Declan White, M.A., RCC (qualifying)

Hello and welcome. If you are looking for a therapy experience that is active, focused, and dedicated to bringing relief to your day to day life, we might be a great fit.

I specialize in working with individuals in high performance, high stress industries like technology, finance, and law, who are ready to reduce the pressure. I also support high achieving university students struggling with perfectionism and competitive educational goals. If you are hard working, hold yourself to high standards, and feel the constant strain of expectations, you have come to the right place.

I offer in person therapy in both Kitsilano and Burnaby, as well as virtual sessions for clients across BC.

A little bit about me

Many people are hesitant to start counselling, and often for good reason. I frequently hear from clients who tried therapy in the past, only to be met with generic advice to go for a walk, practice a basic breathing exercise, or just talk. It is frustrating to hear people seeking targeted support, to receive a mismatch in needs. That is not my style.

My approach is collaborative, structured, and focused on the present. Whether you are dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, or a harsh inner critic, my goal is to help you find sustainable relief. I draw from evidence based, goal oriented frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to get to the root of your patterns quickly, providing you with both practical tools and deep psychological insight.

As someone who navigates high pressure environments, I understand the unique weight of carrying massive professional responsibilities. I know the adrenaline fueled rush of a big workload, the racing mind that takes over as you juggle dozens of critical tasks, and the exhaustion of a brain that stays on at bedtime. I know what it is like to carry that burden alone, and I am here to help you unpack and unburden it.

I believe that therapy is intentional. It is most powerful when we have clear goals, a structured roadmap, and a therapist who is willing to meet you at the exact depth of your experience.

Who I work with

I work with a broad spectrum of clients, with a dedicated focus on professionals in fast paced industries, young adults, and driven students. I meet you where you are, whether you are navigating:

  • High Pressure Careers: Built for professionals in tech, finance, nursing and law where the stakes are high, perfection is expected, and mistakes feel unacceptable.

  • The Perfectionist Trap: Helping high achievers decouple personal self worth from their productivity.

  • Critical Life Transitions: Navigating career pivots, entering demanding academic programs, relocating, or managing shifting identities and relationships.

  • Academic Burnout: Supporting highly motivated university students striving for top tier performance while struggling under the weight of acute stress.

Working with me

Therapy with me balances structure with compassionate clinical care. While I am warm, empathetic, and genuinely invested in your improvement, I will also actively guide our sessions. You can expect me to gently challenge thoughts, share practical insights, and equip you with actionable strategies. I move at a pace that respects your limits while pushing toward meaningful change.

In our sessions, we will:

  • Map your inner experiences to understand the root of your behaviors and reactions.

  • Identify and restructure automatic thought patterns that feed anxiety and self doubt.

  • Explore the protective parts of you, like your inner perfectionist or overachiever, so they can work for you rather than burning you out.

  • Build sustainable, real world strategies to navigate daily pressure without sacrificing your mental health.

Counselling for work in high-pressure environments

Working in a high-pressure environment means your nervous system rarely gets a break. The same drive that makes you effective at work, the high standards, the vigilance, the relentless self-monitoring, can become a source of chronic stress that follows you home, disrupts your sleep, and quietly erodes the parts of life that matter most outside of work.

This is the area I am most passionate about. I work specifically with professionals and students who are tired of performing at full capacity while quietly running on empty. That might look like burnout that does not go away after a long weekend, a perfectionism that has become more punishing than motivating, or an inner critic that holds you to standards you would never apply to anyone else.

My approach in this area is structured and practical. We will identify the specific patterns driving your stress, build real insight into where they come from, and develop concrete strategies to interrupt them.

Rates, billing, and re-imbursement

My fees reflect my specialized training and the dedicated focus I bring to our work. My rate is $165 per 50 minute session. I offer all prospective clients a free 20 minute phone or video consultation so we can connect, discuss what you are looking for, and ensure we are a strong therapeutic match.

Following our session, I provide an insurance ready invoice for you to submit to your extended health provider for reimbursement. I do not offer direct billing at this time. I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider beforehand to confirm your coverage details.

Payment is due at the time of each session and can be securely processed via 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: