Arika Lee

Life can get messy, confusing, and sometimes downright exhausting. You don't have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy, and you certainly don't need to be in crisis to benefit from it. Whether you're navigating a life transition, struggling in your relationships, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wondering why you keep ending up in the same place, we'll figure it out together.

I believe therapy should feel like a genuine conversation. One where you can show up exactly as you are, without worrying about saying the "right" thing. We'll explore what's happening beneath the surface, connect the dots between your past and present, and work toward creating meaningful change. And if we happen to laugh along the way, even better.

Whether you prefer to meet in person or from the comfort of your own home, I offer therapy in Burnaby and Kitsilano, as well as virtual sessions for clients across British Columbia.

A little bit about me

I'm someone who values authenticity, curiosity, and connection. I don't believe therapy needs to feel overly clinical or scripted. Some sessions are deep, some are practical, and sometimes we laugh, because life can be complicated, and humour has a way of helping us through it.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a behavioural interventionist and spent several years in the health and fitness industry as both a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder. Those experiences gave me a unique perspective on behaviour, identity, discipline, body image, performance, and the pressure many people place on themselves. They also reinforced my belief that lasting change starts with understanding ourselves, not simply changing our behaviours.

As a counsellor, my goal is to help you connect the dots. Together, we'll explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped the way you think, feel, and respond, while building practical strategies that create meaningful and lasting change. I believe the best therapy is built on mutual respect. I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I'll bring curiosity, honesty, and compassion as we work together to help you discover your own.

Who I work with

I work with adolescents, adults, and couples from all walks of life. While every person's story is different, many of my clients are navigating periods of change, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or looking to better understand themselves and their relationships. Areas I commonly support include:

Life Transitions & Identity
Whether you're starting university, changing careers, ending a relationship, relocating, or simply wondering what's next, therapy can provide space to slow down, gain perspective, and move forward with confidence.
Anxiety, Stress & Burnout
For those who constantly feel "on," struggle to slow down, or feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep everything together. Together, we'll explore what's driving those patterns and develop practical ways to create more balance.
ADHD Exploration & Support
Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect it may be playing a role in your life, or are simply curious about why your brain works the way it does, therapy can provide a space to explore your experiences without judgment. Together, we'll make sense of your strengths and challenges while developing strategies that work for you.
Relationships & Family Dynamics
Whether you're navigating dating, communication challenges, attachment patterns, family conflict, or working to strengthen your relationship as a couple, we'll explore the patterns that shape the way you connect with yourself and the people around you.
Athletes, Body Image & Performance
Drawing from my background in health and fitness, I enjoy working with athletes and individuals navigating body image concerns, performance pressures, perfectionism, and disordered eating. Together, we'll work toward building a healthier relationship with both your body and yourself.
High Achievers & Perfectionism
For those who hold themselves to impossibly high standards, tie their self-worth to achievement, or feel like they're always chasing the next goal. Therapy can help you redefine success in a way that feels more sustainable and aligned with your values.

You don't need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Whether you're looking for support, clarity, or simply a place to start making sense of things, you're welcome here.

Working with me

In our sessions, you're in the driver's seat and I'm riding shotgun. You know your life better than anyone else. My role is to help you navigate the road ahead, notice what's getting in your way, and support you as you decide where you want to go next.

I believe therapy works best when it feels like a conversation rather than a lecture. My style is warm, collaborative, and honest. I'll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and gently challenge you when I think it will help you see yourself or a situation from a different perspective. We'll celebrate your wins, sit with the difficult moments, and work together to understand what's keeping you stuck so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

I want you to leave our sessions with both insight and practical tools. We'll work to understand not only what's happening in your life, but why. My hope is that as you begin to recognize the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping your reactions, you'll feel more confident making choices that align with the life you want to build.

Rates, billing, and re-imbursement

My fee is $165 CAD for a 50-minute therapy session. Finding the right therapist matters, which is why I offer all prospective clients a free 20-minute phone or video consultation. It's a chance for us to connect, talk about what you're hoping to work on, answer any initial questions, and make sure we're a good fit before getting started.

Following each session, you'll receive an insurance-ready receipt that you can submit to your extended health provider for reimbursement, depending on your coverage. Because every plan is different, I recommend confirming your benefits with your provider before your first appointment. Please note that I do not offer direct billing at this time.

Payment is due at the end of each session and can be made securely by e-transfer or credit card.

Book an appointment

Your first step is a free, no obligation 20 minute introduction call. This gives us a chance to talk through your goals, answer any questions you have, and see if our dynamic feels right for you.

You can coordinate your first session in any of the following ways: