About Rebecca Farnell

I love people. I always knew that I wanted to work with people and I have done so in many different capacities. My journey to becoming a counsellor has taken many twists and turns. Over 20 years ago, I had a life changing summer job. I worked in a camp for children with special needs, from there, my whole trajectory changed. I like to say that a part of heart opened up and I discovered an area of interest I never knew existed. I found a passion and a purpose. I started working as a support worker with individuals with special needs, then as an educational assistant. Later, I helped lead summer camps for teens with Autism. Over the course of my life, I have continued to provide respite care for many families and feel honored to have shared a part of their lives.

In 2007, I spent 2 years volunteering in Chiang Mai, Thailand at an orphanage for children with AIDS and HIV. This was a beautiful, heart breaking and life defining experience. I returned to Canada, and completed my Degree in Child and Youth Care. I worked for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver as a Mentoring Coordinator and it was during this time that my life took another turn.

I was challenged with the question of if I could do anything in the world what would I want to do? Without hesitation, I replied, I would get my Masters, become a counsellor and help individuals with ASD and their families. My friend then replied, “What is stopping you? I retorted back “People do not actually live out their dreams do they?” I am delighted to say, that I went after my dream, I went back to school and became a counsellor and now have the absolute honour of working with a variety of people with a diverse set of abilities.

I count it an extreme privilege to have people share their lives and thoughts with me. This is something that I never want to take for granted. I truly believe that each person that I get to work with teaches me something new and I am better for knowing them. Each of my clients demonstrates bravery as they recognize the need to make some changes and trust me to help them in their journey. I so look forward to meeting my new clients and learning and growing together.

I work from a Person Centered approach believing in the inherent worth of each person. I want to create a safe place where clients feel heard and valued. I consider it such a privilege to walk alongside a client and help them in their journey. I am honored to listen to the stories of my clients and help them create change and dare to dream big dreams for their own lives.

That being said, sometimes life is hard and clients face difficult situations and circumstances. I want my clients to feel heard and their feelings validated. My desire is for clients to know that they are accepted and welcome. Talking about personal things can be difficult. I want to acknowledge that counselling is not always easy, but it is always worth it. I want the session to fit the needs of the client. If I client is interested in a certain approach or intervention, (and I am competent in this method) then I am willing to implement this with the client.