Hello, and welcome. I’m Negar (she/her), an associate counsellor at the Vancouver Therapy Collective with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I offer therapy in English and Farsi.

I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, simply for being who they are. Not because of what they've accomplished, how much they do for others, or how well they seem to have everything together. I believe our worth is something we carry with us, even in the moments when we struggle to recognize it ourselves.

Sometimes, it's easier to say "I'm fine" than to explain what's really going on. Maybe you've gotten used to pushing through, putting others first, or carrying more than you let others see. Or perhaps life looks okay on the outside, but deep down, you wish you could feel more than just fine.

Whatever you're going through, you don't have to navigate it alone. My hope is to offer a space where you can show up as you are, without pressure to be anything different. A space where your experiences are met with curiosity rather than judgment, where your feelings matter, and where we can gently explore the things that have been weighing on you.

Negar Issari, MC, RCC (Qualifying)

A bit about me

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in digital marketing and financial services. Through those experiences, I came to appreciate how much of our lives is shaped by emotions, relationships, uncertainty, and the desire to feel secure and understood.

My experience volunteering at a crisis line was especially meaningful to me. Being present with people during vulnerable moments taught me that being listened to, without judgment or the pressure to immediately find a solution, can mean so much. It also deepened my respect for the courage it takes to share parts of ourselves that we don't often show others.

Through my counselling internships, I've had the privilege of working with people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. These experiences have reminded me that although our stories may look different, many of us share a desire to feel connected, accepted, and understood.

My approach to counselling

I believe therapy should feel like a conversation, not an evaluation. You are the expert on your own experiences, and my role is to bring curiosity, compassion, and clinical knowledge to help us make sense of what's happening together.

My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps us understand how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence one another. I also draw on tools and interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma-informed approaches.

But beyond the techniques, what matters most to me is getting to know you as a person. I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I tailor my approach to each person's unique experiences, needs, and goals. Together, we can begin to understand what's been weighing on you, recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you, and develop practical ways to respond to challenges with greater confidence, flexibility, and self-compassion.

I offer individual counselling to adults across different stages of life, supporting those navigating anxiety, depression, perfectionism, burnout, and major life transitions. I also work with individuals experiencing challenges with self-esteem, emotional regulation, communication, people-pleasing, confidence, and healthy boundary-setting. I welcome both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals and have a particular interest in supporting immigrants as they navigate cultural adjustment, identity, belonging, and family expectations.

Rates and billing

I offer in-person sessions in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC, and virtual sessions across British Columbia.

Associates charge $160 CAD for 50-minute appointments. Anyone interested in counselling is welcome to book a free 20-minute virtual consultation. This gives us an opportunity to get to know each other, discuss how we might work together and decide on the next steps. I welcome any questions or concerns during the consultation.

After each session, I provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement, depending on your coverage. Please note that we do not offer direct billing at this time. I recommend checking your extended health benefits to confirm what is covered.

Payment is due in full at the end of each session by credit card or e-transfer.

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:

  • Calendar: Book directly into my schedule right here

  • Contact Form: Fill out the brief form