (both with clients and with each other).

Bonus If You Also Have Any of These:

Knowledge, experience and/or training in working with:

  • couples (such as Gottman training, EFT, etc.).
  • teens and/or families.
  • somatic therapy modalities (such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, relational somatic therapy, etc.).
    eating disorders, body image, addiction, trauma, maternal mental health (incl. PPD/PPA, infertility, pregnancy loss, etc), polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships, chronic pain, chronic illness.
  • specific communities, such as LGBTQIA+communities, racialized communities, neurodiverse communities, Indigenous communities, disabled & Deaf communities, etc. Lived experience will be considered an asset.

We Offer the Following:

  • Flexible and negotiable working hours.
  • A competitive Associate Counsellor package/fee split, with incentives to grow.
  • Targeted marketing and client recruitment on your behalf.
  • Ongoing support and mentoring, as needed.
  • Simple and easy to use online scheduling software.
  • Standard forms, filing system, and client receipting is provided.
  • A bright and inviting counselling centre in the heart of Port Moody, which includes three counselling offices, a multi-purpose main space/waiting room and kitchenette facilities (close to SkyTrain and street parking).
  • A work culture that values belly laughs, celebrating the little things, and getting through the tough moments together. 😉

To Apply – Please send the following to [email protected]:

  • An updated resume and cover letter detailing why you believe you would be a good fit for our team and what you have to offer. Please be specific about your experience with individuals and couples.
  • Two professional references (eg – from a Registered Supervisor, Counselling Teacher or Employer). Written references are preferred.

    The successful applicant will also be required to provide:

  • A copy of your active counselling registration from your relevant association.
  • A copy of your active Professional Insurance certificate/policy.


Deadline for applications is Sunday October 15th 2023 at 11:59pm.

We Are Hiring Again! Become an Associate Counsellor with Us!

By Shahaa Kakar & Nasreen Gulamhusein

Breathing Space Counselling is a thriving private counselling practice in Port Moody, BC. It was founded in 2016 by two Master Therapeutic Counsellors, Nasreen Gulamhusein & Shahaa Kakar. We offer in-person and online counselling for individuals and couples. We also offer community events and professional development training for fellow counsellors.

We have built a trusted reputation in our community and due to overwhelming demand, we have expanded and brought on two Associate Counsellors. We are now seeking a third Associate Counsellor to work alongside us in our private practice. This is a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by two established counsellors and join an inclusive and heart-centred work culture.

What We Are Looking For:

Whether you are newly graduated or an established counsellor, we welcome all applicants who work with individuals and couples. If you have not worked with couples before, but are open to being mentored in this area, please feel free to apply.

This opportunity is for an Office Associate who will work in our beautiful space in Port Moody. The successful applicant must be available for 15 hours per week. Those hours need to fall within the following days/times and must include some evening or weekend shifts):

Monday, 8am – 9pm
Wednesday, 8am – 9pm
Friday, 3pm – 9pm
Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 8am – 9pm

The exact schedule will be negotiated with the successful candidate.


You Are Someone Who Will:

  • Be Transparent – be authentic, honest, and real… even when it’s difficult
  • Be Kind – speak and act with thoughtfulness and consideration
  • Be Human – drop perfection, allow for mistakes, fall down and get back up
  • Honour Your Commitments – say what you mean and do what you promise
  • Bring Your Magic – get creative, share your ideas, inspire and be inspired

You Have the Following:

  • A recognised counselling qualification (diploma or masters degree).
  • Are a current BC/Canadian Registered Counsellor in good standing (all designations will be considered, e.g. RTC, MTC, RCC, CCC, RSW, RPC-C, RPC, MPCC, MPCC-S, etc.).
  • Hold current Professional Liability Insurance.
  • Have a Registered Supervisor and are receiving regular supervision at the time of applying.
  • Are committed to undertaking continuous professional development.
  • Uphold the highest professional, ethical and professional standards in your practice and consistently adhere to your counselling association’s code of ethics.
  • Are able to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week for clients to consistently book in with you. This could include a mix of daytime, evening and weekend hours (specific days and times are negotiable). Some evening and/or weekend availability is required as these are high demand times for clients.
  • An awareness of (or, a willingness to learn about) privilege and marginalization and how these might impact your lens/bias while you are counselling.
  • A willingness to engage in continual learning and dialogue towards creating a safe, inclusive and diverse culture within our practice (both with clients and with each other).

Bonus If You Also Have Any of These:

Knowledge, experience and/or training in working with:

  • couples (such as Gottman training, EFT, etc.)
  • teens and/or families
  • somatic therapy modalities (such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, relational somatic therapy, etc.)
  • eating disorders, body image, addiction, trauma, PPD/PPA, polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships, chronic pain, and bullying
  • specific communities, such as LGBTQIA+communities, racialized communities, neurodiverse communities, Indigenous communities, disabled & Deaf communities, etc. Lived experience will be considered an asset

We Offer the Following:

  • Flexible and negotiable working hours.
  • A competitive Associate Counsellor package/fee split, with incentives to grow.
  • Targeted marketing and client recruitment on your behalf.
  • Ongoing support and mentoring, as needed.
  • Simple and easy to use online scheduling software.
  • Standard forms, filing system, and client receipting is provided.
  • A bright and inviting counselling centre in the heart of Port Moody, which includes two counselling offices, a multi-purpose main space/waiting room and kitchenette facilities (close to SkyTrain and street parking).
  • A work culture that values belly laughs, celebrating the little things, getting through the tough moments together, and indulging in good food. 😉

To Apply – Please send the following to [email protected]:

  • An updated resume and cover letter detailing why you believe you would be a good fit for our team and what you have to offer. Please be specific about your experience with individuals and couples.
  • Two professional references (eg – from a Registered Supervisor, Counselling Teacher or Employer). Written references are preferred.

    The successful applicant will also be required to provide:

  • A copy of your active counselling registration from your relevant association.
  • A copy of your diploma/masters certificate.
    A copy of your active Professional Insurance certificate/policy.


Deadline for applications is Friday September 30th at 11:59pm.

We Are Hiring Associate Counsellors!

By Shahaa Kakar & Nasreen Gulamhusein

Breathing Space Counselling is a thriving private counselling practice in Port Moody, BC. It was founded in 2016 by two Master Therapeutic Counsellors, Nasreen Gulamhusein & Shahaa Kakar. We offer in-person and online counselling for individuals and couples. We also offer community events and professional development training for fellow counsellors.

We have built a trusted reputation in our community and due to overwhelming demand, our client lists are full. We are seeking two Associate Counsellors to work alongside us in our private practice. This is a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by two established counsellors and join an inclusive and heart-centred work culture.

What We Are Looking For:

Whether you are newly graduated or an established counsellor, we welcome all applicants who work with individuals and/or couples. Opportunities are available for both Office Associates (who will work in our beautiful space in Port Moody) and Remote Associates (who will work exclusively online from the comfort of your own space).

You Are Someone Who Will:

  • Be Transparent – be authentic, honest, and real… even when it’s difficult
  • Be Kind – speak and act with thoughtfulness and consideration
  • Be Human – drop perfection, allow for mistakes, fall down and get back up
  • Honour Your Commitments – say what you mean and do what you promise
  • Bring Your Magic – get creative, share your ideas, inspire and be inspired

You Have the Following:

  • A recognised counselling qualification (diploma or masters degree).
  • Are a current BC/Canadian Registered Counsellor in good standing (all designations will be considered, e.g. RTC, MTC, RCC, CCC, RSW, RPC-C, RPC, MPCC, MPCC-S, etc.).
  • Hold current Professional Liability Insurance.
  • Have a Registered Supervisor and are receiving regular supervision at the time of applying.
  • Are committed to undertaking continuous professional development.
  • Uphold the highest professional, ethical and professional standards in your practice and consistently adhere to your counselling association’s code of ethics.
  • Are able to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week for clients to consistently book in with you. This could include a mix of daytime, evening and weekend hours (specific days and times are negotiable). Some evening and/or weekend availability is required as these are high demand times for clients.
  • An awareness of (or, a willingness to learn about) privilege and marginalization and how these might impact your lens/bias while you are counselling.
  • A willingness to engage in continual learning and dialogue towards creating a safe, inclusive and diverse culture within our practice (both with clients and with each other).

Bonus If You Also Have Any of These:

Knowledge, experience and/or training in working with:

  • couples (such as Gottman training, EFT, etc.)
  • teens and/or families
  • somatic therapy modalities (such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, AEDP, etc.)
  • eating disorders, body image, addiction, trauma, polyamorous/non-monogamous relationships, chronic pain, and bullying
  • specific communities, such as LGBTQIA+communities, racialized communities, neurodiverse communities, Indigenous communities, disabled & Deaf communities, etc. Lived experience will be considered an asset.

We Offer the Following:

  • Flexible and negotiable working hours.
  • A competitive Associate Counsellor package/fee split, with incentives to grow.
  • Targeted marketing and client recruitment on your behalf.
  • Ongoing support and mentoring, as needed.
  • Simple and easy to use online scheduling software.
  • Standard forms, filing system, and client receipting is provided.
  • A bright and inviting counselling centre in the heart of Port Moody, which includes two counselling offices, a multi-purpose main space/waiting room and kitchenette facilities (close to SkyTrain and street parking).
  • A work culture that values belly laughs, celebrating the little things, getting through the tough moments together, and indulging in good food. 😉

To Apply – Please send the following to [email protected]:

  • An updated resume and cover letter detailing why you believe you would be a good fit for our team and what you have to offer.
  • In your email subject line, please let us know what position you are applying for as follows: Application: Office Associate or Application: Remote Associate
  • Two professional references (eg – from a Registered Supervisor, Counselling Teacher or Employer).
  • A copy of your active counselling registration from your relevant association.
  • A copy of your diploma/masters certificate.
  • A copy of your active Professional Insurance certificate/policy.


Deadline for applications is Friday March 25th at 11:59pm.