Dr. Barbara Harris PhD, MSW, RSW

My Professional Experience:

I have worked in both the inner city of Edmonton and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The majority of my clients have experienced multiple traumatic events in their lives, and/or have been affected by intergenerational trauma. I also have over 20 years experience working with individuals with addictions. Many of these clients’ concerns include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self esteem, panic, trauma symptoms, and/or thoughts of self harm.

Between 2001 and 2009 I taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at the UBC School of Social Work. I taught courses on addictions, working with First Nations, and trauma and recovery.

My personal experience, and how it influences my work:

As a survivor of  abuse during my childhood, I left home at a very early age, and myself became addicted. Because of my lived experience as a trauma survivor, and as a woman in recovery from addiction, I recognize the importance of

a) providing a safe, nurturing and comfortable environment in which to explore concerns,

b) respecting clients’ treatment goals,

c) assisting clients to gain and master skills to handle symptoms arising from the various challenges they face,

d) helping clients resolve the issues that continue to interfere with their ability to achieve their life goals and desires.

My Education:

My education includes an undergraduate (BSW), and graduate degree (MSW) from the University of British Columbia, as well as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy Degree) in Education from Simon Fraser University.

Other training includes:

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

One Eye Integration,

EMDR Levels I and II,

Addictions training

Life Skills Coach Training

Memberships:

BC College of Social Workers (registered for private practice)

BC Association of Social Workers

My thoughts and beliefs:

Below are some of my thoughts and beliefs which are based on my personal and professional experience, as well as my training and education.

There is always hope.

Healing is a journey not an event.

Healing happens when we bring ourselves and our story into the light.

The answer lies within.

Healing is a process that requires attention to thoughts and feelings, and, to the body.

We get out of it what we put into it.

Once upon a time I was in a place where I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel, and I had no hope, but I sought professional help. Somewhere along the way, I had the feeling that I wasn’t in the tunnel alone anymore…there was a helper with a flashlight and a toolkit to help me find my way. Today, I am the person with the flashlight and the toolkit.

I consider it a privilege to do this work.

Freedom begins with a single step!

I provide counselling to individuals throughout the Lower Mainland of BC, as my office is easily accessible and centrally located in Downtown Vancouver, across the street from the new Waterfront Sky Train Station.

Don’t ignore the problem any longer!

Simply contact me so we can decide together whether counselling is a good option for you at this time.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Dr Barbara Harris, PhD, MSW, RSW
Phone: 604-728-4535      / Fax: 604-688-7715
Email: barbara-harris@live.ca

Serving the whole Lower Mainland, including, Vancouver, North Vancouver,
West Vancouver and Fraser Valley with:

Trauma Counselling, Counselling for Depression, and Addictions Counselling

_________________________________________________________________

What is Trauma?, Symptoms of Trauma, Trauma and the Brain, Trauma Recovery, Approaches to Trauma Therapy

What is Addiction?, Recovery from Addictions, Emotional Sobriety, Coping with the Addict, Trauma and Addiction

What is Depression?, Symptoms of Depression, Treatment for Depression, What You Can Do