
Ways of Healing
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
— Albert Camus
Healing is a deeply personal journey, and because each of us carries our own unique experiences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not resonate with another, which is why our paths to healing are as individual as we are. Together, we’ll explore different ways to support your growth, whether that’s through talk therapy, creative expression, or mindfulness. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, ease emotional struggles, and feel empowered to live authentically. Let’s find the healing modality that speaks to you.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Talk therapy gives you the space to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We’ll work through the patterns in your life that may be causing stress, anxiety, or other struggles. Every session is tailored to you—whether you want to focus on processing emotions, managing relationships, or creating healthier boundaries.
Example: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we might start by unpacking the sources of your stress and looking at how to restructure your time or create boundaries that feel supportive and manageable.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a wonderful way to express emotions when words just aren’t enough. Whether you’re painting, drawing, or using other materials, art helps you explore your inner world in a non-verbal, intuitive way. This process can reveal feelings you didn’t even know you were holding. You don’t need any experience with art—it’s about exploring what comes up naturally and using creativity to process emotions. Art therapy is less about what you create and more about what it means to you.
Example: You might begin by doodling or using colours to represent how you’re feeling. Over time, we could look at patterns in your art that reveal deeper emotional themes. For example, after a few sessions, we might see that certain colours or shapes consistently show up in your work. This could lead us to insights about your emotional state and help guide our discussions.
Narrative Therapy
Our personal stories shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Narrative therapy helps you reframe the stories you’ve internalized, especially those that no longer serve you. Through storytelling, letter writing, or even poetry, we’ll explore your experiences and gently reshape those narratives to reflect the person you are today.
Example: We might write a poem together that reflects a journey you’ve been on—perhaps transforming a difficult experience into one of resilience and growth. You could also write a letter to a younger version of yourself, offering kindness and compassion, which helps you release any old, unhelpful narratives.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness helps you reconnect with your body and your emotions, grounding you in the present moment. In our sessions, we’ll integrate mindfulness practices, like breathing exercises or body awareness, to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Mindfulness helps you create space to pause, reflect, and respond to life’s challenges with calm and clarity.
Example: If you’re feeling anxious, we might use a simple mindfulness exercise where you focus on your breath or use visualization techniques to bring your attention back to the present. This practice can help ease anxiety and bring you back to a place of balance.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Informed Therapy
IFS therapy is all about understanding the different “parts” of yourself—parts that might carry pain or serve as protectors. Together, we’ll explore these parts with compassion, helping you create a more balanced relationship with yourself. This approach can help heal emotional wounds and allow you to move forward with more harmony and self-awareness.
Example: You might feel a conflict between wanting to meet others’ expectations and wanting to honour your own needs. In IFS, we’ll explore these parts, understanding how they each serve you and finding ways to bring them into alignment, so you can feel more at peace with yourself.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Healing from trauma requires safety and trust. In trauma-informed therapy, we move at your pace, creating a space where you feel supported in exploring your past experiences. We’ll gently work through trauma, helping you regain a sense of control and emotional freedom.
Example: If past trauma has affected your relationships, we might explore how you can create boundaries that protect your well-being while still allowing meaningful connections. We’ll work slowly, focusing on what feels safe and manageable.
Transpersonal Perspective/Jungian
Drawing from Jungian perspectives, we will delve into the rich symbolism and deeper meanings that emerge through art therapy. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of the intricate interplay between body and mind, recognizing the transformative power of creativity. By engaging in this process, we can uncover profound insights from our creative expressions, tapping into the collective unconscious and embracing the magic that exists both within and around us. Through this journey, we explore not only personal narratives but also universal archetypes, allowing for a deeper connection to ourselves and the world.
Example: As we explore your art, we might notice certain symbols or images that reflect deeper archetypes—such as the hero, the shadow, or the healer—emerging in your work. We’ll use these symbols as a way to connect with both personal and universal themes, offering deeper insight into your journey.
Anti-Oppressive Lens
Healing isn’t just about what’s happening inside of us—it’s also about recognizing the external pressures we face. I integrate an anti-oppressive approach into our sessions, helping you explore how societal expectations and cultural conditioning might be influencing your thoughts, behaviors, and sense of self. Together, we’ll deconstruct those pressures and reconnect with what feels authentic to you.
Example: If you’re feeling stuck due to perfectionism or people-pleasing, we might explore how societal norms have shaped those tendencies. By questioning those external pressures, we’ll work on aligning your values and actions with what truly feels right for you.
The path to healing is a deeply personal one, and it often unfolds in unexpected ways. As we explore different therapeutic approaches, from creative expression to deeper self-reflection, each modality offers a new opportunity for insight, growth, and connection. Our work together will be flexible and attuned to your evolving needs, helping you tap into your inner resources and embrace meaningful change. No matter which path resonates with you, the goal is to foster a sense of clarity, empowerment, and balance in your life.
(she/her) | Art therapist
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Simi Chepal
My personal healing journey is at the heart of everything I do as a therapist. I understand the challenges of unlearning old habits and facing inherited patterns. This inner work has deepened my empathy and shaped the way I support my clients.
Creativity is woven into everything I do, and I’m passionate about sharing these approaches to help you experience the transformative power of art as an outlet for self-expression and revitalization.



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Ready to Begin?
Taking that first step toward healing can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s start with a free 15-minute consultation or a complimentary first session and explore how we can work together.

Simitree Counselling, Inc.
Contact
Address
601 W Broadway, Suite #601
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
Online Telehealth
I provide PIPA compliant telehealth to the residents of Vancouver and the province of BC.
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Registered Clinical Counsellor
A Designation of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
I acknowledge that I work, live, and play on the unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.