After Hours Help

To receive FREE after-hours help the following phone lines and websites are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

For anyone experiencing feelings of suicide: The Vancouver Crisis Centre (604) 872-3311 or 1-800-SUICIDE

For victims of a crime who may need confidential information, support or referrals: VictimLink 1-800-563-0808

For Teens and Kids: KidsHelpPhone.ca. 1-800-668-6868

In an emergency dial 911.

 To Find a Counsellor

To find a counsellor and to learn about the profession of counselling in BC, visit BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

You can also search for different types of counselling therapists at http://counsellingbc.com.

Parenting Resources

Useful resources in Burnaby and New Westminster, including free parent and child programs: Community Resource Guide

Books

Self-help books can reassure us by helping us realize we are not alone with our problems and behaviours. They help us feel accepted and acceptable.  However, if the reading material is reminding you of something negative and you are experiencing a worsening of coping skills you may want to stop reading and bring in your reactions to the therapy room to discuss them.

The following books are available at the library, online, or at Odin Books:

For Couples

Gottman, J.M, & Gottman, J.S. (2008). And baby makes three: The 6-step plan for preserving intimacy and rekindling romance after baby arrives. Crown.

Johnson, S. (2013). Love Sense: The revolutionary new science of romantic relationships. Little Brown.

For parents

Hold on to your kids: Why parents need to matter more than peers, by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate. Vancouver’s own expert child psychologist Gordon Neufeld has retired from seeing clients but has founded the Neufeld Institute, helping parents and professionals really GET kids. neufeldinstitute.com (online and in-person parenting courses)

No-Drama Discipline, by Daniel Siegel. Hailing from the U.S., Psychiatrist Dan Siegel writes easy to read, and lovely to apply, practical books based on cutting edge neuroscience and mindfulness.

Parenting from the Inside Out: How a deeper self-understanding can help you raise children who thrive, by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell. This book starts off a little academic but it is a good classic for parents with kids of any age. Well-regarded by everyone from celebrities to professionals.

Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One), by Deborah Macnamara. Published in 2016 and based on the relational developmental approach of Gordon Neufeld, this book’s standout chapters are “Who’s in Charge?” and “Discipline for the Immature.” Rather than a list of strategies that will work for the short-term and create alarm problems in your child in the long term, this book provides a lens that will help you get back in charge in your household. You and your child will revel in your ability to lead and give your child a rest from trying to feel attached to you.

For People who have Experienced Stress, Trauma or Vicarious Trauma

Brantbjerb, MH., & Stepath, S. (2007). The body as container of instincts, emotions and feelings. Copenhagen: Moaiku Bodynamic. Moaiku.com

Brantbjerg, M.H. (2009). Hypo response: The hidden challenge in coping with stress. Copenhagen: Moaiku Bodynamic. Moaiku.com

Brantbjerg, M.H. (2010). ROST Exercise Manual. Copenhagen: Moaiku Bodynamic. Moaiku.com

Herman, J. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence- from domestic abuse to political terror. NY: Basic books.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. http://www.istss.org

Levine, P. (1998). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma. California: North Atlantic Books.

Maclean, P. (1990). The triune brain in evolution: Role in paleocerebral functions. Springer.

For People in Abusive Relationships

Why does he do that? Inside the minds of angry and controlling men, by Lundy Bancroft. A good one for women or men who are wondering if their partner is abusive and why. For your safety, please don’t keep this book where your partner can find it.

When dad hurts mom: Helping your child heal the wounds of witnessing abuse, by Lundy Bancroft. Recommended for women who have left and want to continue supporting their child’s transition.